2. amps-preamps
  3. 194078-91508

Anyone else constantly curious about amps?

I'll start of by saying I have a really great sounding amp, the Mastersound Dueventi. It's a class-A tube amp running in PSET putting out 20 watts of power, which proves to be plenty in my room. I have other audio upgrades that would be more valuable. I've slowly been replacing cables, a new streamer would probably have the biggest impact in my system next, I'd like a new turntable now that I've stepped up  my cartridge and phonostage... 

But I just keep coming back to amps. For some reason I just feel a need to bring in something new. I can't afford it. It won't be the most high impact in my system. I don't really have anywhere to demo several of these options. But still, I've been on a two week long rabbit hole exploring solid state class A options like Pass and Sugden. I heard a top in system this past weekend with Jeff Rowland driving the system and I forgot how great those can sound, so I'm finding myself looking at their integrated. I know Norma amps sound amazing with my speakers, so I'm always tempted to bump that up the priority list. 

Someone talk me off the ledge and help me with this sickness! 

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Showing 2 responses by bjesien

bjesien
1,381 posts
 

What are the speakers?

I didn’t care for a Sugden and Devore combo. I found the amp on the bright side but I typically steer towards tubes.

I had the mastersound 24 watt 300B many years ago. Great amp, not familiar with the one you own.

bjesien
1,381 posts
 

One thing about your setup to consider is that you might be missing out on soundstage, bass, or control at higher volumes because the amp likely isn't controlling your speakers as much as others might like. In your shoes I might try for a 40 wpc tube amp or higher. Slipperly slope because the price goes way up and so do the changes, not always for the better. 

If you like the tone and are okay with stage, etc, about adding a subwoofer? It’s similar to adding an amp because you are. Since your speakers are not super efficient this would allow you to keep the tube sound you like and get a good bit more low end energy and performance.

A sub will make your setup a little more relaxed imo without taking anything away for you mains. I don’t know the impedance curve of your speakers but it might improve the 50-100hz region as well based on how you set it up. 

One thing about your setup to consider is that you might be missing out on soundstage, bass, or control at higher volumes because the amp likely isn't controlling your speakers as much as others might like. In your shoes I might try for a 40 wpc tube amp or higher. Slipperly slope because the price goes way up and so do the changes, not always for the better. 

I’ve owned dozens of speakers and for my taste you really have to pay for good bass. Typically upwards of 15k or so. YMMV. Work your speaker positioning and some simple treatments too.

 

Enjoy!

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