Forgive my terminology as I'm not as savvy as I should be considering the equipment I run and what I'm trying to do. I'm probably in over my head but I'm learning a ton as I go.
I bi-amp Infinity Kappa 9s with a Peachtree GaN400 for the low-pass and an old Audio Research Dual 75 on the high-pass. For better or worse, I use a PS Audio DAC with the Bridge II to stream, also using it for volume control. So I guess it doubles as a line stage/pre-amp? I know this is not ideal and I'm ready to correct, upgrade or whatever you want to call it.
The biggest issue I have is that when I crank the volume to get the Kappa 9s singing, there is waaaay too much bass on a lot of the tracks I enjoy. Even with the bass extension on the Infinitys switched to normal, it's just too damn much, and I'm a bass head (hip-hop and many types of electronic music for casual listening).
I presume this is where a real pre or line stage comes in, but this is where I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what I need and my knowledge of this game goes weak.
Whatever the solution is, I'd like to keep it in the $1,500 to $2,000 vicinity if that's at all possible. I don't mind used, but I don't have any buyer feedback/ratings, and I understand that can be a deal breaker for some sellers? Maybe TMR, which is local to me?
I appreciate all advice and guidance from all perspectives, and I'll likely have many follow up questions.
Best,
Richard