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

I don’t know your budget but your preamp is pretty horrible. I would focus on that and get a Burmester 088 or 035 and a dac first like a Weiss Helios. Your dac is slow and just not detailed. Then get a Burmester 911 MK3 stereo amp it can drive a truck and is full bodied AND detailed without sounding too "hi-Fi" with treble murder cannon highs like boulder does.

AR 300 monoblocks are good but you have to deal with tubes I would do solid state if you go with AR on their new amps but Burmester is incredible and lots of deals now on their used gear and it lasts forever. 

+1 pennfootball71

My system started out with McIntosh MC1.25 kWh mono blocs which I had for about 6 years.  During longer listening sessions I would get ear fatigue.  So I went out and demoed as many amps / preamps configurations that were in my budget and I landed on Audio Research 160S and Ref6SE preamp.  I had that in my system for about 3 years and on a whim bought a previously owned Burmester 032 integrated for my office set up.  I was so impressed with the Burmester that I ended up moving on from Audio Research and have landed on a Burmester amp and pre amp set up in my main system.  There are plenty of opportunities to buy Burmester used products online to fit your budget.  
 

Good luck and let us know how you make out  

 

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.

These Clayton Class A amps are well worth a look and quite a lot of amp for the $$$.  All reviews of Clayton amps are stellar, and these may do just what you’re looking for without having to deal with tubes.  They don’t sell new amps anymore, but I believe the owner/designer still services them out of Missouri.  Best of luck.

https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/clayton-audio-m300-monoblock-power-amplifiers-pair/

 

I recently listened to Sonus Faber Speakers (Lillium) with Burmeister equipment. Absolutely astonishing imaging... literally behind the walls, to the ceiling and great depth behind the speakers. A true sonic spectacular. Of the high end Roland / Wilson camp. I cannot believe anyone would not be blown away by it. On the other hand, not remotely something I want in my house. Not musical and natural sounding. This is why auditioning is so important. You want to get equipment that takes you to the place you want to go.