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
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,219 posts
 

Be nice to see a room measurement to know whether you need more diffusion. Your equipment sounds very nice.

ghdprentice
7,500 posts
 

I find if you want to get a feel for the field of possibilities find a dealer and listen a Luxman integrated (or SIM), Pass Integrated (several power levels available), and an Audio research I-50. You get the detailed / shiny (High Fi sounding) almost no Prat or midrange bloom, intermediate (Pass), and rich and musical (ARC). You will fall in love with one of them. Most brands fall on this spectrum. You want to make absolutely sure you match your tastes with the flavor you buy.

annika
29 posts
 

I have Daedalus Apollos and run them with Pass 30.8 via VAC preamp, and I do not feel a lack of slam and dynamics.  As others have mentioned, a sub may yield what you are looking to add for added dynamics and slam.  
 

if you are looking to swap out to a tubed phono, VAC makes great preamps with integrated phono.  This may yield a sound with more “meat on the bones” than you currently are experiencing.  

tomcarr
1,591 posts
 

65 dB isn't very loud. My system sounds bleached and anemic at 65 dB.

At 85 it sounds magnificent, glorious, powerful, wonderful!

sputz's avatar
sputz OP
14 posts
 

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 

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