Int-Amp after Rega Mira 3? What's Next?

What speakers are you using? These might be contributing more to your sense of "coldness" than the amp. Or perhaps the amp / speaker mating isn't optimal.

I find it interesting that you say it sounds good for classical but not rock music. I associate both with similar needs, and if anything the classical music requires a higher dynamic range. By classical do you mean just chamber music?

One integrated that I highly recommend for people looking for the type of sound that you are is the Music Hall Mambo. It really is a wonderful amp, and sits on the warm side of neutral, but not annoyingly so. I use one in my home office.

Michael

Not that I don't hear differences in cables, but generally speaking they won't transform a system. Just my experience.

Rega's forte is sources IMO. The Mira and Brio are good for the money, but not as good as the Apollo and Saturn. Those integrateds can sound a bit dry and congested to my ears.

What is the rest of the system? Source is very important, as are speakers. Without knowing those, it's hard to give any suggestions. Maybe the Mira isn't powering the speakers properly? Maybe the source is out of balance quality wise?

I just thought of one other thing I would do along w/changing out the binding posts, change out the cheap IEC socket. For under $20 you can get a nice Furatech model. (Gold plated version for more warmth.) It's a easy upgrade on the Brio 3. Then find/make a really good powercod. Great Interconnects and spk. wires can make all the difference and bring the sound to the next level. (If you considering IC's, I can whole-hearthed recommended you check-out Auricle Audio's entry level IC's. Amazing sounding. At times, they are on Auction for a song. These IC's took me off the merry-go around.)

All of my equipment - from speakers to cables to CD (Apollo) - is commensurate with the Rega Mira in terms of price (so, speakers to cables, everything is solid, but not stand out). To answer the question about classical vs rock: I am referring to chamber music (Shostak. quartets), not symphonies, so rather piano sonatas, or things like Stockhausen's Tierkreis (played on music boxes) or Morton Feldman, and the Rega is great for that, as it is for stuff like Amon Tobin or Boards of Canada. Electronic/experimental stuff sounds sharp and rich too.

Whoever said the word 'dry', however, that sums up the rock experience with the Rega. It feels like there is, simply put, a 'precision' most unbecoming of rock music, reminding me a bit of mixing down tracks in a studio using studio monitors.

At any rate, I appreciate everyone's comments. And yes, as much as I like the Mira, Rega should do something about those posts. Thanks again,

I said the word dry. Its not gratingly dry, but it can get get dry none the less. Rather than modding the Mira, I'd move on if its not doing it for you anymore. You'll probably lose more money on it if you mod it.

I run a Bryston B60 with a Rega Apollo. Great combo IMO. The B60s can be found here for pretty good prices. Some say they're clinical or analytical, but I really think its revealing what else is in the chain.

There are a ton of good integrateds out there. Depends on preferences, needs (room size, speakers driven, etc.), and budget.