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
unsound
7,329 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.
english210 OP
175 posts
 
I managed to repair the dome midrange. So, although I can't say I'd never want to upgrade speakers, as it stands I'm back on the upgrade-amp track. So, about that impedance spec....?
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Was the "dome midrange" broken?
english210 OP
175 posts
 
Yes, I replaced it with a poly material. Back to 'normal', do back on the original quest...it was not broken when all this started. The original polypropylene was old and dried, and developed a slight tear.

Running through my reference discs yesterday, the speakers are back to 'normal'. Sound good until the volume is listed as 0db, where +16.5 is absolute max. Past that point, and the highs get harsh, and there's no cohesion to the music, it just becomes a muddled mass of noise.
sbleam
35 posts
 
I have the PSB Sync 1's paired with an Ayre AX-7e integrated amp, Love it - drives well at both low and higher SPLs. Only trick was placement and the use of the woofer plugs on the PSBs. Took some time to get set with those. Overall very happy and have to plans to change. I too considered Vandersteen - at the time the 2ceSig iis - but would love have loved to check out the Treos. Both PSB and Vandy match very well with Ayre IMHO. Good luck!
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