What Power Amplifier Should I Buy?

My guess is that the dbx equalizer and sublime crossover have more to do with the lack of dynamics than anything else. These are both low cost devices with inexpensive opamps. In the case of the equalizer, you have dozens of opamps and cheap slider pots that you are running the signal through. 

@jaytor Yeah, I have always had concerns about the EQ. But some form of EQ is needed to help tame some of the FR variations from the room.

I have traps which are very effective. I don't need more, except for the floor to ceiling mode. But the "rules" prevent me from doing that. I have worked very hard at positioning the speakers and the sub to get the best FR, but there are still +/- 6 dB variations in the bass. I am restricted to near the present locations. I have tried a miniDSP Flex. It doesn't affect the time domain at all and is barely better than the analog EQ. I ditched that. And I enjoy the idea that I have an all analog signal path (except for the CD/DVD and music files).

So the dBx EQ is a somewhat "necessary" evil. I could live without it, but the engineer in me strives to have as perfect FR and TR (Temporal Response) as I can manage to obtain.

The XO does a very good job, far better than the Rane I once used. I don't like the idea of running the f208s full range and band limiting the woofer. However I haven't tried this in a while. Might be worth a shot.

Are you aware of any reviews on the Sublime XO?

Very helpful advice. Thanks.

@kevemaher - I suspect the crossover is not the biggest issue. I actually own a Sublime K235 (their newer model) and it seems pretty good although I don't currently have in my system. The graphic equalizer has many more lower-quality op-amps and capacitors in the signal path, so I think this is probably the bigger issue. 

If you really need equalization, I'd suggest looking for a decent DSP preamp, such as the Anthem STR or DEQX Pre-4.

Another option is the Danville Signal DSP Nexus. This isn't quite as fancy from a case-work perspective, and the software is quite complex (but there is good support), but the sound quality is pretty good using the latest AKM DACs. I also have a DSP Nexus 2/8 that I've been playing around with. 

And then there are the Trinnov systems although I don't know if their products support a phono preamp or even analog input.

After all this discussion of power, I bought a Bryston BP-17 cubed preamp. I'll get it next week. This discussion has convinced me that I have enough power from my power amp. So I decided to see if the much newer BP-17-3 can outperform the aged Levinson #38s. I hope so.

I'm not sure if anyone is still paying attention, but...

My time with the BP-17 has come to an end. I could not get rid of the sibilance that drives me crazy. The ergonomics are OK, but nothing like the Levinson 38s. I've listed it, but not on Audiogon yet.

Now I use my old, old Paragon System E as a line preamp and a phono preamp. I still use the 38s, but now it is relegated to volume control because it has a remote. The Paragon does not.

This is the best sound I have gotten so far. I have rebuilt the Paragon PSU, replacing all components except the transformer, so it should be good for a while.

The Paragon is a tube preamp with six 12AX7 tubes. I've got new tubes (JJ). It was sold in the late 70s through the mid 80s. I bought mine new.

I'm finished with this quest. Although I have not found the Grail, I am quite pleased with the relics that I have. I've firmly decided I don't need an amp with more power output.

Gotta go buy some records. My gear search has ended.