class amp dilemma to match with Pure Audio Project Horns should I see an audio-astrologer?


Dear Audiogon nutcases….

 

 

I am considering an amp upgrade…. An amp sidestep? … an amp diversion? Help me clarify paths forward….

 

 

 

I currently have my Pure Audio Project Duet Horn’s running on a Prima Luna Dialogue HP with Ray Power Tubes and Radiotechnique Gain Tubes. It sounds… pretty damn good.

 

But for some reason, I have this memory… hallucination…. Of experiencing a more vivid, strikingly present, astonishingly real presentation of the instruments in the room. (Not sure if this is a dream or what….)

 

And so I have been mulling around an amp upgrade to achieve a more vivid sense of presence and realism.

 

I am thinking of the following amps to match my Pure Audio Project Duet Horns:

 

-Decware SEWE 300B Sarah (not concerned with the wait time, can find one used…. but is a good match for my PAP’s?… super curious about 300B... I like that I won't need a preamplifier since I only run roon --> nagar steamer --> DAC and a phono preamp....)

-Pass Labs X25 (This is what the owner of PAP uses during trade shows, and is well regarded with other PAP owners)

-First Watt Sit 4 (This seems a little bit warmer and musical according to reviews, than the X25… but is it even hotter running than my Prima Luna?)

-Prima Luna with Ray Tubes and Radiotechnique Gain Tubes! (Is this the best it gets….???)

 

I have been looking at reviews and forum posts… My room is smallish (14 x 16’ with an 8’ ceiling) (and I live in NYC where huge bass is not an option) …

 

Music Tastes: All over the map, currently a lot of free jazz, experimental classical, Russian composers, solo piano, violin, African, vocals…. I disappear into the music and want a full hallucination…

 

What do you think I should do?

 

r

whyrichard

Take a look at Linear Tube Audio amps to move in that direction with a tube amp. 

But for some reason, I have this memory… hallucination…. Of experiencing a more vivid, strikingly present, astonishingly real presentation of the instruments in the room. (Not sure if this is a dream or what….)

I had a few fool you it’s real moments when demoing at audio stores and shows.  

Perhaps a memory of demoing another high-end audio system? Maybe changed ear cleanliness or health? 

What aspects of sound do you think are missing?  Is it midrange presence/heft, treble detail/air, etc.?  Vivid, present, and real are a little too vague for me to get a handle on what exactly you’re looking for.  I have an idea but need more info to see if it might be helpful. 

I think you need multiple amps available so you can periodically change the mood.  I practice the amp swapping craft myself.

The SITs are amazing amps, love my SIT-3s, although I am currently running my Atma-Sphere M-60s (they provide some warmth in the listening room in the winter as well as sound spectacular).

SIT-4 for the win, and keep your eyes open for a used X and/or the Decware.

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