The incremental improvement possible over the Mich is very, very small ( unless you move to tubes) and it can control every speaker you might desire - they don't get much better. There is considerable room for improvement to your speakers, turntable and cartridge. and you didn't mention any subwoofers.
New Amp Advice
I'm considering replacing my amp in what I hope will be the last major upgrade for a long while. My current system is Roon Nucleus, dcs Bartok, Octave Jubilee preamp, Michi S5 amp, Sonus Faber Il Cremonese speakers, Audioquest Niagra 3000 power conditioner, Nordost Heimdall 2 cables, Clearaudio DC performance TT with Ortofon Cadenza bronze cart, Simaudio 610 LP phono stage. Room has been treated and is approximately app. 21x30. About 80% streaming from Qobuz or Tidal-the rest vinyl.
I like the performance of my system and spend at least a few hours every night listening. Made the very wise decision a few years ago to replace all the time I spent watching cable news with music. Varied taste in music-jazz, blues, R&B, country, old time rock, no rap, electronic and very little classical.
Logically, the Michi is the weak link but I think it performs at a very high level for its price, is extremely well built, and has plenty of power. Hard to describe specific improvements I'm looking for, maybe wider soundstage and better imaging.
I prefer to buy new and prefer hybrid or SS-ambivalent about the tube sound and, honestly, intimidated by the potential maintenance issues-I'm old and inept. My budget is approximately up to 40-45k, maybe a bit more or less depending on how smitten I am, but obviously happy to spend less. Exploring possibilities but only willing to make the investment if it produces a significant improvement. I've heard a couple of Macs-prefer what I have now-and the new Simaudio North 761-I like Sim products but honestly couldn't hear a significant improvement in my system.
I know I need to audition potential replacements so just trying to get a reasonable list of candidates. So far, considering Accuphase A-300, Audionet Maxx (intrigued by the soon to be released Schrodinger) Boulder 1161 (probably should wait for the new 1162 or 1163), Burmester 216, Bricasti M32, T+A 3000HV, Constellation Revelation Series 2 and Dan D'Ag s250-its a long list I need to narrow. The Dan, Constellation, Boulder and T+A are available at dealers within an hour or two-the others I'd have to travel to hear. Looking for a relatively neutral sound, I suppose, but sometimes I think, to paraphrase what Justice Potter Stewart said about pornography, you know it (the sound) when you hear it. This will be my last shot for a long while, that's what my financial advisor says, so I need to hit the target.
A long intro, but trying to anticipate questions any of you might raise. Thanks in advance for your thoughts- I respect the enormous wealth of knowledge on this forum.
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Also, I tried spikes, with my JSE Model II’s, heard no advantage, changed them to 3 wheels (more weight/per wheel than 4, and auto-level, no shims needed) (and anti-tipping blocks in the rear corners). It is far more important to maintain ability to re-position speakers for advantageous imaging in a space for single or two listeners, I put something here about that too Toe-In Alternates, Stereo and Video
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Synergy could be the issue. Of the power amps you have mentioned Burmester could be the best option. I heard the 218 at a dealer with the SF Lilium and it was sublime! All associated electronics were Burmester(Pre/Phono/CD) TT was an upper level Clearaudio with Transparent cables. A system at this level deserves the minimum of 2 dedicated lines which was not mentioned. Maybe an upgrade in Power conditioning(Stromtank?) and cables(Vahalla 2) could "open things up". The first step is the finding the best synergy with amp/pre/speakers then work on the rest. |
I have a Coda #8 amp, version 1. Up for sale if there is interest. I recommend you read through this thread where @sfpeloton decided to go with the same Audionet amp. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pass-xa25-for-my-system He might have some more comments to share. My comments from that thread below.
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- 52 posts total