Lean sound. What's the cause?


When I add McCormack MAP-1 to the chain the bass is noticeably weaker and leaner than without.

control:

Linn Unidisk SC -> Tara Labs RSC Air 2 Series 2 -> Levinson 335

with MAP-1:

Linn Unidisk SC -> Tara Labs RSC Ref Gen2 -> McCormack MAP-1 -> Tara Labs RSC Air 2 Series 2 -> Levinson 335

The power cord I'm using for MAP-1 is VH Audio Flavor 1.

What is he cause of the lean sound?

1. impedance mismatch between source and pre
2. impedance mismatch between pre and amp
3. Tara Labs Ref Gen2 sounds lean
4. power cord
5. ???
jylee

Showing 1 response by sidssp

BAT sounds closer to solid state than tube, it could sound lean with the ML335 also. I suggest you look into Audio Research SP-16 or LS-25 (the original, not MK2), either one will be good match for the 335.