I had the s@me concern as you, and I recommend a look at the Odyssey power amps. I replaced a 100 wpc tube amp with two mono Odyssey Stratos Extremes with several upgrades, almost making them equivalent to Kismet amps. 200 wpc, and the improvement was marked driving my Fyne Audio F-702s.
What Power Amplifier Should I Buy?
I am looking to increase my system power. I currently am using a Bryston 2.5B cubed, which is specified at 135 Watts/CH. I am using Revel f208 speakers crossed over at 120 Hz to a 15" HSU sub. The f208 speakers have 88.5 dB sensitivity (Amir measured 88-89dB SPL at 1W into 8 ohms). I sit about 7.5 feet away from the speakers and listen up to 92 dB SPL, but mostly stay between 80-90 dB SPL at my listenin g location.
I have not had power issues. I've never seen a clipping light. I just want more oomph. I've never had a power amp with more power than the 2.5B cubed.
My budget is about $5K. I have been looking at some used 4b cubed amps.
My preamp is a vintage ML No. 38s. Digital from Bryston BDP-3/BDA-3 combo. Analog using Koetsu RS and Shelter 901 cartridges into an SUT (20x) followed by a very vintage Paragon System E used as a phono preamp (I have fully repaired this preamp, particularly the power supply).
I like the sound of the 2.5B cubed. I had a Cary 120 tube amp for some time, but grew tired of the heat and the continuous maintenance, including the insane prices for tubes. I did not experince that great "tube sound" that others rave about. I sold the Cary and went back to the 2.5B cubed.
Will the 4B cubed disappoint?
What other amps should I consifder, new or used?
Thanks for your help!
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@ditusa Thanks for showing me an alternate path. Could you explain how a second sub improves the imaging and sound stage? Perhaps I used the wrong word. By "oomph" I meant more power for transients. I wasn't indicating that I needed more bass. I believe I have enough bass. Oh, by the way, I use REW to calibrate and integrate the components. I aim for 1.5 dB/octave roll-off above 1KHz and 1.5dB rise from 200 Hz to 20Hz. I use a graphic equalizer to achieve an FR that's close to this. |
OP, One caution. Investing in a different amp at roughly the same investment level is likely to be trading one set of strengths and weaknesses for a different set. Unless you have made a big mistake on the overall sound ( like you bought a solid state and really would enjoy a warmer more natural sounding tube amp). In this case a sideways move can be of value. My rule of thumb to avoid disappointment is to research thoroughly and invest no less than 2x. This will result in a serious improvement in all aspects of sound quality. Unless I can afford the jump, I just enjoy my system until I can. |
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I’d think this SMcAudio DNA 1 would be worth a try and should be negotiable down to $2k at this point I’d think. Plus, if you like what you hear you can send it back in for the more recent upgrades to get even more and still be well below your budget. I recently had my upgraded DNA 0.5 in my friend’s system and it sounded beefier and more robust than his 3B SST2, which is why I thought this might give you what you’re looking for. Best of luck. |