Bigger Amp?


I am considering an amp upgrade and would appreciate some (friendly) advice. I am currently using a McCormack DNA-125 to power a pair of Audio Physic Spark III's and although I really like the McCormack, I am looking to add a little more warmth and presence to my system. I have heard some say that a more powerful amp will add more presence, even at low volume. I prefer to stay with SS since I can't afford to buy/maintain a good tube amp. Can any of you big SS amp owners attest to what more power will get me (if anything) at low volume?

dburdick
I understand that obviously all of the components affect the sound of the system. I am going to experiment with some tweaks, then if I'm still not happy, the front end. I guess I
have misstated my question here. Aside from the other problems, I guess I am looking for a more dynamic, balanced sound at low volume; the kind of sound I get when I turn it up. I am wondering if, in general, a more powerful amp will provide this, or should I look to upgrade some other component. Thanks for your help.
Dburdick: what's the rest of the system?

To add to others' posts, don't fret too much yet; keep in mind that our ears are not very sensitive to lows & (very) highs at low volume levels (remember those "loudness" controls? They added low mids & mid-highs to compensate for this)...

Maybe a component other than your amp -- which performs to yr satisfaction at higher levels, as you say -- could be upgraded. Speaker placement, equip support and pre-power combos are important here.
My system is:
Theta Miles (Balanced but using SE)
HT Pro Silway II
DNA-125
AP Oval 9
Spark III
Absolute PC's
PowerWedge 114

I've spent a lot of time on speaker placement and tried a couple of other amps (Classe, Bryston) but preferred the McCormack, even though it doesn't have the balanced inputs.
Craigklomparens, I agree, the ability to deliver an abritrary amount of current instantaneously is probably the biggest factor, and as you stated this may or may not be true with a "more powerful" amp. I guess this is what we call a "faster" amp? It looks like you have answered my question... thanks again.
The Spark is rather a lean speaker to begin with. Maybe you should look at a sub woofer.
as far as ss amps the amp you have is about as warm as ss gets. conrad johnson owns them now.[ great company] as far as tube mantinence, they are not hard to keep running if well built. if a ss amp wears out its outputs thats not cheap. if a tube amp wears out tubes just pop in some new tubes. most tubes will last a long time though. just buy a good tube amp and never look back. i am sure you can trade that ss in on one, are someone might do some trading with you. i might even take it towards some tubes i have.