2. amps-preamps
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Amp and Pre to match Wilson W/P 8 and others

I've bought a used pair of W/P 8s, and have also tentatively booked an AMR CD-77. I also have an eye on the Wadia 781i. Would also like to have a TT later on, but it'll bust my budget right away.

Having said that, my favourite cds are U2's The Joshua Tree, The Matrix soundtrack, Gladiator soundtrack, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Metallica, Dreamtheater, REM etc. My wife though, listens to Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Pink Martini, Fourplay and the like. We're beginning to like the O-Zone Percussion group too.

Given the range of music, what pre and power amps should I be considering? My listening and HT room is around 14'x 26'x 11'. I intend to have a projector and use the Puppies for HT as well.

I come from Malaysia and auditioning here is difficult given the tiny size of market, and I've yet to receive the W/Ps and Cd-77( they're for a new house). However given budget constraints I'm fishing in the used market so I have to act when I find the right items. In other words, I can't get auditions and have to be ready to pull the trigger whenever.

Budget is around 15-20k US
daisiu
daisiu OP
20 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses.

For the most part advice here has been for tubes, and I'm acutely aware of the almost default ARC/Wilson pairing. The worry I have-given the sort of music I listen to is power. Would I have sufficient low-end control and dynamics? I really crave the attack and impact, although airiness comes a close third too.

The names available to me here in Penang are: Pass, ARC, Viola. I can't audition them though, except for Pass's 250.5

Am I making a really big mistake buying this way?
mordante
511 posts
 
I think Hikejohn made some very good recomandations.
hikejohn
69 posts
 
While ARC is often used with Wilson....and some other tube stuff I do believe that having large power reserves is very helpful...now this relates to the sound levels that you like to listen at...remember each 3db of volume increases demands twice the power...my issue with tubes in general is uneven power response and limited power...you mentioned the ARC ref 110 which is nice for some folks if you don't like to replicate the SPL of live performances...which is why I tend to prefer SS power amps...and if you wish to get the tube sound...do it at pre amp side....as I tried for a bit...with the very nice VTL 6.5...but then I got enticed and love the new Ayre KX-R...most amazing in terms of resolution...detail..lack of noise...particularly at lower sound levels...which at times to keep peace in family is important as I listen in the evening....
microstrip
180 posts
 
If you want attack, impact and airiness go for a conrad johnson premier 350 with an ACT2 preamplifier - I had them with Wilson system 7 some years ago and it was really impressive. At that time the cables were Transparent Audio Reference XL - a very good match!
Please remember that the premier 350 is very different from the classic cj sound.
daisiu OP
20 posts
 
My old system is Krell 300i int. amp, Krell 250cd/2 and Thiel CS2.3s. The bottom end was rock solid, but not much by way of bloom and air. Worse, the metallic sound meant I couldn't listen for more than half hour each time.

For that reason even as I'm told Krell will suit my music, I'm somewhat wary given that previous experience. I was offered Spectral and also Ayre, both will be around the same price. ( KX-R and MX-R vs. DMC30ss and DMA250) The other (cheaper) choice I had in mind was Pass XP-20 and XA100.5/X350.5)

If it comes to these 3 choices, which would suit me the most?
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