2. amps-preamps
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Should I get a new amp?

I just picked up a fresh pair of Focal/JMLab Electra 1027be's and I'm now looking toward a possible amp upgrade. Currently, I have an older Outlaw 750 (165w x 5 @ 8ohm) pushing them but I'm itching to upgrade. Question is, will I really hear a big difference? That's when all you guys come in with your opinions :-)

My amp budget is about $1,500 (used from A-Gon is fine) and I'm only interested in 2 channel amps. I would continue to push the rest of my HT speakers with the Outlaw, so this amp would be dedicated to the 1027s.

This would also be for about 95% music, 5% HT.

I can get an Anthem Statement A2 for about $1,000 or a P2 for about $2,000 (little over budget...but might be willing to stretch) but I don't know if there is something better in my price range.

And finally, my room is narrow. 11' wide, 20' long (with an open back), and 7.5" high (basement). My speakers are on the short wall firing down the room toward the open end. I tend to sit about 7' off the speakers for listening.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated, as always.

Thanks guys!

-Ben
fatgh0st

Showing 5 responses by vett93

vett93
205 posts
 
I have JM Focal Alto Utopia speakers. These are not easy-to-drive speakers as their impedance goes down from 8 ohms to about 3.5 ohms for lower frequencies. This means that the amp needs to do more than double the current at the lower freq., which is more difficult for tube amps.

Since your speakers have similar characteristics, you may need to get a more powerful tube amp too. I would say 100W minimum.

Tube amp maintenance is easy as long as their bias adjustment is easy to access to.

Hope it helps.
vett93
205 posts
 
Cyclonicman, my Alto Utopia is also 91dB. I have a pair of 50Wpc KT88 monoblocks for my 2nd system. They are not enough to drive my Altos. Cello sounds like violin! LOL....
vett93
205 posts
 
I agree with others who stated that JM Focal speakers can use the harmonics from tube amps. I have another SS power amp, rated at 200Wpc/8ohms and 400Wpc/4ohms, and my Alto Utopias sound a bit dry with it.

So I ended up with a completely redone Counterpoint NP100 power amp that is rated at 100Wpc/8ohms and 200Wpc/4ohms. It is a hybrid amp with tube gain stage and SS output stage. Mike Elliott voiced it like SET amp sonic signature. (Yes, its upper mid-range does sound like my 300B SET amp.)

200Wpc/4ohms may sound like a lot of power. But when I play Beethoven Symphony No. 9, it is barely enough towards the end. I can't imagine if it only had 50Wpc......
vett93
205 posts
 
Audio hobby is a journey. If you agree to that, it may be a good idea to find an amp that allows you to experiement various things of a tube amp. Then you can gain knowledge and develop your own preference. Treat it as a stepping stone to reach your audio nirvana.

If you agree with the above idea, I would recommend the following requirements for choosing your tube amp:

1. Manual bias: This is a key feature that I look for in an amp. In fact, my Counterpoint hybrid amp allows me to adjust the biases of the output bipolar transistors too! You want to experiment biasing the output devices at, below, and above the recommended value. For my KT88 monoblocks, I'd like to adjust the biases at 15% below the recommended value, which gives me more delicacy and finess.

2. Ultralinear or Triode switch: It allows you to adjust the output tube mode, ultralinear or triode.

3. Enough power: it allows you to try various music. The bass guitar in Jazz music does need power!

There is a Rogue M120 that is just listed for about $1K. It may be a good start for your journey.
vett93
205 posts
 
Congrats! Hybrids are the ways to go for JM Focal speakers! I would take up Blindjim's suggestion and find some tubes with more harmonics. These speakers are on the dry and polite side....
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