2. amps-preamps
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Seeking more 3d imaging, deeper/wider soundstage

I'm considering replacing either my amp or my pre. My system is profiled in my system link. Which do you think would improve soundstage/imaging more:
Replace the P3? I'd consider used McCormack, or a passive line stage, but my amp clips at 5v, which is what my DAC puts out when using the XLR outputs, and I'd like to try those someday...not sure a passive is a good fit for my system? Plus I require a remote. That's a deal breaker.
Replace the Rotel RB-1080? I'd consider parasound (a21 is a bit too pricey for me), used McCormack, odyssey, maybe even older krell or classe. I want XLR inputs tho.
Budget is $900-$1200 for either. Music spans the full gamut, excluding hip hop and country. Room is small, 12x12x8. I'm going to throw up some affordable foam acoustic absorption this summer (foam factory). Thnx in advance.
realremo
realremo OP
460 posts
 
Thanks Atmasphere. I was considering Focal's new Aria 926 (entry level floorstander) as a replacement for my Quad's, I'd always heard Focal's products were super efficient, but this is what I found on their site:
Sensitivity 2.83v/1m 91.5dB
Impedance 8 Ohms nominal, *2.9 Ohms minimum*
You have to go to the 906 bookshelf in the Aria line or the Chorus 816v floorstander to get impedance curves that don't go below 4 Ohms. This makes the Focals look power hungry to me, considering everything I've read...
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,957 posts
 
Check out audiokinesis (http://www.audiokinesis.com)

Duke makes very affordable speakers that are also easy to drive and very musical.
realremo OP
460 posts
 
Thanks, I'll check him out!
realremo OP
460 posts
 
One last update. I went to Gold Sound in Littleton, and the owner treated me really well. We auditioned Wild Beasts' "Palace" and Peter Gabriel's "Don't give up" on three systems using Focal Aria 926 floorstanders, Cambridge Audio ICs and Kimber Kable speaker cable:
#1 - All Parasound, P5+A21
#2 - Dared Saturn SET amp, 20w class A
#3 - Parasound P5+PrimaLuna Prologue tube amp
#1 and #2 both sounded great. #3 was auditioned right after the Dared, and the soundstage compressed in depth, even got a little "steel-y." This lends weight to the recommendations of tube-pre with a solid state amp, instead of vice versa.
The biggest difference between #1 and #2 was the depth of the soundstage increased a little with the Dared. Sounded more spherical than rectangular, I guess. Also, the Dared is $2200, the Parasound stack is $3600. It was a fun visit.
nosguitar
4 posts
 
I have the Focal 926. They are wire out of phase. The woofers move in instead of out. Sounds terrible. Have to reverse wire. The whole Focal factory is on vacation for the summer. Needless to say thats an avoid.

They are power hungry. You need to really crank it before they sound good. Unfortunately you don't always want to be at 100db.
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