2. amps-preamps
  3. 136862-1288

Pre and Amp Suggestions

Given the way these things go, I’m almost afraid to ask this question but here goes: I’m finally at a place where my front-end and speakers are at “destination” level-at least for me....for now.  My question is where and what to upgrade between these two extremes. The speakers in question are Revel Studio 2s which I love, and the front-end dac/streamer is the Lumin T1 ruining Roon. The Lumin feeds into an analogue bypass section (no digital conversion) of an Anthem AVM60 going in turn to two 200 watt mono channels of a Sherbourn 7300. In trying to answer my question, I would appreciate keeping to the following parameters:

-no suggestions of other speakers or front end gear, I’m in a good place where I am right now.
-no suggestions of power conditioners, cables etc. Let’s just stick to the gear.

Just looking for pre and amp recommendations (or really good SS integrated amps). The sound right now is quite neutral, but perhaps a little lean but very revealing. I’m not looking to drastically alter the sound or play louder, just looking for more of the “good stuff”, resolution, staging etc. Might consider a tube pre or hybrid but really have no interest in an all tube power amp or massive class A space heater anymore. Ok let the games begin!
spinaker01

Showing 3 responses by auxinput

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

The Revel speakers are not that hard to drive.  They dip just under 4 ohms at the 300hz to 400hz area, but mostly they are 5 ohms or above.  However, I feel these speakers can be touchy because of the metal domes tweeters and can easily sound too bright/harsh. 

The Pass Labs is a very neutral and controlled amplifier, but it is still a very strong amplifier.  I think it would be a good pairing with the Revel speakers.  You can get away with the INT-150 integrated (there's one up for sale for $4k).  If you can get an INT-250 within your budget, it is basically the newer 250.8 amplifier with what looks like a trimmed down XP-20 preamp inside the chassis.  Nice.  The INT-150 uses the older gen 1 amp (I think), but it would also be a great solution if you wanted to save budget.

There's a stand alone Pass Labs 250.8 amp on usaudiomart for $6200.  Then just add a nice preamp.

auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Oh, are you sure about that X60.5 monos?  I think you are seeing the XA60.5 monoblocks.  The "XA" series is full Class A amp which does get hotter and sucks electricity. Nice if you want a very smooth softer sound - would sound nice on your Revel speakers.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
The newer Krell stuff (after Dan left) is more high resolution and brighter. It may cause your Revel speakers to be too bright.  Although, the newest "Duo" type amps might be smoother because they are the Krell variable-Class A circuit (which adjusts voltage as input signal goes up and down).
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