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Warm, Smooth yet Transparent Amp

Hello All,
I am currently running an Arcam AVR300 for movies and music, 60/40 respectively. The music portion just isn't happening. Everything works but I'm not getting that "involved/pull you in" kind of feeling. I have gone through several pairs of speakers, Proac tablette 50, Triangle Titus 202, Von Schweikert VR1s and currently Vandersteen 1C. Since this is a wide array of speakers, I've come to the conclusion it must be the amplification.

So now I'm thinking of adding a 2 channel amp running out of the front channels "out". I don't like harsh, shrill highs, but rather a fuller, sweet sounding, yet transparent. Is this possible without spending several thousands of dollars? I am trying to keep it under 1200.00 so used but quality is what I'm hoping for. If Possible. I know that all of you knowledgeable people would have an answer.

I'm also running an Oppo 83 blu ray/cd. Dish K722 receiver for TV. Listen to FM, CDs and MP3 through the Oppo. I'm looking for all the things I have read about on these forums over the years. Good Imaging, transparency, involving. I've read good things about Conrad Johnson MF2250 (affordable used) and I just missed out on one on Ebay, earlier today. Now I'm just frustrated I guess.

Please assist if you can. Oh, I like folk rock, rock, certain new age kind of music. Examples, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, Sarah McLaughlin, and everything in between, *chuckle*. Any and All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Bruce
denon53

Showing 4 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
Hi John,
I respectfully(I enjoy reading your posts on this site) disagree with your
assertion that warmth and transparency are mutually exclusive. Perhaps
our definition of transparent may differ, mine is clarity and lack of a veil or
perceptional "blanket". In terms of warmth I'm referring to the
natural warmth, body and full tonality of instruments (not an added
gratuitous warm coloration). I'd argue that true transparency allows the
unmasking of artifacts and reveals more honestly the natural tonal color
and character of individual instruments. I don't equate transparency to the
thinner and lean sound that some others may do (lean and thin is an
aberration/ coloration itself).

I've found that the high quality SET amplifiers provide these desirable
attributes, they're exceptionally pure, clear and transparent. I've experience
this with various 300b, 2A3 and 845 tubed versions. The key is you must
have a compatible speaker match to realize this full potential. No amplifier
can do 'everything' at the highest level but tonal warmth and transparency,
yes.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
Hi John,
Well you certainly understand my point of distinction within the audiophile
vernacular. Here's my example of transparency. If you were in a room and
someone is playing their instrument (no microphone) there's nothing
between you and the sound (ultimate transparency). You'd hear all the tone,
timbre, pitch and harmonic overtones that instrument has to offer. The
sound will be naturally full, rich and vibrant just as they're intended to
sound. They won't sound lean, bleached, two dimensional and
sterile(Pseudo transprency). I'm reminded of this every time I visit the local
jazz clubs (without exception).
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
John,
Yes, "natural" is the key term.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
Denon53,
I appreciate your comments and I understand what you're seeking.
Given your stated budget and solid state preference I'm sure there are
experienced people on this site who can provide good guidance. I've
migrated so completely (and happily) into the world of SET-High efficiency
speakers that I'd be of very limited use for your particular needs.
I agree with John's opinion on the Arcam as a preamp. You need
components that were developed with the priority of reproducing quality
two channel music. I've read good things about Belles and Forte
components. Would you entertain the possibly of a Quicksilver or
Bottlehead(modest priced but very good tube products) preamp with you
SS amps?
Charles,
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