Looking for input on an amplifier switch


Greetings! Long time listener, first time caller. 

My current system is comprised of:

Sonus Faber Olympica Nova 5s

Krell FBP 300cx

2 dedicated 20 amp circuits. 

McIntosh C12000 Pre amplifer
Clearaudio Performance DC turntable with a SoundSmith Voice cartridge

PS Audo Perfectwave MKII DAC with a Auralic Aries G2.2 streamer

The more I delve into reference tube gear, the more I find myself drawn to it. I am considering swapping out the Krell FPB300cx (it has been rebuilt by krell and is in mint condition). I find it very nice in the upper detail but lacking in the mids and at lower volumes. Its  very clean but not as engaging as I would like.I have to turn it up to hear the fullness Im looking for.  Im more a full body detail guy and find sibalince frustrating. Therefore, I don’t like Bowers and Wilkins, etc. 

Im considering swapping with a mint set of used Audio Research 250 SE monoblocks. Has anyone made the switch from SS to ARC amps and what was your experience? Does anyone own the ARC 250 monoblocks. How do you like them? 

apuchle

Showing 1 response by bigkidz

OK I say this every time, we are a manufacturer of tube components and we are a repair/upgrade facility.  You actually do not know how a component will perform until you try something in your own system.

In our listening room we have a pair of Sonus Farber Stradivari speakers.  We typically use our tube mono blocks on them at around 35wpc.  We have used many other mono block amps since we repair components and get to try them out on that system.  Recently we received a VAC Ren 30/30 stock stereo amp.  That little sucker worked fantastic on those speakers.  So, you don't know until you hear it in your own system.

If you are looking for warmth, I would say that the AR is not a champ in that area.  Maybe better than the Krell, but I don't know what you exactly mean by warmth to your ears.  The old Krell KSA-50 was a fantastic power amplifier back in the day so it depends on different models what floats ones boat. I would also say that the PS Audio DAC is not a typical warm sounding piece either.

Happy Listening.