Get a much larger amp and sell the XA25 to me. |
I would think a larger size amp would be like buying a new car and opting for the model with greater HP. A larger size amp would work les hard and I wonder if this in turn would produce better sound. I have always thought the larger the amp the better. However, it would have to have the type of sound you are trying to obtain.
Not sure if you have a pair of subwoofers. When I added my REL S2 subs, I was able to reproduce more bass at lower listening volumes. |
There’s been lots written but here are my two adds: one more factual guidance, the other my opinion based on hearing various Sonus Fabers.
1. re: power vs quality - more power is only beneficial if you are exceeding the VOLTAGE limit of the amp. The Pass labs stuff can deliver plenty of current for its modest voltage (about 14 volts rms) under normal dynamic conditions (where one uses on average ~ 10-% of rated power due to music’s peak: average ratio) . If you are beginning to clip - get more power. Else. move on IMO. Note my answer assumes that money is limited and you can only spend your budget once: so money spent on an amp, for instance, is not spent on speakers. Hint: i think you ought to look at speakers - whether i be subwoofers or a thoroughly different speaker. Yet that may not match your personal likes.
2. re: the speakers - it would be helpful to know the problem you are trying to solve. They will never have much bass - the laws of [physics are not on thier side, yet many speakers that solve that problem violate the laws of decorating. Only you know.
That said, when i have heard the Sonus Fabers they always sound somewhat bright and harsh from the upper mids up. This is, IMO, common in many components that seek "detail". It does not sound like music to me. Don;t get me wrong, they are very good speakers, but IMO nowhere near the quality of your preamp and amp (having only heard *ABOUT* the BHK, but knowing Nelson’s stuff).
Yet that may no be your objective at all. Step #1 if finding a solution is knowing the problem!
G
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Audiophilia nervosa? We all have it.
Powered subwoofers and external crossovers to reduce the bass load on the Amators might be worth trying.
You have great stuff, by the way.
Have fun!
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+1 for Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables. They are not expensive and probably the best available at any price. A no brainer.
Then as good a cartridge as you can afford. Source is critical.
If your amp is not clipping, you will not benefit from more power.
It is always tempting to get a bigger amp but not needed.
You seem to have a very nice system especially for a small room.
The Fidelium SC have a trial period but you will not send them back.
And the cartridge is where the sound is coming from. |
I love the XA25. I own one. If it already plays loud enough.....
So. Cross the subs at 80 to 100 Hz. Then you for sure have enough power. The drivers in your speakers will vibrate less at lower volumes clearing up the sound, less IM distortion. And the subs will increase dynamics.
Also, unless I missed it do you have your speakers isolated? I want to try this as well. Supposed to clean up several things. Soundstage for one.
If you want to try a different pre amp, a Don Sachs or Supratek are high quality for 2 to 3 k. |
Your amp plays loud enough so keep it. Subs crossed at 80 Hz or so will take more load off the Xa25. The speakers will sound better with less IM distortion.
Don Sachs and Supratech make excellent tube preamps if you want to try one.
Speaker isolatIon is another thing to consider if not done. |
Power power power!!! Watts are the result of power and work in concert of each other. It is like horse power and torque one works great if you want to pull a stump out of the ground and the other if you are racing in a straight line. |
I wonder if given how good your system is now, a good power regenerator might not make sense. I got the same PS Audio email and as I recall one of their power regenerators has an offer on it. I personally bought a P5, their smallest unit, and noticed a blacker background and more articulate sound, which I attribute to lower noise. I’ve built some DIY Pass equipment and know his power supplies are great, but think there’s still an argument for clean power. Painless to try. You can just return it if you don’t like it. |
I disagree with the generalization that more power is better. My Marantz 1060 at 30 wpc sounds better than most amps with 100, 200, 300 etc. It is all about the sound. It drives my outdoor speakers and they can obtain concert level sound with excellent fidelity.
As you are exploring the SVS option, take a look at the B&W PV1D. I just added a DB3D to my Magicos and the result is nothing short of spectacular. |
The very best sounding amps I've heard are all low in output. But, these amps are not appropriate for many speakers and in situations where high volume is a requirement and/or the room is extremely large. So there is a minimum amount of power that is needed, and that minimum is situational.
It is hard to say whether the 50 watts you have is sufficient. All else being equal, more power will at least afford you more headroom for the brief peaks when playing very loudly. That may or may not be a sufficient basis to upgrade to higher power. But, often there is a sonic price to more power. I once heard a comparison between a 50 watt Rowland amp and a very similar Rowland amp that was much more powerful. I actually preferred the sound of the lower powered amp, and the speakers used in the comparison where supposedly a power/current hog. I don't know why this was the case--it could be that using a larger number of output transistors adversely affects the sound, it could be that some transistor amps don't sound as good when they are just loafing at a small fraction of their capability--but this showed me that more is not necessarily better.
All of my current amps are low-powered tube units (6.5 watts/channel being the brawniest), but, I have appropriately efficient speakers and I prize good low-volume performance over ability to shake the room. |
I agree with a-lot of the comments good input. I have to focus on two things. Great speakers for your room or small office. You will notice a remarkable difference with more power ie 200 wRMS plus.
It does sound that you have the upgrade itch. I have found that once you have the right amount of power everything else falls into place.
IMO your amp sounds great with more efficient speakers. 89db + |
If you’ve a small room what is it do you feel your 50 watt Class A amp isn’t providing? I’m in a small 10 x 15’ room. I’m driving Martin Logan Summits with a 45 watt tube amp. I’ve grateful to find bliss in a small room. |
Hi Op,
I don't usually post here, but from reading through this thread your amp act as a voltage source, outputting 14 volts. Assuming that at dynamic peaks you are using 100 watts total, that would mean that your speaker cable has to handle 2 amps per channel. At a 30 foot run, in order to maintain voltage within 1% loss, you would need #8 awg cable for your speakers. Smaller cable will cause significant voltage drops at higher current loads limiting the dynamics of the amp. You've got great stuff, try either a shorter run, or beef up your wire gauge on your speaker cable.
Best Regards,
Mike |
Have you done a room frequency analysis with a reference mic and then adjusted the EQ to get the vibe you desire?
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