Looking for a change.


My current integrated amp is a 90 wpc Yamaha AS2100. I'm thinking about replacing it with a more powerful integrated, or keeping it as a pre and just adding an external amp. My speakers are Sonus Faber Cremona M with two KEF R400B subs. I have a Musical Fidelity Nu Vista Vinyl, so the phono stage is not an issue. The SF speakers are pretty efficient and good with this amp. Like everyone, I'm always wondering what could be. What am I missing with the Yamaha and what would I gain from making a change. I listen to vinyl on my VPI Prime with a Van den Hul MC DDT II Special. I stream with a Node running through the DAC of my Yamaha CD S2100. Is the Yamaha my weak link?

chasda

Showing 3 responses by ghdprentice

I used to own a set of those. The classic combo is with Audio Research… like a Vsi75 or a Ref 75se amp. These would sound very different from what have now, rendering more realistically with mid range bloom and fleshed out nuance in the bass.. Tube alternatives: Conrad Johnson, VAC, and Cary. Alternatively Luxman would be a good choice with some tubed or not.

 

Here is a gross generality to think about. If you really like lots of details in your face and slam… then sticking with solid state and adding lots more power will tickle your fancy. However, if you want a more realistic sound (with all the details… just not in your face) and the bass more nuanced with great emotional content, then look to tubes like ARC…preamp and amp would be best. Or you can split the difference with Pass XA amp.

If you are unsure… go find a system run on tubes and have a listen. It is easy to think you want more details and slam until you hear a really good musical system. You already have a good set of speakers to head in that direction.

I am powering my current Sonus Faber (same sensitivity as yours) with an Audio Research REF 160… but in triode mode so it is only putting out 70wpc… sound great at at least twice the volume I would ever listen.

I always recommend getting all your components worked out… compatible and synergistic… then work on interconnects and power cords. My objective is always the best possible sound for what I can afford at the time. So best possible components… figure out what it sounds like… then enhance with interconnects… power cords. Then enjoy the music for a few years. Repeat.