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!
What is it that you want the new amplifier to do that your current one doesn't? Are you looking for more nuance, more dynamic range or dynamic contrasts, tonal quality or something else? I find it helpful to know what you want a new component to do that enhances your musical experience. Without that, we're just like a leaf blown around by the wind. So, what are you hoping to happen? |
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@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. |
