2. amps-preamps
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For classical music lovers best amp for large orchestral forces?

I recently upgraded my pre to an arc ref 6se. Currently using pas xa25. It's a very good amp but I'm noticing a fair amount of compression when playing large symphonic works. My speakers are Dalis and they are excellent as is the arc.

For smaller forces, chamber, piano and voices the system works beautifully. But if I'm looking for more transparency and a deeper sound stage for symphonies I find sometimes a boxy cramped sound. Looking to spend around 8k or less either tube or solid state. There have been discussions about the xa25 and what's better but they fill up immediately with tangents of philosophical and technical discussions of how one hears. I'm looking for as many possibilities of actual units that I can read about and possibly hear.

Thanks for your ideas.

roxy1927

Showing 1 response by jomonhifi

jomonhifi's avatar
jomonhifi
139 posts
 

What about an ARC 75SE…? They come on the used market often and it may give you an opportunity to see if the upgrade to an 80s or 160s is worth it…? I had a gryphon Diablo 300 and did just that. The Gryphon had incredible head room and iron fist bass control, but it was a little too dark and clinical for me. The ARC amp was buttery and lovely and not at all harsh with plenty of party for loud passages. I sold the gryphon, bought a used REF 6SE and a brand new 160s and, well… I’m a happy boy. My speakers are Sonus Faber Serafino’s.

 

I don’t know your speakers, but my Amp Journey took me from McIntosh to Gryphon to Audio Research.

 

good luck…!

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