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Wanting separates but help needed .......

I have been pushing Focal 1037's with a Bat Integrated. I would like to upgrade to separates. I haven't a lot of knowledge as to were to go with today's amps / preamps. I have read a lot and tend to think that a Pass x250.5 and the new model 10 pre could be a good decision. Would McIntosh or others be a better choice? I'm in an area where you can't demo much ....... The rest of my system consists of:

EMM Labs - CDSA SE
2)JL Audio F113's
VPI SSMR
Aesthetix Rhea

Listening area is large - 32 x 40

Thank you in advance for the suggestions and guideance!
zenieth
zenieth OP
381 posts
 
I'll try to shed a little on what I would like different from that of the integrated. The BAT is warm sounding and maybe a little too warm. I'm running Gray Plate CCA's in the front end. The highs are crisp and somewhat grainy. At high volumes the Focals seam to loose their "zeal" from lower listening levels. I hope this helps ........
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
I'm surprised to hear that the BAT is warm sounding with the Focals. Even though the term warm is subjective, I would be inclined to look elsewhere for that particular issue.

I tend to agree with you that more power (especially in the form of current) will be welcome. I'll leave it for others to recommend solid state alternatives, but I would think that the Bat tube monoblocks, coupled with one of their companion preamps would work well with your speakers. I cant say how they will mesh with the Rhea. Also, keep in mind that you have some high quality components there, the performance of which can be heavily influenced by your choices in ancillary equipment such as isolation devices, racks, power cords, cables, interconnects, etc.

One last thing, don't conclude that separates are an automatic upgrade. There are some very competitive integrateds out there.
robertbrown
151 posts
 
Plinius sa102 and M-8
zenieth OP
381 posts
 
Phaelon, maybe warm isn't the right word. How about bright or shiney ....... I certainly understand cabling can be an issue. I haven't moved much around since my system before this one. I use MIT V3.1's (balanced) with selectable impedance boxes. The PC used is a MIT Magnum AC1. Now I'm wondering if this really is a major issue .........
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Well, I take it that "bright or shiney" applies to both of your sources so you're probably right to look at your speaker/amp synergy. I've heard a couple of different JM Lab speakers with BAT products and generally liked the sound.

The beauty of Audiogon is that you can listen to advise, find something that interests you in the classifieds and if it doesn't quite work out for you, resell it. If you choose wisely, you might be out the cost of shipping.
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