Yeah, musician here too. Nothing like when a system can recreate nuance, intent, subtle tonal shadings, etc., especially with jazz. If I'm you, my first move is to try a class-A biased SS amp (Pass, Plinius, Clayton, etc.). My experience is that they do very well at conveying subtleties and emotion but can also pack that wallop you're looking for when called for. Pair that with a good tubed pre like VAC or Sachs SP14 (both reputed to do well with bass) and I'd think you'd be in hog heaven. Best of luck.
Upgrade bug - advice on amp or preamp upgrade from Ayre for Revel speakers?
Hi all, looking to tap in to the collective experience of the forums. My system has evolved nicely over the years. Most recently I changed out my Thiel CS2.4s for Revel Ultima Studio2s. I’ve had them in place for about 9 months and am enjoying the heck out of them. The rest of my system is comprised of a Linn Akurate DS into Ayre K-5xe into Ayre V-5xe. Transparent Audio balanced interconnects and power cords. My musical preferences are primarily informed by my background as a musician (jazz) - I love live, palbable, feeling sound. I love the wood of a bass, the way a kick drum can either pop you in the chest (ala Tony Williams) or convey subtle timbre changes (Jack DeJohnette). I love the splat of a great trumpeter (Tom Harrell, Woody Shaw...) and the thrill of colors a tenor sax can provide (Brecker, Trane, Berg...). As a pianist, I am keenly focused on accurate reproduction that is nuanced enough to let me hear the very different touches of my favorite players (Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Barron, David Kikoski...). And I find music most gratifying when rooted by a firm and true to live conveyance of bass.
My my current system conveys much of what I love, but of late I’m wondering if a more powerful amp might provide “more”. I don’t need more volume, but if I had one nagging suspicion it’s that the Ayre combination doesn’t grip the bottom end as much as it could and at times appears a tad bit lean sounding. Alternatively, could it be a preamp solution? I demoed BAT about ten years ago while there was still a dealer in my area. At the time I sort of fell in love with the sound, but ultimately felt Ayre was a better path at the time. I could probably extend $5 to $7k at this time. A few thoughts would be: Amps (Pass 250.8, Levinson 532h, BAT VK-600, Classe CA M600, Bel Canto Ref600, others?). If Preamp is the right way to go (BAT 32se or 42, ARC, Levinson 326s, others). Or am I crazy and should I stick with what I have and be appropriately grateful?
I really appreciate any thoughts or suggestions from those with relevant experience.
My my current system conveys much of what I love, but of late I’m wondering if a more powerful amp might provide “more”. I don’t need more volume, but if I had one nagging suspicion it’s that the Ayre combination doesn’t grip the bottom end as much as it could and at times appears a tad bit lean sounding. Alternatively, could it be a preamp solution? I demoed BAT about ten years ago while there was still a dealer in my area. At the time I sort of fell in love with the sound, but ultimately felt Ayre was a better path at the time. I could probably extend $5 to $7k at this time. A few thoughts would be: Amps (Pass 250.8, Levinson 532h, BAT VK-600, Classe CA M600, Bel Canto Ref600, others?). If Preamp is the right way to go (BAT 32se or 42, ARC, Levinson 326s, others). Or am I crazy and should I stick with what I have and be appropriately grateful?
I really appreciate any thoughts or suggestions from those with relevant experience.
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- 34 posts total
- 34 posts total