New amps with SP Tech Revelations


Hi. I have a fairly mid-to-large sized music room/HT that measures 15.25' x 23' x 10'. My main system (in fact my entire 2 channel and 5.1 system) is SP Tech. My front mains are the large Revelation MR1 Mark IIIs (with custom external Mundorf crossovers). I currently enjoy them being driven by a pair of Spectron Musician III Mark II monoblocks, using prototype Elrod remote sense speaker cables. I like the sound very much; don't get me wrong. I am just itching to try other amps, hear if other amps might bring a smidge more warmth, air and tonality (hopefully not at the expense of limiting the dynamics vs these multi-thousand watt class D puppies) and wondering what folks thought about the Pass XA.5 series, for example. The Revs are 4-Ohms and are 88dB @ 1W/1M (and 91dB @ 2.83V/1M) efficient. Most conclude that they love all the power they can handle; they are very very quick and dynamic speakers that will fill a large space. I am an imaging and soundstage depth fan, as well as love deep powerful bass. I say this cuz I don't think tube amps are in my future, but never say never I guess. I run either a Modwright dual mono LS 36.5 two box streo pre, or the Wyred STP SE (depending on mood).

Anyway, with these specs, with the size of my room, and with the fact that I love anything from Cassandra Wilson to Radiohead, do you think a pair of XA60.5's would be enough to audition, or should I go for the 100.5 or 160.5 sizes. The audition/demo from a place like Reno, for example, will cost me a few hundred dollars in shipping and restocking should I not keep them, so I'd just as soon demo the right size/fit. I'm not sure I want to even afford the 160.5's, for example. :)

I'm open to other suggestions, but the Revelation owners/listeners list is pretty short, and a few use Spectrons already. They will win all ties, that's for sure. Thanks in advance....
Ted
tedmbrady

Showing 1 response by joey54

It's been quite a while but a friend of mine had a pair of SP Tech floor standers (not sure which model) and he had great success driving them with a set of Theta Monoblock amps and Gen VIII Dac/Preamp. The Enterprise Monoblocks have dropped in price dramatically and can usually be found for under $4K a pair. I owned a Theta Dreadnaught in the past myself and it was a great sounding amp. 

I am unsure what the status of Theta is with regards to servicing their products but they might be worth a look. Good Luck!