amp upgrade


Hello all. This is my first post! My system is as follows (mixed Home Theater and Two in Channel in one):

Arcam BDP 100 (cd analog out to preamp)
Rogue 99 Magnum with custom HT Bypass
Rotel 1056 Home Theater Receiver
Rotel 1070 amp
B&W CM4s
MIT AVT3 speaker cables
all kimber timbre interconnects

*I listen to mostly Jazz, some folk

My question is i am looking to upgrade my amp...I am only willing to buy used (cost). I am strongly considering McIntosh (e.g. MC 2105) and Bryston (e.g. 3b). My question is also will both of these examples (which are both 25 years old) be noticably better than my rotel which is probably about 8 years old. Then what other amps should I be considering? Thanks so much for your insight!
scifidelity

Showing 2 responses by lloydelee21

These 2 amps are likely to sound quite different from everything i have read and know about them...i have heard equipment from both a long time ago...in the vintage of what you have above.

Yes, i suspect both will be a step up over the Rotel which is very good and amply powerful...just not as refined as the Mc, i suspect...nor quite as transparent as the Bryston. I would suggest Forte 4 amp, Krell FPB series, or even KSA but watch the maintenance, you could get 2 CJ MV60SEs and monoblock...wow that would be a stunning set. depends on your budget.

just my two cents...good luck and pls keep us posted.
In my own experience, it is probably more likely to get breathe of life and soundstaging with tubes...stereotypically, that is their domain. SS typical domain is accuracy, linearity and yes, propulsive bass. To be clear, you definitely CAN get propulsive bass from tubes, and you can get breathe of life from SS...u may have to look a little harder, thats all.

I have settled on tube pre with SS power for the last 5 years or so and am very happy. i was very happy with tube power and would not have changed except my speakers got bigger and more demanding and i wanted endless reserves without tubed monos. I run CJ with Class A solid state.