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Help needed to make system better, please


I currently am mostly happy with my current system. I have moved my Daedalus Audio DA-1 speakers back into main spot. I run Simaudio Moon 740p balanced into Simaudio Moon 760a. Quiet, transparent, plenty of power. Good soundstage and imaging. Could use SLAM, PRAT, or dynamics. And a little treble extension. I want more meat on the bone sound. I know tube preamps deliver more rich, or “meat on the bone” sound, but usually are slower with less bass. I was told to try Pass Labs amp, but think they have less resolution and slight distortion. So, I am looking for direction. I was told BAT preamp has better dynamics. Thinking about a BAT VK-53se running balanced into Simaudio amp. Would this be forward move, or sideways? Definitely don’t want to go backwards. I can listen to my system for hours. No fatigue. Just feels like something is slightly missing. I do like dynamics, but I also like transparency and dead quiet background. Any and all suggestions are appreciated and welcome. Please let me know if you have moved on from 740p. What did you go for, and why? Is Pass Labs amp going to be a positive thing? I don’t want to keep going through gear. I am close now, just wanted that little richness and PRAT. 

sputz
avanti1960
1,747 posts
 

@sputz 

Whenever I hear about lack of microdynamics, PRAT and speed using higher efficiency speakers I always find out what preamp the person has because preamp gain and potential are the next biggest factors. 

In your case the Simaudio Moon preamp has 9db of gain.  This is adequate but low imho.  Having had a gamut of preamps that much gain is definitely causing your system's lack of energy. 

Seek a new preamp with at least 15dd and preferably 20db. 

The previously mentioned Cary Audio SL-98P will definitely work, if you want even better the Cary Audio SLP-05 has incredible dynamics, separation, PraT and all out energy.  I have run one for 4 years and wouldn't change a thing.  

sputz's avatar
sputz OP
16 posts
 

Thank you ghdprentce. That is exactly my impression. I was trying to say without say. I didn’t want to bash any brand. I was fishing for information or opinions on BAT preamp or Pass Labs X250.8 vs Simaudio 760a. 
my ideal would be BAT VK-90 or VK-53se with CODA NO. 16 amp. That is my dream with the DAEDALUS or LAWRENCE double bass, or even Cello. 

hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
554 posts
 

Whether room treatments is use is not mentioned.
If none are in use… they do work. 

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

@ghdprentice I was chasing a Simaudio integrated, did you just talk me out of it?
 

sputz's avatar
sputz OP
16 posts
 

I don’t have formal room treatment. Carpet floors. Sofa and overstuffed chair. Plants in corners. Took many days of speaker movement , measuring and toe in, toe out to get where it sounds good but lifeless. I don’t want to bash. But I believe now that components can be overly neutral and dead sounding. Benchmark to my ears is worse than Simaudio. Very detailed and quiet but no emotion. No PRAT. 

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