2. amps-preamps
  3. 1255617538

Wanting separates but help needed .......

I have been pushing Focal 1037's with a Bat Integrated. I would like to upgrade to separates. I haven't a lot of knowledge as to were to go with today's amps / preamps. I have read a lot and tend to think that a Pass x250.5 and the new model 10 pre could be a good decision. Would McIntosh or others be a better choice? I'm in an area where you can't demo much ....... The rest of my system consists of:

EMM Labs - CDSA SE
2)JL Audio F113's
VPI SSMR
Aesthetix Rhea

Listening area is large - 32 x 40

Thank you in advance for the suggestions and guideance!
zenieth
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
why is this combo not right? on paper it seems like a good one.
phaelon
1,052 posts
 
"I have read a lot and tend to think that a Pass x250.5 and the new model 10 pre could be a good decision."

- You're absolutely right, it could.

"Would McIntosh or others be a better choice?"

- Absolutely could be.

I recognize that those answers aren't helpful, but the total exclusion of listening preferences from your post makes it almost impossible for anyone to help. Unless you can offer a personal listening profile, the best recommendations that anyone can make, is for components that they enjoy personally.
zenieth OP
381 posts
 
Because of the large area. I added the F113's and that helped tremendously. I thought more power might open up the soundstage. Am I not thinking correctly? I also have that upgrade bug that this hobby is notorious for implementing!
zenieth OP
381 posts
 
I'll try to shed a little on what I would like different from that of the integrated. The BAT is warm sounding and maybe a little too warm. I'm running Gray Plate CCA's in the front end. The highs are crisp and somewhat grainy. At high volumes the Focals seam to loose their "zeal" from lower listening levels. I hope this helps ........
phaelon
1,052 posts
 
I'm surprised to hear that the BAT is warm sounding with the Focals. Even though the term warm is subjective, I would be inclined to look elsewhere for that particular issue.

I tend to agree with you that more power (especially in the form of current) will be welcome. I'll leave it for others to recommend solid state alternatives, but I would think that the Bat tube monoblocks, coupled with one of their companion preamps would work well with your speakers. I cant say how they will mesh with the Rhea. Also, keep in mind that you have some high quality components there, the performance of which can be heavily influenced by your choices in ancillary equipment such as isolation devices, racks, power cords, cables, interconnects, etc.

One last thing, don't conclude that separates are an automatic upgrade. There are some very competitive integrateds out there.
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