2. amps-preamps
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Amp upgrade for Revel M20 speakers

For the past several months, I've been slowly upgrading my two channel system. Prior to that, I hadn't touched it in over 20 years. For all those years, it was: Denon DCD1520 CD player, Nak SR4A receiver, Spica TC-50 speakers. Today, with latest upgrade of speakers to Revel M20s, the system comprises: Arcam DV-137 (transport for CD, SACD playback), PS Audio Digital Link 3 DAC, Audible Illusions L1 pre, B&K Ref 2220 amp driving the M20s.

I'm pretty happy with everything at this point. At least I think I can finally stop the hunt for the right speakers - at least for a while. BUT....I can't help but think I can do better with my amplification than the B&K. The B&K is very nice but I think the M20s deserve just a little bit better.

There are two aspects of the current system's performance that I am looking to improve with a change in amplification: 1) wider, deeper soundstage and 2) more dynamic transients (I believe the B&K is a bit sluggish though not bad at all)

I have two options that I'm considering and am looking for input from people having experience with the M20s (or very similar). The two options are: 1) change out the B&K for another power amp (budget would be about $800 for used amp), 2) swap out the AI pre and B&K amp for a high quality integrated (budget would be about $1,200 for used integrated).

As far as amps to replace the B&K only, I really am looking for suggestions for something that would mate well with both the AI pre and the M20s and provide a significant improvement in performance.

Integrateds that I've looked into include: Creek Destiny, Nait Naim 5i-2, and Simaudio i-1. Any opinions on these or others in my price range that would give me the performance enhancements I'm looking for would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Jon
jblack16
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"If I went with either the Creek Destiny integrated or the McCormack DNA 125 (with the AI L1 pre), is it fair to say that I would likely experience a noticeable step up in performance as compared to my current setup (AI L1 pre into B&K Ref 2220)?"

Keep in mind that your opinion is the only one that really matters here, but I would guess that you would notice a big difference either way. The only thing I would caution you on is the DNA-125. I had one myself. I found the highs to be a bit on the bright/harsh side of things. It wasn't terrible, or anything, just something to consider since your speakers have a metal tweeter. To be fair, I'm very picky in that area. Also, my system is more revealing and that plays a part, as well. The midrange, though is excellent. Its an excellent example of what a well designed, bipolar amp should sound like.
dayglow
1,926 posts
 
Be careful, RLwainwright recommends Emotiva for every loudspeaker(lol)? At $800 for a power amp and $1200 for an int. amp makes things tough. I would consider a Primare I31 or an Atoll In200. Both units are true dual mono(2-transformers) designs and are more powerful then the 120w/ch/8ohms would imply. I have heard the earlier I30 Primare and was impressed. Never heard the Atoll but have read rave reviews by owners/reviewers when considering cost. With a power amp consider either a Proceed BPA-2 or Yamaha MX-1. IMO these are 2 of the best sounding high powered amps under $1k.
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Zd542,
Thanks for the heads up on the DNA-125 - I'm very sensitive to any brightness in the upper range and realize that the M20s already tend that way. I believe the M20 with the B&K 2220 is a good match as far as taming any brightness in the highs.

Dayglow,
Thanks for the tip and the suggestions - I'll be researching those over the weekend.
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Does anyone have any thoughts on the Plinius 8100 or 9100 integrateds as compared to the Creek Destiny for pairing with M20s?
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Update:
I ended up getting an Odyssey Stratos (standard model, not dual mono, no cap upgrades) to replace the B&K 2220. Overall, the change gave me a significant improvement in soundstage width and depth, imaging precision, and dynamic slam. The system sounds good (maybe even very good) but I wouldn't say it is the most "musical" sounding system - very clear and punchy but somewhat on the analytical side. So, I'm on the upgrade path again and am thinking about either another power amp change or an integrated (again).

The one integrated that I wanted to get some input on was the Anthem Integrated 225. Does anyone have experience with both the Odyssey Stratos and the Anthem Integrated 225 that could weigh in on whether or not the Anthem could be an improvement (i.e. more "musical", less analytical) over the Odyssey when paired with Revel M20 speakers?

Also, if anyone has suggestions on another integrated ($1,500 used max) or power amp ($1,000 used max) that would give me a more musical sounding result, I'd appreciate hearing them.

Any other suggestions are welcome as well.

System comprises:
- PC running Foobar for FLAC playback
- Bel Canto mLink - USB to SPIDF converter
- PS Audio Digital Link III DAC (stock)
- Audible Illusions L1 Preamp with Tungsram 6922
- Odyssey Stratos amp
- Revel M20 speakers

Thanks,
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