Sabrina X Amp Suggestions
I recently upgraded from an old book shelf speaker (Proac 1SC) that I have been using for 10 years to a newly acquired Wilson Audio Sabrina X. I have a small listening space (around 200 square feet) so a small floorstander like Sabrina X is perfect for me. I would love to get some suggestions on what would be considered a typical amplifier match for a Wilson - I am sticking to the big popular brands and nothing too obscure due to resell value.
I am now using an old integrated amplifier Goldmund 390.2. I am indifferent whether the upgrade path is a better integrated amplifier or moving to a amp / preamp set up. I listen to mostly vocal, jazz and small to medium scale classical music and would hope to obtain a sound that is airy, detailed with good resolution and clean bass and a bit of sweetness (not overly so to make the make music too dark or muddy) to make music involving and engaging.
I have been reading a lot of posts here and it seems that many people with Wilson use ARC Ref 6 or Ref 5SE paired with Pass X250.8 or X250.5 to good results. I have not heard of the results but the descriptions seem to deliver a good engaging soundstage (attributable to the ARC preamp) with detailed, neutral and clean sound from the Pass. Sounds close to what I look for.
Would love to hear your views on this set up with the Sabrina X, or any other amp suggestions. Thank you in advance!
I am now using an old integrated amplifier Goldmund 390.2. I am indifferent whether the upgrade path is a better integrated amplifier or moving to a amp / preamp set up. I listen to mostly vocal, jazz and small to medium scale classical music and would hope to obtain a sound that is airy, detailed with good resolution and clean bass and a bit of sweetness (not overly so to make the make music too dark or muddy) to make music involving and engaging.
I have been reading a lot of posts here and it seems that many people with Wilson use ARC Ref 6 or Ref 5SE paired with Pass X250.8 or X250.5 to good results. I have not heard of the results but the descriptions seem to deliver a good engaging soundstage (attributable to the ARC preamp) with detailed, neutral and clean sound from the Pass. Sounds close to what I look for.
Would love to hear your views on this set up with the Sabrina X, or any other amp suggestions. Thank you in advance!
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- 17 posts total
I received them and my dealer set them up. The first thing that I noticed was that the sitting position was overly far away from the speakers and when I brought them closer the soundstage improved. Also, when I slumped in my chair, the soundstage, with some music, greatly expanded. So, the speakers need to be raised, or tilted back a bit. Since posting, I have upgraded most of my system. I’m sure that there is some improvement to be had, but I believe that would involve a substantial outlay of cash. I now use an external phono preamp. For the price, it had better best the built in phono section of the MA12000. Secondly, I have added an external DAC and upgraded my streamer. The DAC2 is very good, but the upgrade did improve the musicality, but to be honest, once I moved to the external DAC, I upgraded my interconnects and my digital out from the Aurender streamer isn’t long enough to reach the MA12000, so I haven’t gone back to A/B. To my ears my system has much tube character. Everything is musical, detailed and voice is just amazing. I suspect that the McIntosh lacks the last bit of micro detail, but I haven’t been left wanting. I’m old and have spent a lifetime with poor hearing. Like most older men, my high frequency falloff is pretty alarming. I have never been a fan of equalizers, but I am now using the built in equalizer with a boost at 10K and this really made things come alive. I’m not sure if there is a penalty for using the equalizer, perhaps a very small collapse of the sound field in really well recorded classic music..perhaps. So, to answer your question, I’m really happy with the MA12000 and it drives my small Wilson speakers with ease. |
@vonhelmholtz - That is Fantastic news to know! For an Integrated, the MA12000 definitely is a Beast in many ways and like you, I prefer musicality over micro details. Having an upgrade spree in gear to go along with it certainly can't hurt either... Kudos and Enjoy! |
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- 17 posts total