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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
 
Well I didn't mention the CJ Classic in my last post when I mentioned the CJ ET-3, amongst others, because the Classic does not have a HT bypass. However, as I said earlier, you could always use a tape output to use as a HT bypass as well. The CJ should provide you with the warm, smooth sound that you are seeking, IMHO.
arcamguy
83 posts
 
How about running an Arcam FMJ 38 as your 2-channel amp? Keep it in the family, as it were. You may be able to find one, used, in your price range.
Jeff
marco1's avatar
marco1
522 posts
 
I don't believe the Arcam has pre in, only pre out. I also don't believe you could go through stereo direct. I believe that input is to run a cd player direct to the amp section without processing the signal. Others who are more familiar with the Arcam can hopefully chime in. If you want to keep the Arcam, I think you've got two options:

1. Add an amp for your front two channels and use the Arcam for everything else (as you've been doing); or
2. Add a pre amp and amp (or integrated) and use the Arcam for Home Theater processing and surround amplification.
pani
1,219 posts
 
Get a Naim Nait 5i. It is warm and lively, has very good drive and timing. It will really get your senses uplifted, especially for the kind of music you listen to.
denon53 OP
66 posts
 
John, I'm sorry if I'm seeming a bit dense, are you saying to use the "tape out" on the CJ Classic and use the "tape in" monitor on the Arcam which is also "stereo direct"? I'm just trying to understand this whole HT bypass configuration.

Thanks,
Bruce
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