2. amps-preamps
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can a new amp amp tame my speakers?

Just spent some time listening to what I've been planning to upgrade to for main speakers. PSB Synchronys. The Imagine T2's are close, but slightly veiled in comparison. My current, but old, Infinity Kappa 7's really don't give much away to the PSB's. My amp is an old Yamaha MX2, 125wpc, and I've heard them described as bright or harsh, and that's the only complaint I really have with the sound now. Can a well-chosen amp tame the highs on the Kappa'a, which use a ribbon-style tweeter? Or is the 'taming' I seek only going to happen with a speaker upgrade. I honestly don't mind upgrading the speakers, and fully expected to, but after today's auditioning, I'm wondering if I'm going to get that much benefit from that level of investment. $3500+ is a healthy chunk of coin for benefits of slimmer profile and tamed highs. In terms of imaging, weight, and bass, the Kappa's are equal, imo. The system is also the theater, but the avr can power the surrounds, so an amp upgrade could be 2 channel. A power boost is a must too, as the current 125wpc isn't enough for when wifey's not home and the volume gets wound up ;)
english210
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
@ English210,there are no bright krell amps from 2006 and down at all!the newer krells are wide banwidth amps that are very,very,resolving!you need warm non analitical treble cables on those amps,thats all!cheers!
english210 OP
121 posts
 
Runnin, I agree, and being in sales, I'm not unmindful of Klaus' bias :). It seems supported by what I read. I also agree that many brands could accomplish my goal. There have been a half dozen at least in this thread alone, and none were subsequently followed by argument from another poster, so they all seem like good options. It also seems that SQ overall can be improved in this upgrade, within my budget too, so that's where my research is taking me now. I probably don't have enough ear-time with enough variety of systems to be sure, but I'd guess my preferences lie toward a warmer sound, but the air around instruments is important to me too. I respond to that decay and echo in recordings of wind instruments and strings, the way notes hang in the air. That requires detail and resolving ability, but too much is too harsh....
I'd be surprised if my choice now was the 'right' one forever, as I'm likely to hear new things that need improvement, as is the nature of this hobby, but I plan to get it as close to 'right first time' as I can.

Thanks Audiolabytinth for the clarification of what vintages to avoid/aim for. There is one on fleabay I'm watching...
english210 OP
121 posts
 
Ok, there's an upgraded Stratos on here, but it keeps telling me invalid username/password when I try to ask how old it is, etc....anyone else had issues like this?
english210 OP
121 posts
 
Krell KAV250 2-channel for $1200
Odyssey Stratos Plus $750
Krell 400xi - $1600+

Debate please....I am leaning toward the Odyssey for $$ reasons, but would that be short sighted?
unsound
6,115 posts
 
I tend to agree with Audiolabyrinth. Some how Krell has gotten an underserved reputation for being bright (at least IMHO), at the very worst they can be perhaps a bit grainy in the treble, but not bright. If anything Krells might be a touch dark. Krells usually have lots of power and amazing dynamics, both micro and macro, which may or may not explain this unfair (IMHO) reputation. Or could be that they've been victimized by their own success?
I also find that their intergrateds don't have the same composure that their separates do when asked to work 4 Ohms and below. YMMV.
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