2. amps-preamps
  3. 169457-145771

High end high quality int. amp for low level listening

Hello to all Audigon members.  I'm quite in a dilemma weather I should upgrade my amplifier. Currently I own Pathos classic one MK3 driving Sonus Faber Sonetto's speakers, and I must say I'm very happy with sound filling my 35 square meters room. However, it's known that the speakers are power hungry as they rated at 86db sensitivity and 4 ohm impedance and I think they will surely benefit from a bigger power supply. With all that being said I'm not sure if I will hear any improvement mostly because 90% of the time I listen at ~60dBs SPL. My budget is around 5k $ and these are the amplifiers I've been considering:  Hegel H390, Anthem STR, Cambridge Audio Edge A, McIntosh MA5300/MA252, Accuphase e280, Rotel Michi x3 or used Pass Labs INT 25, Mark Levinson 5805.

What do you think guys, will any of the amplifiers make ay difference at 60dB SPL ? 
celestial__sound
mrklas
441 posts
 
I always encourage more power!  I'd also explore a Moon by Simaudio integrated amp and I'd try the McIntosh MA6900 or 8700 over the 5300...
holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 
I was kind of interested in seeing if anyone has a firm grasp on what makes for a system that sounds great at low volume. It has puzzled me for a long time. From the answers, it doesn’t sound like anyone else does. I have a fuzzy idea.
I suspect that this @dil fellow might:

Or install an equalizer.


If one had measurements of SPL versus frequency then that could be a start.
celestial__sound OP
102 posts
 
I see that this thread has become a hot topic, and I'm happy for that. However I can also see that many people misinterpret  my question or maybe I wasn't clear enough. I never said that i was missing bass or highs at 60dBs SPL. My question was: Will i hear any difference at 60dBs if i get better quality amp with better power supply etc . That means, will I get improved resolution, better clarity, improved soundstage, better imaging, blacker background  etc. 

Also, I do not agree with everyone who claim that speakers with higher sensitivity will sound better at low listening because, at 60dBs sensitivity shouldn't make any difference at all. I think the opposite applies, if I want to listen at let say at 90+ dBs SPL then i will surely benefit from higher sensitivity speakers.   
ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,750 posts
 
Also, I do not agree with everyone who claim that speakers with higher sensitivity will sound better at low listening because, at 60dBs sensitivity shouldn't make any difference at all.
Agreed!
ghdprentice
6,471 posts
 
Absolutely yes. Improving components improves the sound at all levels. Your choice of coarse must be a component which has the right character for your listening tastes. Also, while this is crude it has always worked for me, at least a 2x increase in cost… you can adapt the idea to the used market. But anything less is likely to be a lateral move where you will just trade good and bad characteristics. You need to jump a level or two of performance.
More to discover