2. amps-preamps
  3. 1361045276

can a new amp amp tame my speakers?

Just spent some time listening to what I've been planning to upgrade to for main speakers. PSB Synchronys. The Imagine T2's are close, but slightly veiled in comparison. My current, but old, Infinity Kappa 7's really don't give much away to the PSB's. My amp is an old Yamaha MX2, 125wpc, and I've heard them described as bright or harsh, and that's the only complaint I really have with the sound now. Can a well-chosen amp tame the highs on the Kappa'a, which use a ribbon-style tweeter? Or is the 'taming' I seek only going to happen with a speaker upgrade. I honestly don't mind upgrading the speakers, and fully expected to, but after today's auditioning, I'm wondering if I'm going to get that much benefit from that level of investment. $3500+ is a healthy chunk of coin for benefits of slimmer profile and tamed highs. In terms of imaging, weight, and bass, the Kappa's are equal, imo. The system is also the theater, but the avr can power the surrounds, so an amp upgrade could be 2 channel. A power boost is a must too, as the current 125wpc isn't enough for when wifey's not home and the volume gets wound up ;)
english210
hevac1
812 posts
 
I have owned Audioquest and found them to be more to the lean side of neutral. They could be why your system needs to be tamed. Have you tried your old IC's since your speaker change, They may sound good compared to the new IC's.
I would look for IC's that are some what on the dark side of neutral. MIT may work well for your system but can expensive unless you get some used or try monster. Also remember new IC's do need time to breakin around 200 hours and will sound very different over time.
acman3
4,275 posts
 
I think your idea of a good amp to mate with your speakers is a good plan. Then fine tune with IC's as Hevac1 says. Then move to better speaker if needed.

If you buy used you can keep $ losses to a minimum if you don't like the results. Cables can be changed like underwear with this theory. Amps and speakers get a little tougher.

Btw, almost any of the amps mentioned would sound good. Be sure and check input impedance of your amp against Preamp impedance.
english210 OP
175 posts
 
OK, so for example, a Parasound amp I'm looking at says it's input impedance is 33kohms, my AVR lists output impedance at 1.2kohms. How does that match up?
acman3
4,275 posts
 
The rule of thumb is 10x the preamp impedance, but others say 20 x the Preamp impedance, so either way, your under 33kohms.

Let us know how it turns out for you and good luck!
unsound
7,333 posts
 
As I started on this thread, I suggest making sure want to keep the speakers you have, before doing anything else. If you do fine, by all means get the most out of them within your means.
If your not sure, or plan to change the speakers down the road, stop, you'll be going down a road that is likely to be marred with unnecessary obstacles, effort and frustration.
As far as making suggestions that also cater to some visual considerations, well, that's where I take the nearest exit.
Good luck, I hope you find what your looking for.
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