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 8 responses by sputz

Thank you ghdprentce. That is exactly my impression. I was trying to say without say. I didn’t want to bash any brand. I was fishing for information or opinions on BAT preamp or Pass Labs X250.8 vs Simaudio 760a. 
my ideal would be BAT VK-90 or VK-53se with CODA NO. 16 amp. That is my dream with the DAEDALUS or LAWRENCE double bass, or even Cello. 

I sit 10-11’ from speakers. Room is about 16’ x 22’ with left side open to kitchen and dining room. Speakers are about 9 1/2’ apart. 
I am wondering if Simaudio is too overly neutral. Is this possible?? My preference is listening around 65db. I want to stay balanced, if possible. I have Ayre P-5xe phono. Which I currently enjoy. Thinking about going tube phono. Possibly Manley Steelhead, or ??

but I feel Simaudio is detailed, quiet background of, soundstage and imaging is good. Just want thicker sound with equal detail and slightly more dynamic or PRAT. 

I don’t have formal room treatment. Carpet floors. Sofa and overstuffed chair. Plants in corners. Took many days of speaker movement , measuring and toe in, toe out to get where it sounds good but lifeless. I don’t want to bash. But I believe now that components can be overly neutral and dead sounding. Benchmark to my ears is worse than Simaudio. Very detailed and quiet but no emotion. No PRAT. 

JL35 I do believe that combination would sound great, and be good with most any speakers. 

JL35 I do believe that combination would sound great, and be good with most any speakers. 

I have looked into VAC. Beautiful. Great sound. I really want to continue running full balance. I think I know the answer to my question. BAT VK-53se or BAT VK-90 with Pass Labs X250.8 or better yet, CODA #16 amp. Just lurking and fishing for people who tried the combination. Also, I enjoy learning of other brands, and best of all, other people’s approaches to achieve what I am asking. 3+3=6. But 2+4 also equals 6. Different approaches. Always looking to learn 

I already own two great subs. Rythmik FV-15HP. I have them set around 28hz, and turned down to accent. I am a bass head, but don’t want loud thumping. I like the bass to augment. I have felt, for awhile, selling the Simaudio and picking up a BAT preamp, or ARC. But I am worried ARC has upper midrange glare. Never heard the newer ARC reference preamps. My hearing prefers a slight darker but detailed sound. Bass definition, extension, and slam. I heard Pass Labs. Like the midrange thickness, but Simaudio is quieter and possibly more detailed. Never actually heard side by side to directly compare. Really enjoyed listening to CODA amp. Extended on both ends. Effortless sound. Beautiful. But, have not heard with BAT preamp. 
Again, just looking for some ideas. A little new knowledge. And different ideas! I appreciate all answers. I love the many ways to obtain good sound. 

G2the2nd that is a good idea. One that I have not tried. I may have found my weekend plans. Thank you.