2. amps-preamps
  3. 193638-170405

Help needed to make system better, please


I currently am mostly happy with my current system. I have moved my Daedalus Audio DA-1 speakers back into main spot. I run Simaudio Moon 740p balanced into Simaudio Moon 760a. Quiet, transparent, plenty of power. Good soundstage and imaging. Could use SLAM, PRAT, or dynamics. And a little treble extension. I want more meat on the bone sound. I know tube preamps deliver more rich, or “meat on the bone” sound, but usually are slower with less bass. I was told to try Pass Labs amp, but think they have less resolution and slight distortion. So, I am looking for direction. I was told BAT preamp has better dynamics. Thinking about a BAT VK-53se running balanced into Simaudio amp. Would this be forward move, or sideways? Definitely don’t want to go backwards. I can listen to my system for hours. No fatigue. Just feels like something is slightly missing. I do like dynamics, but I also like transparency and dead quiet background. Any and all suggestions are appreciated and welcome. Please let me know if you have moved on from 740p. What did you go for, and why? Is Pass Labs amp going to be a positive thing? I don’t want to keep going through gear. I am close now, just wanted that little richness and PRAT. 

sputz

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
9,968 posts
 

What specifically do you mean by “thicker sound?”  Do you mean something like greater tonal density in the mids or fuller bass, etc.?

soix
9,968 posts
 

Given the sensitivity of your speakers and the power of your amp it’s hard to fathom you lacking slam or dynamics.  I would first try an LTA MicroZOTL preamp (they offer a trial period) to see if that gives you some added detail and meat on the bones.  If you do this talk to them about the Ray Samuels tube upgrade as a possible option for your tastes.  Another one would be the Backert Rhumba or Rhumba Extreme (both of which are fully balanced).  For the slam and dynamics I have to think it’s a limitation of the speakers, so for that I’d add a couple subs because I don’t think an amp will really do it and the subs will also yield nice improvements in imaging and 3D soundstage as well.  Pass will likely be too laid back in the treble given that you’re looking for more detail up there and not less.  If I was starting from scratch knowing what you’re looking for I’d probably pair an LTA MicroZOTL or Backert Rhumba/Extreme pre with a Coda CS5.5 amp FWIW.  Hope this helps somewhat, and best of luck. 

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