Hi Folks
Over the last month, I have built up a system of 5 MLs (2 Summits; Stage; 2Script i's; Searching for another 2 Script'i). I have also upgraded the processor. Am adding a new Plasma and projector. System is coming together brilliantly :music: I have truly discovered music all over again
The question I have: How critical is an amp upgrade? I am running these on my 7 year old B&K 7270 (200w at 8 ohm x 7 channels). They sound fine but I am convinced I can do better. I have auditoned a Krell Showcase, Cary solid state, Classe 5200, Ayre, McIntosh and Theta Dreadnaught II. All with MLs (except Ayre which was with Maggies), but all in different rooms, different set ups so, frankly, basically impossible to compare. Tragically, still havent heard the Pass-Labs. As with many audiophiles-without-infinite time, I would love to hear every possible amp in my room but just can't...
Based on hearing, reading, talking to dealers and friends, tearing my hair out reading forums, I have come up with 2 conclusions and 3 confusions when comparing solid state amps of roughly the same high quality build, reputation (under $10,000):
Conclusion 1 (The Thoroughbred conclusion): One high quality solid state amp versus another is like comparing one DerbyThoroughbred versus another. Both are awesome; Both will sound slightly different (NOT dramatically different) when tested on the SAME system; massive perceived differences and performance across systems more likely due to different conditions or due to unusually sensitive ears. I.e One great solid state amp versus another will not sound jaw-droppingly different to most poeple.
Conclusion 2 (7 channel overkill): Best place to save a few bucks is to spend more and upgrade front 2 or front 3 versus buying a 7 channel amp. Great 3 channel amp gets you 100% of the 2-channel sound/value and 90% of the 7-channel sound/value. Stated differently, if you have X to spend on an amp, spend 80% of x on front 3 channels and 20% of X on rear 4 channels. This is obviously true for folks who are largely audiophiles but also true for folks who love movies. I.e. All 7 monoblocks would be great but...
Where I have reached no conlusions, and many "confusions"...
Confusion 1 (More power beyond a point?): Does a more powerful amp (400watts versus 200watts) sound "smoother", better than a slightly lower powered (i.e. 200 w) but equally high quality/build amp? Does it manage more difficult pieces audibly better? Does it sound audibly louder? if you had "X dollars, would you buy a more powerful amp for the front 3 or use the extra dollars to upgrade the rear 4?
Confusion 2 (which 3-channel amp in the $5-10k?): If I lean towards liking slightly brighter sound, with a focus on highs and mids over thumps, how do I decide between PassLab, Theta Dreadnaught II, Classe or Parasound? For various reasons I have passed on Krell, Cary and Ayre
Confusion 3 (new or used): This is obviously a religion with no clear answer. But given that well treated amps last forever, should I "audiogon" and get better gear or buy new and take a chance?
Let the facts and opinions start flowing begin...
Over the last month, I have built up a system of 5 MLs (2 Summits; Stage; 2Script i's; Searching for another 2 Script'i). I have also upgraded the processor. Am adding a new Plasma and projector. System is coming together brilliantly :music: I have truly discovered music all over again
The question I have: How critical is an amp upgrade? I am running these on my 7 year old B&K 7270 (200w at 8 ohm x 7 channels). They sound fine but I am convinced I can do better. I have auditoned a Krell Showcase, Cary solid state, Classe 5200, Ayre, McIntosh and Theta Dreadnaught II. All with MLs (except Ayre which was with Maggies), but all in different rooms, different set ups so, frankly, basically impossible to compare. Tragically, still havent heard the Pass-Labs. As with many audiophiles-without-infinite time, I would love to hear every possible amp in my room but just can't...
Based on hearing, reading, talking to dealers and friends, tearing my hair out reading forums, I have come up with 2 conclusions and 3 confusions when comparing solid state amps of roughly the same high quality build, reputation (under $10,000):
Conclusion 1 (The Thoroughbred conclusion): One high quality solid state amp versus another is like comparing one DerbyThoroughbred versus another. Both are awesome; Both will sound slightly different (NOT dramatically different) when tested on the SAME system; massive perceived differences and performance across systems more likely due to different conditions or due to unusually sensitive ears. I.e One great solid state amp versus another will not sound jaw-droppingly different to most poeple.
Conclusion 2 (7 channel overkill): Best place to save a few bucks is to spend more and upgrade front 2 or front 3 versus buying a 7 channel amp. Great 3 channel amp gets you 100% of the 2-channel sound/value and 90% of the 7-channel sound/value. Stated differently, if you have X to spend on an amp, spend 80% of x on front 3 channels and 20% of X on rear 4 channels. This is obviously true for folks who are largely audiophiles but also true for folks who love movies. I.e. All 7 monoblocks would be great but...
Where I have reached no conlusions, and many "confusions"...
Confusion 1 (More power beyond a point?): Does a more powerful amp (400watts versus 200watts) sound "smoother", better than a slightly lower powered (i.e. 200 w) but equally high quality/build amp? Does it manage more difficult pieces audibly better? Does it sound audibly louder? if you had "X dollars, would you buy a more powerful amp for the front 3 or use the extra dollars to upgrade the rear 4?
Confusion 2 (which 3-channel amp in the $5-10k?): If I lean towards liking slightly brighter sound, with a focus on highs and mids over thumps, how do I decide between PassLab, Theta Dreadnaught II, Classe or Parasound? For various reasons I have passed on Krell, Cary and Ayre
Confusion 3 (new or used): This is obviously a religion with no clear answer. But given that well treated amps last forever, should I "audiogon" and get better gear or buy new and take a chance?
Let the facts and opinions start flowing begin...