Blindjim,
I'll answer your questions here, and then I'm signing off because our dialogue is veering off topic, IMO.
So, here goes.
First, my suggestion was to home audition an amp that doubles down power to hear if it makes any difference to the OP in his system. The intention of the recommendation was to audition *one* amp, and I offered a few possibilities to consider. Then, depending on what he hears, proceed from there utilizing whatever method he finds appealing and financially suitable.
Interconnects: Purist Audio Venustas RCA ICs, Gabriel Gold Revelation II ICs, Oyaide PA-02 balanced ICs
Speaker Cabling: Gregg Straley Reality Cables bi-wire speaker cable with jumpers
AC/Power Conditioning: Two 20A dedicated AC lines with Hubbell Port Port outlets, Environmental Potentials EP-2050 whole house AC filter/surge suppressor, Alan Maher Designs Reference Power Center V2, (5) Alan Maher Designs PE filters placed on circuits throughout the house
Stands/Platforms/Isolation/Coupling: Sistrum SP-101 stands under amplifiers, Timberation 2 maple platforms under speakers, Neuance isolation shelf for UX-3Pi, Grand Prix Audio Apex footers under preamp and Transporter digital source
No. My position has not changed, and I stated the concept earlier in this thread where I wrote, "The truth is that the solution is likely a combination of the above.":
However, in my experience some things matter more than others, and I believe the amp/speaker match ranks at the top of the list.
Best of luck to the OP in his quest for a solution. It's out there.
I'll answer your questions here, and then I'm signing off because our dialogue is veering off topic, IMO.
So, here goes.
First, my suggestion was to home audition an amp that doubles down power to hear if it makes any difference to the OP in his system. The intention of the recommendation was to audition *one* amp, and I offered a few possibilities to consider. Then, depending on what he hears, proceed from there utilizing whatever method he finds appealing and financially suitable.
How is your own cabling, conditioning, and power cord situation, BTW? Still using OEM pcs and entry level or DIY cabling? How about platforms and those aluminum cup & ball (Oreos?) footers?Power cords: BMI Hammerhead MK II (UX-3Pi), Tekline Reference PC (preamp), Oyaide Tunami GPX power cables (amps, digital transport)
Interconnects: Purist Audio Venustas RCA ICs, Gabriel Gold Revelation II ICs, Oyaide PA-02 balanced ICs
Speaker Cabling: Gregg Straley Reality Cables bi-wire speaker cable with jumpers
AC/Power Conditioning: Two 20A dedicated AC lines with Hubbell Port Port outlets, Environmental Potentials EP-2050 whole house AC filter/surge suppressor, Alan Maher Designs Reference Power Center V2, (5) Alan Maher Designs PE filters placed on circuits throughout the house
Stands/Platforms/Isolation/Coupling: Sistrum SP-101 stands under amplifiers, Timberation 2 maple platforms under speakers, Neuance isolation shelf for UX-3Pi, Grand Prix Audio Apex footers under preamp and Transporter digital source
I recalled you saying frequently some years ago Everything matters. Has your position on that changed now?
No. My position has not changed, and I stated the concept earlier in this thread where I wrote, "The truth is that the solution is likely a combination of the above.":
So, here you have a list of solutions to your problem from many intelligent and well intentioned contributors that includes:
Room treatments
Speaker set-up
Changing source components
Changing preamp
Changing amplifier
Changing wire
The truth is that the solution is likely a combination of the above.
Isn't high end audio fun?!
Tvad (Threads | Answers)
However, in my experience some things matter more than others, and I believe the amp/speaker match ranks at the top of the list.
Best of luck to the OP in his quest for a solution. It's out there.