Help with possible integrated amp change for better match with my speakers.


Hello,

I've been using a Simaudio Moon 600i V1 to power my Focal L&R Utopia B speakers for some years now. 

I have spent lots of time with power cord, and interconnect cable changes. Also different outlets (Furutech GTX-D, both NCF(R) and Gold) I've plugged the speaker ports for a less bloated sound and have the system sounding actually quite nice. BUT...... all the same I'm missing some of the fine micro details buried in the music.  

This brings me to my question to you. I've been thinking about trying eather the Luxman L-509X or the L-595ASE integrated amps. Do you think this would give me better detail retrevial than my current 600i amp does? Would the 595ASE class A amp do a better job with my speakers than the 509X?

Or is there a better choice of integrated amp than this I should consider to achieve my goal for better resolution of fine micro details? 

Thanks for your time and thoughts.

gakman

Showing 5 responses by gakman

Thanks for the responses. I have been pondering a different disc player, I'm currently using an oppo 205 for all disc playback. I recently read about the Teac VRDS-701 and it sounds like a fine machine.

Do you all think my oppo may be a glossing over some of the micro details I feel are missing? It does seem that CD playback is where I'm least happy with my systems sound. 

I have three sources, turntable, FM radio tuner, and CD-disc player. The thing is many of my CD's that I've owned for a long time and played on long gone equipment I remember things that are either missing or quite subdued. Yes my old systems tended to be rather bright and I don't miss that, but I still miss what I know I used to hear. 

Although I haven't really worked with my room as far as adding panels for diffusion or absorption, I do think it's actually not bad with the way it's setup, carpet flooring, fabric blinds, and a number of different types/shapes of furnishings. And of course, at 69 my old ears are surly not what they used to be.

@roadcykler 

I may not be using the correct terminology in "micro details", but i did explain it in the third paragraph of my post just before yours. 

I get the message that probably an amp change won't solve my issue. I'm going to entertain the idea of trying a different disc player. 

I was just setting here when I suddenly recalled something that I had forgotten about. Many years ago, I found a local small retailer who was closing his store and had a (Parasound I believe, don't remember the model) power amplifier he was liquidating. After confirming that I could return it if I wasn't satisfied, I bought it. 

I don't remember what I was using for preamplifier, possibly Adcom. After getting it home and setup in my system I discovered that the treble frequencies were not well represented. This was a very warm amp with great bass grip but missing much of the treble. I ran it for a week or so then returned it. 

This experience would seem to indicate that an amp can make a difference in what is and isn't heard.  

@kofibaffour 

If you're refiring to my most recent post about the Parasound amp, you didn't read it very well. I brought it home and was used in the same system/room. 

As far as equipment goes, I spent many years with a Fosgate Signature phono stage. Tried tube rolling, various cables, and three different cartridges. Finally after years of frustration I decided to try a solid state unit and about a year ago  purchased a whest Three Signature phono stage. Well I'll just say night and day difference! Should have made the change years prior.

Maybe a different CD player would provide similar results? 

As @goose said, his change to the Esoteric player was very positive. I've read nothing but good about that brand, unfortunately it's out of my financial ability.

@jafant 

The 700i has crossed my mind, although I question how much an improvement vs a more lateral move it would really be. 

I'm using an oppo 205-disc player for all my silver disc playback. I also have a Fanfare FM tuner, and Lyra Lydian Beta cartridge/Ortofon TA-110 tonearm on Merrill Williams 101 table. That into the whest three signature phono stage.

I have different speaker cables on the way here, so will find out soon if that could be a positive influence.