2. amps-preamps
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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
 
Those photos are slightly misleading because my listening position is only about 18' from the front wall. This is where I find the optimal balance of soundstage, imaging, and impact.

I wouldn't doubt that there's a greater effect with poorer rooms, which is the reason I was so shocked by the improvement in my relatively good room. It's not subtle.

I actually purchased the Lyngdorf unit as much for the digital crossover as for RoomPerfect. The crossover works as it should (i.e. extremely well), but the room correction is a downright revelation. I would go so far as to say that, unless you have a professionally designed listening room, you really haven't heard your system at its best. My opinion, of course.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
With that big of a room I'd still use the subs, but cross over around 40 Hz.
agear
1,362 posts
 
The dbx used with the EP speaker did x-over duty as well. Clayton Shaw (designer of the EP line) actually transitioned to software-based x-over and room correction that was supposed to be substantially more sophisticated (Spatial Computing). I never heard it since I bailed on that speaker. I know the Amarra (and

"I would go so far as to say that, unless you have a professionally designed listening room, you really haven't heard your system at its best."

I agree with that statement 100%.
agear
1,362 posts
 
.....the Amarra (and ULN-8) dacs have both x-over and room correction capabilities....
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Reading this thread and the initial premise for its existence, I am once again shaking my head.

To avoid regret, one should NOT upgrade speakers while potentially degrading the quality of amplification rationalized by lower cost; this makes absolutely no sense to me. Speakers are at the terminal end of the electronic portion of audio chain; any compromise to upstream components will be amplified by higher quality speakers.

When upgrading speakers, first, do NO HARM upstream.

This is from the Ten Commandments of Audio.

And, as you say, good luck.
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