2. amps-preamps
  3. 1326438408

Is an amp the next upgrade path for me? Advice...

Hi all, love the forum, long time fan, and a past purchaser of equipment from here.

My equipment prior to 3 weeks ago, were:
Axiom Audio M22Ti, Arcam a65plus integrated, Axiom EP 125 sub, Squeezebox touch, wiring/power all stock.

Recently purchased a set of PSB Imagine T towers to replace the m22.
Very happy with my decision, soundstage has really opened up!!

Of course, I am now limited to the volume I can play my music (I prefer 2 channel), and have noticed things falling apart a bit at higher volumes, mostly with the higher freq. output. The subwoofer I have at 50hz and below, and used mostly to add a lithe bit of "pop" to the electronica music I so much enjoy. Room size is smallish, say 12 feet b/w me and speakers, but will probably employing these in a larger space soon.

What should my next step up be? I'm interested in larger, more expansive soundstage. I want more "feeling" the music, with a bit more lower end. I want to try and improve the higher end "shrill" that I can get with higher volumes.

I AM NOT intersted in changing speakers, as I'm very happy with these towers.
I AM NOT interested in chancing cables, as I am just not completely sold on this upgrade path, at least, at the current level of equipment I have.

Would you recommend an outboard amp? Higher power Rotel or musical fidelity, for example? And how much power? ( I do want something that will last a long time, with further upgrades in speakers, and larger power req. in the future)
Would you recommend a change completely from the integrated to a much nicer integrated unit with higher output?
If I were to spend 1,000$ on a newer higher powered integrated vs 1000$ on a power amp, where would I see the MOST benefit.
Would you recommend a change the subwoofer either in addition to, or alone as a substantial upgrade?

I appreciate all your input! My budget is probably in the 1K range.

thanks all!
H
mrhdream

Showing 4 responses by mrhdream

mrhdream OP
10 posts
 
Thanks all for the great feedback!
So after thinking (of course while listening my beautiful little system :) I think I've realized that power is probably the thing I need/want/require the most.

I have looked at the belcantos, which are great power wise, but unfortunately the usb dac would not work properly with the Squeezbox, and I'm not interested in having a separate PC connected to this system.

TheNADS seem nice, but I will admit, I can be vain, and the "look" just does not do ANYTHING for me. Boring, just imho of course!!

Now the Odyssey Stereo amp seems to really stand out to me, I absolutely love the look, modern, yet unobtrusive, all around class. The specs seem up to par, with good power output 150w/ch into 8ohm, with decent current rating of >45, I think plenty for these PSB speakers, and would be good for upgrades down the road.

I really do like my integrated, just not the power output.
Now if there is an integrated that accepts digital inputs, and its own built in dec, with good power output, and a reasonable price, I would be sold!
I'm just not sure that's going to happen.

I figure, get the power now.. Save up, and get a nice pre-amp, possibly one with processor/dac, etc... in the future.
Does this sound reasonable to you all?

Any other amps you recommend I check out other than Odyssey: Something with looks, power >120 watts, and a decent current rating?

Also, in regards to changing the power supply of the squeezebox, after some reading, it does seem like a reasonable upgrade. I'm usually hesitant on power/cable upgrades, but it seems as though this one might be junk. Not sure how much is needed to spend on such a thing however....

thanks again for all your feedback!
Looking forward to responses.
H
mrhdream OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the responses everyone! I think I am definitely interested in a power amp, and not another integrated.I figure in the future, once I change to a preamp/processor, I can move the arcam back to powering my axiomM22ti as a nice little bedroom setup!

The Odyssey Stratos has really caught my eye, but I continue to look at other amps to option. Any other suggestions for a good looking, powerful amp? Ended up getting some new speaker cables/interconnects from BlueJeans, I'll let you know if they "do anything" after I get them (mainly i wanted the convenience of banana plugs, figured, why not).

thanks again
Hanny
mrhdream OP
10 posts
 
Thanks so much for the replies!
After plenty of research, and input from all of you, I decided that the AMP is really the first purchase I need to make. I do not want to under power my speakers and risk an issue down the road. Also, I liked the idea of going separate so that in the future I can mix and match. I loved the integrated for the system I have had, but future upgrades and changes would be difficult with a simple change to an integrated.

I have just purchased an Odyssey Stratos Extreme+ stereo amp, used here on audiogon, with what I think is a great price. Plus, talked to Klauss himself and seems like this would be a good match. Plus, a 20 year warranty is fantastic. This amp is near new, delivered in sep 2011, so is very up-to-date, and not even broken in yet! My hope is that this amp will be a foundation for years to come as I continue to expand.

I will let you all know how this amp turns out in my system!

Sadly, I have been spending exuberant amounts of time already looking at preamps. This hobby can be damaging to the psyche. lol
thanks again, and will update you all soon once the amp comes in.

take care
H
mrhdream OP
10 posts
 
Hi everyone!

So I have been listening my new amp (Stratos Extreme SE w/ board upgrades, TS premium/cable upgrade, and WBT connectors) which I got for for an amazing price here on Audiogon.

What a difference!!!!

First of all, this amp is built like a tank, not some old Soviet era tank, but an Abrhams BUILT TO DESTROY type of tank :)

All joking aside, it really is a wonderful piece of equipment. I am not even able to put in my equipment rack, so it is sitting flat on the carpet.

AFter about a day of warmup, I gave it a listen.

The impact of the music was the most noticeable and immediate impact I felt. The music no longer felt so far in the distance, and veiled, instead it had punch, and a "you are right there" type of atmosphere.
I noticed a substantial improvement in the bass.

The soundstage is markedly improved. instruments are more distinctive now.
I had issue with these speakers originally because they did not "disappear" as well as I liked, but not anymore.

Voices are very crisp and almost too upfront compared to the prior amp.

Overall extremely happy with this purchase. I've been very lucky in that the components I have been adding have given noticeable improvements.

I did purchase some Blue Jeans cables for speakers, and interconnects. The build quality is great. I did not a/b the difference from my old monster cables, but then again, I'm not a huge proponent on expensive cable upgrades.

So next up, I have a PSB Subseries 500i in matching dark cherry coming soon, hoping to fill out the lower bass that I know will not be achieved without extremely expensive floor standers.

In the future, will work on DAC and Pre-Amp.
For now I'm happy, and just enjoy the music :)

Any comments/suggestions?
H
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