Anyone else constantly curious about amps?

@bjesien the speakers are Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo Series 1. My room is fairly small at about 12x15. 

@tooblue I wish my wife would give me the little push. I have a new rack on the way, so I think any additional gear talk is going to result in either a death stare or an eye roll, lol. 

@erik_squires and @dwest1023

I've actually never been one to keep a lot of equipment. Always want to focus in going all in on something I love. This issue now has become affording the things that I love 

@ghdprentice I think you’re absolutely right. I’ve been lucky enough to be exposed to several truly high end systems in homes with amazingly built out rooms, some designed from the initial home build. I’ve been spoiled and deep down I’m just continuing the journey to try to bring some of that home. 

And I think you are absolutely spot on with being patient, and being willing to travel to demo gear. I suggest that to others often, but more I’m really starting to enter the price points where I need to heed my own advice, and patience really is the key. While I would never finance that type of investment, I can save for it. And that’s what is going to be required. Patience, saving, exploring and committing. 
Sometimes I just need to hear it from someone else, so thank you. 

@hilde45 I'm glad you mentioned the mentioned the LTA amps as well. Those have been on my radar, and I was lucky enough to hear their gear in two different systems at SWAF. The Areo Dac is very interesting, and something I would strongly consider. The amps sounded good, but it's so hard to judge them not only at a show, but also when they are shown with panel speakers only. Nothing wrong with panel speakers, but they don't really give me a sense of how they might pair with my normal box and driver speakers. Anyway around it though, the LTA Z40+ is also on my radar. 

@jrareform in my experience you really don't even need a treated room or ultra high end gear. You just need a decent room, decent equipment, and a GOOD setup. I've been in several rooms that offer this (including my own) and the difference between amps is pretty instantly apparent. 

@dogearedaudio I think that’s a reasonable statement, and it’s something I’ve thought about. I don’t feel on the day to day that I’m lacking power, but I have considered several higher power options. The class A power is consistently surprising. Like I said, I’m honestly quite happy with my amp. This is much more of the case of wondering eye than trying to fix a specific problem. There’s a reason it’s one of the longest standing pieces in my system. 

Even when I’ve demoed other higher power amps in my room, I still very much appreciate the tone of my Mastersound. That’s also why I have the curiosity around the Class A solid state options. I’ve not felt my power was lacking, so that makes me curious what similar powered SS would bring to the table. And in my original post I even mentioned the ultra high power Rowland options. That’s a direction I hadn’t previously considered, but after hearing their higher end products, I’m curious what the integrated would be like. Honestly the research rabbit hole changes constantly and I tend to refocus to systems that really stood out in my mind. I’ve only heard Rowland twice, and both times the systems really impressed me. I’ve heard Acoustic Research in a number of systems, some that I loved and some that didn’t appeal to me. Pass and Sugden have escaped my ears to this point, which is what has really sparked my curiosity. 

@hilde45 Thanks for the additional feedback and the side message on the LTA. I plan to message you back but having technical difficulties apparently, but I'll figure it out. Didn't want to leave you hanging! 

@bjesien 

If you like the tone and are okay with stage, etc, about adding a subwoofer?

i have considered a sub, but for some reason it’s just never struck my curiosity in the same way. I’ve heard subs make a great difference in several systems. But I’ve equally heard them muddy things up for people. I know the set up in critical for good integration, and I’m sure I’ll go down that road eventually. But for right now, it just doesn’t excite me in the same way as so many other things in the system. 

@voltaicq I think I may have overstated the can't afford it element. I can't afford it at the moment, but I probably can afford it in 6-18 months if I focus on saving. I think the real element is I can't afford to change the amp AND make other changes in my system really would be of more benefit. 

And the core thing I was trying is that amps constantly capture my curiosity, even though I am happy with my existing amp. I'm not one to collect a lot of equipment. I like to have one system that has all my resources put into it. But I have a feeling I may become the type of person that ends up with 2-3 amps over the years because I am constantly curious about trying new amps more than other piece in the system. 

@avanti1960 I think you've predicted the journey that I am on the brink of starting. I really like what I hear in my amp, especially the tone. But I'm craving a deeper understanding of what inherent sound different amps offer. I may just need to save up, buy used, and go down the road of shuffling a few things. I may end up right back where I started, but the curiosity seems to be hitting me more an amps than anything else. 

@whipsaw  thank you for the input! I have been curious about LTA and I got to hear a few of their pieces at SWAF. I wish they had some dealer network, but they do have a quality trial period. 
At the end of the day I think I’m starting to advertise that the best way to go is likely going to be buying used from places like TMR or buying direct with return options. Not the easiest way, and not the way I’d prefer to do business, but it might just be the way it goes now.

@gbmcleod I really intended this thread more for empathy of the constant struggle of wanting to hear everything but being limited by life, and my current ongoing distraction is a fixation with amps. I feel like I know what I'd upgrade every piece in my system with if I came into a pile of cash... except my amp. That's what's really sparked the curiosity. 

But let me see if I can unpack my thoughts. The number one think I love about my Mastersound Dueventi is the vocal tone. That easily is the standout feature in my mind. String instruments are also a strong performer in my opinion. Other elements I really enjoy are depth of soundstage, and very respectable imaging. My speakers also have quite fast bass, but trades off with fairly light bass impact. It's a texture over slam pairing, and when faced with a choice, I would keep the texture even if it means giving up on some slam. 

If I can find an amp that matches the Mastersound tone, that will spark my interest. If I can avoid tube maintenance, that will get me to consider it as a real potential option. If it can open up the top end with a little more resolution, I know my system can benefit from that. If it can also provide a little more low end punch without getting flabby... well then I would likely start to save obsessively until I can make the jump. 

I'll also add that I absolutely prefer a sweeter top end. I admittedly listen to a number of poor recordings, and I don't ever want a system to be analytical to the extent that is just exposes all the flaws in a recording and makes some of my favorite albums from my life unenjoyable. After a journey of amps, I may very well land right back at my Mastersound. But I think I do need to start the journey.