2. amps-preamps
  3. 157857-145415

Tweaking preamp and amp combination

I have an Audio Research Sp9 MKII preamp along with McCormack DNA 125 amp upgraded to SE+ in 2015. I have Vandy 3A sigs with a pair of 2w subs. I am looking for options on replacing or upgrading current power amp. Below is a list of considerations and looking for recommendations on best option to compliment my current system.
  
  1. SMC Audio upgrade of the DNA 125
  2. Purchase used Audio Research D200 or D300 power amp
  3. Other options that would compliment the 3A Sigs and sub combination
charkune

Showing 2 responses by charkune

charkune OP
2 posts
 
I'm using SignalCorp.com interconnects, power cord for amp, and speaker bi-wire cables. The phono stage tubes in
the SP9 MKII are Electro-Harmonix 6922 Gold. The WX-2 cross-over filter that I'm using is set at 75K.
Thus at minimum an M5-HP (If I could find one) may make an improvement.

When listening to certain vinyl recordings I hear distortion in high timbre vocals and cymbals where playback is too bright which from my understanding may be due to the recording's improper mix or lack of proper compression.

In digging deeper to my original inquiry, can changes in interconnects, tubes, crossovers, cartridge or amplification compensate for playback of recordings to make them more listenable if they may have been mixed improperly?
charkune OP
2 posts
 
Thanks all for the recommendations.  I decided to take guidance to revisit my cartridge setup.  I found a more current document online and when thru the tonearm setup. I realigned the cartridge on my tonearm and reset tracking force. I then set VTA and azimuth.  These changes have corrected the issues I was facing with cymbals and high timbre vocals. 

I'm due for a tube replacement in early July on the pre-amp so next step will be to try a different brand of tubes.  Thanks again.   
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