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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
curriemt11 OP
220 posts
 
Oh dear, we're going to keep on with this, are we? Well guys, I'm one of those who believes that transducers have significantly more effect on what you're experiencing than do electronics. It's an opinion, obviously, just as you have your own. And it's based on 35 years of listening experience, and owning some of the finest gear made (e.g. Ayre MX-R, SoundLabs, the Messenger preamp, the VAC, and so on).

I won't waste any further time on responding to such comments or suggestions, since they were not the subject of this thread. If anyone has something relevant to add - within the context of the original question - please feel free.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Orpheus10,
Marakanetz, mid-fi and 3D soundstage don't even go in the same sentence.
I do have my personal doubts on that statement.
I have 1996 Aerial 10t speakers driven with mid-fi Class T Sunfire SRA(250wpc/8Ohms continuous power) and can't stop enjoying them with all beauties of 3D slam, details.
I also know that I can greatly benefit if I upgrade the amp, but not ready to switch from my current $700 amp to $4,000 McIntosh(MC302...MC452). Going Pass, Krell, Classe or Plinius streets is even more pricey than McIntosh street for required power. Moreover for some reason despite prehistorical circuit designs even on modern units Macs to me sounded the best over much higher priced units.
jwm
918 posts
 
For 35 years you sure don't show experience. The amp and everything else in the system matters equally. You put your foot in your mouth on this one and with your attitude I don't wish you luck in your endeavor.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
I sure learned a lot from this thread. I was under the erroneous impression that soundstage was a function of speaker / room and the recording. I had no idea that amps played a part. just goes to show, you learn something everyday.
curriemt11 OP
220 posts
 
Rok2id,

You are absolutely correct - speakers, their placement, and the room in which they are housed have the largest effect on soundstage. However, amps and preamps certainly play a significant part in soundstage reproduction. Tube gear is famous for it. Solid state has traditionally been the laggard here, but has caught up considerably. Take a listen to most 1980s solid state amps and you are likely to hear flat, two dimensional audio.

I state this as my opinion. Unlike some, who come off sounding quite ignorant and inexperienced, I do not promote my opinions as fact.

Mike
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