Help - amplifier matching problems


I own a pair of Aerial 7Bs and am using a BAT VK-30 as a pre-amp, a Theta Miles CD player and a Classe CA-100 amp (100wpc into 8). I love the sound except for the bass, which is a bit fat and not taught enough. Thinking that I needed more power, I purchased a Krell KAV-250a (250wps into 8). After letting the Krell burn in for 100 hours, I did a side by side. The results, I miss the Classe midrange. The Krell clearly controls the bass, does not have that "tube" coloration and is much more powerful. However, it sounds cold and I believe the soundstage dramatically disappears. Can anyone suggest a good match, or should I keep the Classe and get more efficient speakers? Thanks in advance.
robk

Showing 1 response by whknopp0713

I think Sean has a legitimate point, but makes too much of it. Commercial affiliations should be disclosed, but it is also true that every one of us has biases and makes recommendations based on what we prefer. I assume that one of the primary reasons that jtinn sells BAT (assuming that in fact he (she?) does) is because he prefers it to other brands that he might sell. We all do the same thing with respect to the equipment we prefer to buy or recommend.

But to the point: Aeriels need lots of current. I like the biamping with another CA 100; that offers good value. I also think that a much bigger Classe might be a solution. I drive 10T's with SimAudio (damping factor >800) and the Aeriels are very taught and punchy. Frankly, I also like the BAT idea, especially as I have a vague recollection of JA expressing some concern about impedence matching with BAT, but I think that was in connection with one of the tube amps. Sorry for the vague reference, but worth a bit of checking.