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  3. 1096829187

"Upgrade" C-J MF2500A to Pass X250, SimAudio, Or?

I currently have a C-J MF2500A, Cary SLP98, Cary 303-200, Fanfare tuner, etc. driving B&W M802 S3's, in a 12x16" room. I'm actually fairly happy with the sound, but have the upgrade bug; you know how it is. The B&W's like plenty of power, so I'm thinking of high-current SS amps. For some reason I've always had an urge towards a Pass Labs X250--but would that be an "upgrade" to the 240w MF2500A? Also, I've heard that the Pass Labs amps really need balanced IC's to sound their best, which my Cary pre-amp doesn't have. I've also considered Sim Audio, Plinius, or one of the newer McIntosh amps. I'd buy anything I get used. And weight is a factor--even the X250 is twice the weight of my C-J amp, so I don't want to go much over 100 lbs., max. Thanks in advance for any advice!
steveaudio
steveaudio OP
328 posts
 
Cmach, that's great that you're using such high-end electronics with the Sig. 805's. The more I get into it, the more I think the upstream components are even more important than the speakers.

I'm sort of agreeing tho with people who say to keep the C-J amp. It occurs to me that I may have maxed out with this system--in terms of probably having to spend way more to really improve upon amp, pre-amp, or speakers. I mean, what would I have to get to significantly better the M802's in a full range speaker? (And with all the dues involved in selling & buying large speakers, etc.)

BTW, my cables are Nordost Blue Heaven IC's, & Cardas Quadlink 5-C bi-wire speaker cables.

Thanks for all the advice!

Steve
glai's avatar
glai
442 posts
 
Don't stree oout with balanced connections. The pass x250 can sound great with tube preamp without balanced output. I prefer certain tube pre over X1 with my x150. don't know about CJ2500 vs x250
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,262 posts
 
Steveaudio,

I would replace the cables in your system first which I think is a first rate setup otherwise.

Blue Heaven and Cardas speaker wire have not worked for me in my system with the BH being thin a lifeless and the Cardas was boring. I bet if you replaced both with something like Audience AU24 you would be amazed at the increase in detail, image size, soundstage and lifelike presence. These are not especially expensive cables but would be a big step up IMO.

Just my 2 cents...

Phil
luc
46 posts
 
I went form the CJ 2500 to Herron Mono's. I love the sound. I also, for ease of life issues, wanted to stay in SS.

The rest Audio Physic Virgo II, Thule 1000 CD, Michell Gyro Dec, Polk Cobra speaker cables, Coincident IC & PC.
luc
46 posts
 
Forgot the Reflection pre
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