2. amps-preamps
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amp upgrade

Hello all. This is my first post! My system is as follows (mixed Home Theater and Two in Channel in one):

Arcam BDP 100 (cd analog out to preamp)
Rogue 99 Magnum with custom HT Bypass
Rotel 1056 Home Theater Receiver
Rotel 1070 amp
B&W CM4s
MIT AVT3 speaker cables
all kimber timbre interconnects

*I listen to mostly Jazz, some folk

My question is i am looking to upgrade my amp...I am only willing to buy used (cost). I am strongly considering McIntosh (e.g. MC 2105) and Bryston (e.g. 3b). My question is also will both of these examples (which are both 25 years old) be noticably better than my rotel which is probably about 8 years old. Then what other amps should I be considering? Thanks so much for your insight!
scifidelity
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,578 posts
 
You would still be using the tube preamp into the amplifier, so I am not sure how much of a difference you would hear by changing out the power amp.

Is there something about the overall sound of your current system that you are looking to change?

I ask that question, because I would be tempted to add a dedicated CD player. I think that you would change the sound more that way.
timrhu
2,778 posts
 
Never heard the 1070 but I have owned the Bryston 3B and a Rotel RB981. From that experience I do not think the 3B will be a step up.
scifidelity OP
4 posts
 
okay, what about my rotel 1070 amp vs. a newer model bryston 2b or 4b? (2007 or later)
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Hello Scifidelity, This thread will prove most beneficial to you if you answer Rar1’s very appropriate question: "Is there something about the overall sound of your current system that you are looking to change?"
scifidelity OP
4 posts
 
Phaelon- thank you for pointing out that question that neglected to answer. Apologies to Rar1. I really don't know enough about this yet to know what i want in terms of sound. But I will try to explain...I really like warm, real, nuanced sound. I want to feel like the performers are in front of me and that the sound is not coming from a L and R speaker, rather from all over (is this called sound staging?). That being said i also appreciate range and from what i have read, many think a tube pre mixed with a tube amp loses the tight bass that SS amps provide.
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