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Upscaling Speakers, Downscaling Amp...What to Do?

A few months back, I purchased a pair of Joseph Audio Pulsars. I've enjoyed them so much that I've decided to upgrade to the new Perspectives. However, my better half hath decreed that no more money can go into audio, so I've made the extremely difficult decision to sell my amp (VAC Phi Beta 110i) in the near future. Its replacements will obviously be significantly less expensive, yet they must provide a similar listening experience. The preamp is already fixed - a Modwright LS 100 with phono stage. My question for the board is, what amp? Tube or solid state? Cost (used) needs to be around $3000-3500, and a minimum of 100 wpc. The obvious pairing is either the Modwright KWA 150 or KWA 100SE. I would welcome any another other suggestions, but if you do so, please tell me why. Thanks in advance.
curriemt11
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

I was in a "high end emporium" where we were enjoying the most glorious music on ARC electronics and top of the line Thiel speakers. That was the most fantastic sound stage I have ever seen. The illusion was so complete, that I felt like I could reach out and touch the performers, and the instruments occupied stationary positions in space.

Someone came in and wanted to audition a Rotel amp. Once this "mid fi" amp was inserted, the illusion fell completely apart; no more 3D sound stage. Remember, top of the line Thiel and ARC pre were still in the chain. What do you conclude from that?
curriemt11 OP
220 posts
 
Well, personally I don't conclude anything since it was your experience, not mine. It's a false analogy, regardless. Remember that we're talking about a move from one of the best integrated amplifiers ever made, to a superb preamp and whatever $3000-3500 amp that I end up with. Hardly 'mid-fi'. Again, it's a question of priorities.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
I agree with you 100%, especially since it's your money and not mine.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,269 posts
 
To paraphrase the OP: I few months ago I got an expensive speaker that I liked some much that I now want to take apart my system and rebuild it with another, even more expensive speaker.

What am I missing?
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Orpheus, from your "high end emporium" statement I may conclude that
1. there are speakers that would throw 3d soundstage even with mid-fi Rotel.
2. there are alternate amps to ARC that would not compromise 3d sound stage of the same speakers you've described and so possible to say that there are number of alternatives (given quite substantial price range of OP) that would make to sound his new speakers great.
3. synergy is more important than particular brand of amp or speakers.
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