2. amps-preamps
  3. 1399317479

Looking to upgrade amp

Hi everyone,

I hope that this message find you well. I'm currently using an Exposure 2010s2 (75 wpc) integrated amp. It's certainly a very fine amp for the money (the previous version received a Class A from Stereophile). The rest of my system is an Oppo BDP 105 for CD/SACD and the excellent (IMHO) KEF LS50 speakers.

I'm happy with the speakers and CD source, but I'm finding the amp to be a bit too "clinical/analytical" sounding. Also, the rather low sensitivity of the KEFs (85db, 3.2 ohm minimum) suggests that a higher power/higher current amp would be a better match (In fact, I contacted Exposure. and they suggested not using the 2010 with 4 ohm speakers). I have never owned a tube amp, so I might be interested in moving that direction. However, I am concerned about the lower sensitivity of my speakers, so I'm looking for your input on this issue.

For convenience's sake, I prefer to stick with an integrated, but the Exposure does have a pre-out, so I could move to separates (assuming that the Exposure functions well enough as a pre to allow the new amp to show its stuff).

Do any of you have recommendations for amps/integrateds to consider up to about $3,000(USD) that might provide a warmer and/or less forward sound?

Thanks for your time!

Best,
Scott
smrex13

Showing 4 responses by smrex13

smrex13 OP
645 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I've had the amp in two different locations, both relatively small rooms (11x15 ft and 13x15 ft). I listen at moderate to lower listening levels because I'm in an apartment and don't want to annoy the neighbors. I've had the amp paired with two different CD players and a DAC, and I've had some fairly good tower speakers before switching to the KEFs, which are a much better fit for the size of the room. In all cases, I've found the sound to be slightly fatiguing and not as involving as other amps I've tried (Rogue Sphinx and the older Acurus DIA 100). The Exposure is certainly accurate, as I can clearly hear the difference between CD players, cables, etc. But, for lack of a better way of phrasing it, there's just something missing.

Thanks for any other thoughts you might send my way.

Best, Scott
smrex13 OP
645 posts
 
Thanks so much for the responses. I'm intrigued by the Roksan Kandy K2 - the reviews are very good, and the description of the sound is what I'm looking for. I'll check out the others as well. I appreciate your guidance.

Please keep the recommendations coming.

Best,
Scott
smrex13 OP
645 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for your responses. There are some awfully interesting integrated amps out there. I'm more confused than ever, but that's what makes this fun, right?

Thanks again,
Scott
smrex13 OP
645 posts
 
I toyed with the idea of using the Exposure as a pre, but then that adds a fair number of variables to the mix: new cables, the sound of the new amp, the sound of the Exposure as a pre, etc. My thought is to sell/trade in the Exposure when I make a decision on a new integrated, thus helping to offset the cost.

Unfortunately, I don't have a dealer anywhere near me (southern Oregon), so auditioning pieces is all but impossible.

I've also been experimenting with still points, and the impact has been astonishing. I'm also working on setting up the room (just moved) to maximize the sound. So far, the results of these two things are having such an impact that I might wait on the integrated until I'm sure that I've got everything I can out of the setup.

What a cool hobby this is!
Thank again,
Scott
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