Looking for power amp with warm, smooth sound

B&K M200 sonata monoblocks might give you the tube like sound you are searching for; they show up used now and then.

Dump the speakers first ...then save money for a better amp

Thanks, everyone, for your great advice. I may have to buy new speakers and amp eventually. But for now, I will try the subwoofer suggestion first. I was looking at RELs because I like the smaller size and was told it was very musical and they are available locally. Are the Velodynes good for music?

I just last night purchased a Panamax power conditioner. It is the smallest rack mount unit they have, ~$300. I have not hooked it up yet. Should I run everything through it, or not the receiver?

Do cables really make a difference? How do I know what cables will make a warmer sound and which make it brighter? I read copper warmer and silver brighter, but there are so many brands, and some are really expensive. Since I have a lower priced system $1000 speakers and $1000 receiver, I can't see spending more than 10% or $200 for all cables. Can you suggest some good ones that will give warmth and tame the brightness in that price range?

I listened to some Quad 11L2 and 12L2 and liked the 12s. I also liked Dynaudio Focus 140, Vienna Acoustics Hayden and Mozart, PSB Platinun and Era D5. I wish I could compare them all to my Monitor Audio RS6s!! I hate to buy something new and have the same problem with another pair.

Finding somewhere that carries the amps you have recommended will be harder. I will search. Any other suggestions for amps, speakers or tweaks?

I honestly wouldn't spend too much money on cables or power conditioning if you envision upgrading equipment. You'll find yourself spending $500-$1000 on cables/power conditioning when you could just use that money on speakers or a new amp.

I haven't heard the Quad 12L2s, I do have a pair of 22L2s which have been wonderful for what they cost. Still tricky to pair with equipment, but much less bright than MA and just as revealing (much better soundstaging).

Once you're comfortable with the amp/speaker combo, it might be better to focus on cables. If you're getting great sound out of cheaper cables (with good equipment matching that YOU like), better cables will only further the benefit you've got from that good equipment matching.

I've gone through Cardas (Golden Cross, Golden Reference), Acoustic Zen (Matrix II and Silver Reference), HGA Silver Lace, Audioquest Panther DBS, Tributaries Silver, Monster Cable, etc. I've also gone through VH Audio Airsine, PS Audio Lab, Zu Audio Birth, Shunyata Taipan Helix and Python Helix power cords. All of these cords shape the sound one way or another (some for the worse depending on your setup/tastes). I seriously doubt any of the aforementioned will qualm an excessively bright amp or speakers to the point you'll feel satisfied.

Key word is excessive brightness. If the setup is marginally bright or you have a slight bit of etch, cables work wonders...as does power conditioning and adding/removing sound isolation....and speaker placement.

Lefty, Take your time and listen to and read about speakers until you find a pair that really sound great to you. There are a LOT of really good speakers out there and one (or several) is sure to be just right for you.

From there I would get an amp and cd player or turntable that work well with your speakers. Your fellow speaker owners are usually happy to provide suggestions for gear that works well with that particular speaker.

Then, if you want to spend money on better cables, interconnects, etc. have at it.

I think that you will end up with the best sound and save a lot of money if you have a little patience and do it that way. We all get anxious to buy new gear but it's best to take it slow and listen, if you can, before you buy. You learned that with your Monitor Audios. If you're somewhere where you don't have the opportunity to listen first, then read a lot of opinions and reviews until you're pretty sure you want a particular speaker and then buy used so you don't take a big hit if you decide you don't like it.

Just browse the speaker ads, there are always plenty of great speakers available and if you miss one pair that you're considering buying, another will always come along.