Amplifier match for MM de Capo i's

Hi,

A follow-up and a question. While my VAC and Ref 3As are definitely a step-up from anything I've owned in the past, I find myself wanting even more dynamics and "naturalness" from my system. I've been leaning towards selling the de Capos and getting perhaps a larger pair of 3As, like the ones listed for sale on this site now. However, Cyounkman raises an interesting issue about power. I'm not sure if upgrading the de Capos, or the Avatar, would give me more performance for the present. I've enjoyed the VAC w/ several speakers, and it certainly has better dynamics and openness than any of the cheaper tube amps I've owned in the past, like Anthem, Golden Tube, Antique Sound. However, I'm beginning to think that a 100 watt + tube amp would coax even more out of the de Capos. Another option is to upgrade my Avatar to an SE, for an extra grand. Several Avatar owners have confirmed what Kevin Hayes of VAC told me -- that the SE is more transparent and dynamic than the standard Avatar. Or, I could sell the Avatar and pick up a VAC 100/100, since they have been discontined and are now discounted. Any thoughts? (I think I will post this in the amp section as well). Thanks,
Terry

Terry, I was in touch with Ernie aka "Subaruguru" about the VAC and he mentioned something about it's very high output impedance. That may have something to do with your "dissatisfaction".

I've decided to go with the Cary sli-80. (I loved my slp-50A preamp) I guess we'll see what happens.

Thanks. Can anyone explain "high output impedence" to me? What kinds of speakers would be appropriate w/ such an amp?

While I've never heard the Cary integrated, my uneducated guess would have been that the Cary would be a little warmer and softer sounding than the VAC. The VAC certainly sounded more dynamic w/ Spendor and Soliloquy speakers than a 50watt ASL amp and Cary preamp that I previously owned. In fact, listening to a variety of speakers at the dealer, it sounded more dynamic than the $1500 Roksan & Creek integrateds, bested only by a Sim I-5 in dynamics/bass. (Thats why I was thinking I might have to go to something like the VAC 100/100, or a comparable amp, to improve over the Avatar in dynamics.) OTOH, my experience w/ Cary amps is very limited.

Terry

I too have been struggling to find the "right" synergy with the de capo i's. I've auditioned the Plinius 8100 (open, clear, black background, but glassy on top, particularly when pushed), the Classe CAP-151 (smooth, dynamic, but cool), the Rogue Tempest Magnum (nice, but not enough clarity) and the Sim I-3 (dynamic, but not as black as the Plinius). I settled on the Sim I-5 (more refined than the I-3). However, after living with the I-5 for a while, I'm still looking for a little more warmth and body (particularly in the low end). I recently auditioned the Audiomat Arpege Reference (all the warmth and body that you could want, but slightly veiled) and it's bigger brother the Prelude (leaner, quicker). The Prelude Reference may be the best of the group so far; very musical, detailed, but not fatiguing. I just wish it came in black (WAF)!

Good luck!

Kwl/everyone:
I'm trying to create an owner's forum for Ref3A products over on audio circle. It would be a great pool of resources for someone with this kind of question; with access to a lot of owners, and archives of their experiences with amps and other ancillaries.

Please click over and post your support for creating the forum!
http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=2787
(In the Town Square circle)