2. amps-preamps
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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
english210 OP
175 posts
 
In answer to the original question, I'll have to say I need a few days for it to warm up, but so far....happyhappyhappyhappy!!!

The initial impact was in the bass. I guess that's where 'pact' is, but you get my meaning. I went to straight two channel, no 'sub out' from avr. I've checked three times so far, the sub really is not on. I've never heard these speakers put out bass like this! My wife in the other room even commented, positively.

Volume levels are increased, and highs are better...not as smooth as I'd like, maybe, but let me give it time. I am hearing more material..almost to the level of some new 805 Diamonds I listened to a few months back. That was 10K worth of amps and speakers. Yes, there is still a little too much brightness...but it is better, and I know it takes a few days for this amp to sound right..

More later, gotta change discs
acman3
4,275 posts
 
Time to start looking for that Preamp and cabling? ;)
english210 OP
175 posts
 
O great, thanks!! :)

The problem is, I agree. :)

I still don't get how much more bass information I'm getting. It's not volume, it's like the old amp just didn't reproduce the notes! I did reach the speakers limits on one 'test' with organ notes...a definite woofer excursion distress sound. But even before that there is just more bass information getting to the woofers than before, that's the only way I know to describe it
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
@ English210,I'm here,reading your evaluations,the amp may need alot more time to settle in,maybe a couple of hundred hours,if the amp is used,and if I recall you did buy used,so I would give it more time.Happy listening!
english210 OP
175 posts
 
Does it still need that much time, being used? Not that I care, honestly, it's such an improvement over what I had, anything more is gravy. I haven't got serious about listening, just hit it with a couple of pieces I'm very familiar with.
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