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

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.

I don't often see the words "cold" and "Rega" mentioned together in the same sentence. A small part of me wonders if there's a bad synergy going on.

For what its worth, I never cared much for the Mira 3. I owned it. Twice. Good build. OK sound.

If you want a romantic,more 'human' sound.. I'd consider going the tube route. I'd advise checking out Prima Luna. Many of their entry level products feature a self biasing circuit, which means that you won't have to worry about biasing each tube when it comes time to replace them. Just plop in a new set and you'll be back to listen to your music in no time. Oh yeah, the sound isn't too bad either.

My first decent amp was a Mira 3. Sound is clear, mid and highs are detailed - analytical to the point of coldness. On some music it sounds great (electronic, classical) but rock sounds dead, no oomph, even with sub-bass.

So, looking for a 'modest' priced integrated to return that sense of analog warmth to my sound (while hopefully retaining some of that great Rega detail, clarity). Any thoughts on an int-amp that is more 'human' without breaking the bank?

Try the equivalent Naim Nait 5i, better still the Nait XS. Rega makes good musical amps but I often find them to sound soft and little flat in rock music. FWIW I have listened to Brio3 and owned the Elicit.

Naim or the Elicit. But really, it comes down to the speakers more than anything else in my opinion and you don't seem to say what those are. If you have a pair of something like the Rega RS5's with the mira it would not be dry or lacking in snap, drive, whatever the words are you are descrbing it lacking in. I'd look at speakers before
the amp.