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Warm, Smooth yet Transparent Amp

Hello All,
I am currently running an Arcam AVR300 for movies and music, 60/40 respectively. The music portion just isn't happening. Everything works but I'm not getting that "involved/pull you in" kind of feeling. I have gone through several pairs of speakers, Proac tablette 50, Triangle Titus 202, Von Schweikert VR1s and currently Vandersteen 1C. Since this is a wide array of speakers, I've come to the conclusion it must be the amplification.

So now I'm thinking of adding a 2 channel amp running out of the front channels "out". I don't like harsh, shrill highs, but rather a fuller, sweet sounding, yet transparent. Is this possible without spending several thousands of dollars? I am trying to keep it under 1200.00 so used but quality is what I'm hoping for. If Possible. I know that all of you knowledgeable people would have an answer.

I'm also running an Oppo 83 blu ray/cd. Dish K722 receiver for TV. Listen to FM, CDs and MP3 through the Oppo. I'm looking for all the things I have read about on these forums over the years. Good Imaging, transparency, involving. I've read good things about Conrad Johnson MF2250 (affordable used) and I just missed out on one on Ebay, earlier today. Now I'm just frustrated I guess.

Please assist if you can. Oh, I like folk rock, rock, certain new age kind of music. Examples, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, Sarah McLaughlin, and everything in between, *chuckle*. Any and All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Bruce
denon53
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Warm, Smooth yet Transparent Amp

Hello All,
I am currently running an Arcam AVR300 for movies and music, 60/40 respectively. The music portion just isn't happening. Everything works but I'm not getting that "involved/pull you in" kind of feeling. I have gone through several pairs of speakers, Proac tablette 50, Triangle Titus 202, Von Schweikert VR1s and currently Vandersteen 1C. Since this is a wide array of speakers, I've come to the conclusion it must be the amplification.

12-09-13: Denon53
I will be using the arcam for a preamp, or did you already figure that out? lol

Bruce, I hate to say it, but I don't think you will find music to be "happening", or to "pull you in" as you say in your original post, as long as you are using the Arcam AVR300. You say you've tried different speakers with no luck, I don't think that trying different amps while still using an Audio/Video receiver as a preamp will help either.

Over a decade ago I tried to marry my audio and video systems with many high end Surround Sound Processors (SSP) from the likes of Mark Levinson, Classe and Krell. I never found any of them to be musically satisfying. I finally gave up on that quest, and now use a dedicated two channel system for music that is very satisfying.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Denon53,
I appreciate your comments and I understand what you're seeking.
Given your stated budget and solid state preference I'm sure there are
experienced people on this site who can provide good guidance. I've
migrated so completely (and happily) into the world of SET-High efficiency
speakers that I'd be of very limited use for your particular needs.
I agree with John's opinion on the Arcam as a preamp. You need
components that were developed with the priority of reproducing quality
two channel music. I've read good things about Belles and Forte
components. Would you entertain the possibly of a Quicksilver or
Bottlehead(modest priced but very good tube products) preamp with you
SS amps?
Charles,
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
Odyssey Audio builds some great amps in your price range.
simao's avatar
simao
1,848 posts
 
You might want to try the LSA Integrated - either the Signature or Statement model. There're several available here on audiogon.
denon53 OP
66 posts
 
John, Charles,
I think you're both correct with your conclusions. Either I go strictly 2 channel for music or Charles suggestion of using a tube preamp. Since music is more critical of components. I'm not sure I have the cash for a different preamp and amp. I do have several pairs of speakers, LOL so that is not a concern. John are you also suggesting tubes?

Charles, How would I hook a tube preamp to my AVR300 receiver and keep both music and movie audio? Now I have to check to see if the Arcam has inputs to the amp section only. :)

Wtf, I have checked out Odyssey here on agon, haven't found a Stratos as yet. But I'm keeping it in mind. Simao, I didn't know LSA made amps, I thought they only made speakers. thanks for the tip.
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