Willsenton vs Billie MK 1

@troutbum - Hi, I don't stream - just records and CDs.  Podcasts and YouTube and the like are through my laptops.

I had read that the Node was fairly basic, not bad, just basic.  No field experience though.

I am getting similar vibes as I must give off (here comes the wind up and the pitch) ... satisfied mostly with what I have.  Know instinctively that to noticeably improve to the next step or two would involve a serious enough outlay of cash.  Just don't enough to pull the trigger/ where to pull the trigger.  Not comfortable dropping $5k or so for new amps or speakers.  

Rich 

I thought the Node was pretty high end......not true (IYO)? The Joseph's have always been on my radar....just a few too many dollars.

@troutbum - I really can't fault the Billie, as I realize that my speaker placement is what is causing my dissatisfaction.  I have the Golden Ear BRXs sitting on top of bookcases that are about 5' high.  Speakers sound fine, but only so.  I am not sure how to tweak this system, as long as I am forced with the speaker placement that I have. 

The Merlins have quite a following here.  It also helps that you can't get them any more.  The one speaker that would be/ is my holy grail are the Joseph Audio Pulsars.  But not to put them on top of a bookcase.

What about your current sound is not working for you?  The preamp on the Billie is pretty good.  Maybe a streamer upgrade over the Node?

Rich 

A friend of mine had the Billie as well, but he moved on and didn't look back. But, he has more expensive tastes than I. Actually, I like the Billie. I had been thinking about upgrading from my Merlin TSM MMs, but most advice said keep them and upgrade components. That's where I am.

I was interested in the amps made by Willsenton. I was not particularly put off by Chinese made tube amps since I have a Line Magnetic integrated tube amp now. The R8 was getting rave reviews and I was Iooking hard at the R800i. Then I saw a YouTube audio tech who reviewed these amps and found faults in the design of both amps. Upon looking further I had decided against the brand.

@troutbum - What are your feelings about the Billie amp and why do you want to change?  

I have had the Billie Mk2 in service for the last 2 years.  Driving Golden Ear BRX monitors.  It sounds good, not great.

Curious to your comments.

Rich 

It seems to have a decent impedance profile (though I have not seen a curve):
"The sensitivity as reported by Merlin is 87dB/W/m, and the impedance is 8 Ohms nominal with a 6.5 Ohms minimal rating."
https://enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0707/merlin_tsm_mme.htm

I'm not sure what you can spend, but the Quicksilver Mid Mono might be nice:

https://quicksilveraudio.com/products/midi-mono/

Sorry......Using Parasound as pre-amp......B&O sub. 95% streaming vis Node 2

if you get a chance, please create a virtual system so others can see and give good advice. Until then, I will ask these questions in the dark. Do you have a subwoofer? If that is a no, I would look at that first because your Billie has good power for those 87db speakers of yours. With that being said when it comes to tube amps others on this site can give you much better advice. 

Kelly.....suggestions?

thanks

Take the money you have double it then look for a new amplifier. Basically going to be a lateral move in equipment. You will definitely get a different sound, but are you going to think that it is better? You are more likely to get a yes if you use the above advice. Good luck in your journey you are starting on some good feet 👣.