I am currently using the Mini Utopias with 2 REL Stadium subs. I have used several amps, mostly a Musical Fidelity M3 NuVista. Right now I am using a Magic hybrid tube preamp with Meridian 605s. Sources a VPI Aries ex. with all upgrades and 12.7 arm. Also Meridian CD transports with Musical Fidelity and Audio Synthesis decoders. Cardas speaker cables and VDH ICs. I have by no means finished tuning them but I am happy with the sound I am getting. Very detailed and up front, on the boundary of too much so compared to the Spendor SP-1s I usually use. They are sweeter in the high end and ,while detailed , present a less up front perspective. They are available quite reasonably, try a used pair as a supplement to your present ones. If you like them better you can sell your Utopias or alternate them. If you don't like them you will take little loss reselling them.
What amplification is best for JMLab Mini Utopias
Hello, dear members. I've finally decided to ask for help, which I feel I should have done looong ago...I have been in this hobby for over a decade and have grown frustrated to the point of giving up. Simply put, I cannot achieve long term satisfaction with my system's overall sound, and need help how to do better as I feel I've done my share of one-time-more-expensive-component-upgrading(as much as my funds allow me) instead of simply putting a record/cd on and be surrounded by musical pleasure for hours.
My question is whether I should try one more time to find an amp/preamp/integrated amp for my JMLab Minis/Utopia Sub/Townshend ribbon supper tweeters, or find different speakers to go along with rest of system. Amps tried- Dynaco ST 70 new rebuilt, Dynaco MKIIIs, N.E.W. DCA-33, CJ Sonograph, Audio Note P2SE(current amp). All of those sound(ed) fine for a while only. Last one also lacks power. Or should I further go down in power, and get a single driver(with added tweeters)speaker-based system? I just recently pulled out from attic a Philips receiver from probably late 60s with 7watts of solid state output power hooked up to a tabletop Telefunken single, crossoverless paper driver speaker and am being astounded with the clarity, immediacy, speed and toe-tapping factor on all kinds of music just listening to FM in mono to the point where I don't want to go back to my main set up. I find the latter uninvolving, slightly mechanical, edgy, dark,much less expressive, and lacking in any excitement. I have also thought of getting AN speakers and build an AN system( I already have the M2 preamp) but used ones don't come often on audiogon, and I haven't had any luck selling or trading mine towards a pair so far... I don't have the luxury of attending audio fests or comparing full set ups at dealers in my area to make things easy. My sources are a Sony SCD-777ES(thinking of adding an AN DAC), VPI MKIV with TNT platter, VPI arm, Revox A-77 half track high speed(15ips) open reel deck, Pioneer tuner, TEAC C-3 cassette deck(recordings from live FM broadcasts on metal tapes rock IMHO. Cables are Kimber Selects. I cannot thank you enough for your shared experience, thoughts, and wisdom. Good listening to all!!
My question is whether I should try one more time to find an amp/preamp/integrated amp for my JMLab Minis/Utopia Sub/Townshend ribbon supper tweeters, or find different speakers to go along with rest of system. Amps tried- Dynaco ST 70 new rebuilt, Dynaco MKIIIs, N.E.W. DCA-33, CJ Sonograph, Audio Note P2SE(current amp). All of those sound(ed) fine for a while only. Last one also lacks power. Or should I further go down in power, and get a single driver(with added tweeters)speaker-based system? I just recently pulled out from attic a Philips receiver from probably late 60s with 7watts of solid state output power hooked up to a tabletop Telefunken single, crossoverless paper driver speaker and am being astounded with the clarity, immediacy, speed and toe-tapping factor on all kinds of music just listening to FM in mono to the point where I don't want to go back to my main set up. I find the latter uninvolving, slightly mechanical, edgy, dark,much less expressive, and lacking in any excitement. I have also thought of getting AN speakers and build an AN system( I already have the M2 preamp) but used ones don't come often on audiogon, and I haven't had any luck selling or trading mine towards a pair so far... I don't have the luxury of attending audio fests or comparing full set ups at dealers in my area to make things easy. My sources are a Sony SCD-777ES(thinking of adding an AN DAC), VPI MKIV with TNT platter, VPI arm, Revox A-77 half track high speed(15ips) open reel deck, Pioneer tuner, TEAC C-3 cassette deck(recordings from live FM broadcasts on metal tapes rock IMHO. Cables are Kimber Selects. I cannot thank you enough for your shared experience, thoughts, and wisdom. Good listening to all!!