2. amps-preamps
  3. 1364238809

Amp suggestions for $1000

OK, thought I’d do some crowdsourcing here on Audiogon to jumpstart my search for a new amp. My current system sounds pretty good to me, so I’m not really looking to solve a problem as much as I’d like to have some fun experimenting. I’m very happy with the preamp, and speakers are too difficult/expensive to ship, so I thought test-driving some amps would be the best & easiest way to try something different. Here’s what I’m working with:

* Current amp > PS Audio Trio A100 (compact ICE Power model rated at 100W)
* Speakers > Reference 3A MM DeCapo i (stand-mounted monitors with pretty high sensitivity @ 92dB, 8-ohm load, 120W rms)
* Preamp > Bel Canto Pre3
* Source > Logitech Transporter streaming lossless files
* Also > REL T1 subwoofer in the system

I listen mostly to rock, jazz and a fair bit of acoustic/vocal stuff. A little bit of classical but that won’t be a factor in my selection process. I’ve never owned a tube amp, but am not averse to trying them out.

Since I’m approaching this as an “experiment,” I’m planning to focus on used gear so I can potentially try a few things and sell them on if I decide to keep looking. Working budget is $1000.

That’s all I can think of to share…Now fire away with any questions or suggestions! And thanks in advance.
tlhiii

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
8,878 posts
 
Agree with Khartago recs. I've got a McCormack 0.5 rev A and not sure that will warm things up unless it's your amp that's adding brightness.

What interconnects and cables are you using? That might be another area to explore. Best of luck.
soix
8,878 posts
 
It was nice of the guy to set up a system "close" to yours, but it still wasn't your source, cables, room, etc. Any decent dealer should let you borrow a piece of equipment or two for a couple days to try at home in your system. I bet you'd be surprised at some of the differences you hear, and I'd give the Bel Canto another shot at home if I'm you.

Also, you didn't mention your interconnects and cables, and they could be contributing significantly to what you're hearing as well.
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