2. amps-preamps
  3. 136862-1288

Pre and Amp Suggestions

Given the way these things go, I’m almost afraid to ask this question but here goes: I’m finally at a place where my front-end and speakers are at “destination” level-at least for me....for now.  My question is where and what to upgrade between these two extremes. The speakers in question are Revel Studio 2s which I love, and the front-end dac/streamer is the Lumin T1 ruining Roon. The Lumin feeds into an analogue bypass section (no digital conversion) of an Anthem AVM60 going in turn to two 200 watt mono channels of a Sherbourn 7300. In trying to answer my question, I would appreciate keeping to the following parameters:

-no suggestions of other speakers or front end gear, I’m in a good place where I am right now.
-no suggestions of power conditioners, cables etc. Let’s just stick to the gear.

Just looking for pre and amp recommendations (or really good SS integrated amps). The sound right now is quite neutral, but perhaps a little lean but very revealing. I’m not looking to drastically alter the sound or play louder, just looking for more of the “good stuff”, resolution, staging etc. Might consider a tube pre or hybrid but really have no interest in an all tube power amp or massive class A space heater anymore. Ok let the games begin!
spinaker01

Showing 3 responses by redlenses03

redlenses03
86 posts
 
To @spinaker01

I was in the same boat and recently purchase a new pair of Studio2's, which are hands down absolutely fantastic. 

Obviously there are a ton of great options available and I can only give my perspective and hopefully you will have the opportunity to try some items out.

As many have already stated, Pass is a great fit (no surprise) and is what I eventually went with (mono's).  Really hard to beat pure class A and with your budget you should be able to find something. 

I have a big enough room so heat isn't an issue and well, I'm not in this to please others about "efficiency" of class A v.s. D or whatever.  They are truly awesome amps and highly recommended.  Super dynamic and really don't fall short in any area. 

I almost went with a int60 and I'm sure would have been happy, but I figured I would have been always wondering about the mono's.  Good luck.


redlenses03
86 posts
 
spinaker01 - After hearing an X250 in my space, that's what did it for me.  I then sought some pass options and after deciding not to go with the int60 (again by all accounts is superb) I went with XA100.5's. 

I am now on a pre hunt, but after those two large purchases I'm in no hurry.
redlenses03
86 posts
 
@spinaker01  - FWIW as I stated a few months ago after getting the Pass mono's going I too was on a pre hunt and ended up with an Atma-sphere MP3. 

I had tried an MP1 in my rig, which was out of my budget, but the MP3 has much of the MP1's awesomeness and after that it was pretty much a no-brainer.

After some tube rolling, things have settled in nicely and at this point not really sure how much more I can improve things (within a normal sanity level).  Anyway just something to consider.

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