2. amps-preamps
  3. 182202-171283

need amp recommendations for more separation of instruments

I've noticed that if I play music that only has a few instruments playing at the same time it generally sounds great, but, if it's got a lot of instruments playing different parts at the same time it all mushes together and you can't hear the individual instruments clearly. My current rig is a NAD M10 and Focal Aria 948s. At a store, I heard 948s paired with a front end costing about $100,000 and that system did not have this problem, at least it not to my ears. That tells me that with really good electronics this problem can be greatly reduced and that the problem is more with my electronics than it is with my speakers. But $100k is out of my budget. My questions are:

  1. Are there some classes or types of amplification that are notably better at getting separation between instruments in complex music?

2.  Are there some brands that are notably better at getting separation between instruments in complex music?

3.   How much would I need to spend to get something that solves this specific problem notably better than my NAD M10?

4. How much would I need to spend to get something that's a really good solution, where I probably wouldn't notice the problem unless I went out of my way to listen for it? (I know, this differs between people, but I'm still interested in your opinion).

Thanks,

ahuvia
barts's avatar
barts
687 posts
 

@ahuvia 

Take the "flute getting lost" recording to the dealer where you heard your speakers and have them play it on their $100k system.  Listen carefully.  If it is only marginally better then it is the recording.  In that case have the dealer play something similar that he knows has awesome separation.  Borrow or purchase or copy that EXACT recording. Test on your system.

If the dealer system does not sound the same (ie. much better) with your recording or your system doesn't sound better with the "awesome" dealer recording  then follow all the instructions and advice above.  

Regards,

barts

richopp
760 posts
 

I might suggest you ask your dealer if he sells Audio Research amps.  They have been marketing under the slogan, "High Definition" since day one, and for good reason.

After listening to it for a while you may not like it, but I suggest you give it a try, anyway.  There has to be a reason that they have been successful for almost 50 years, and yes, not every item they make is the same, but many are quite good at what you are looking for.  Good luck!

Cheers!

ddrave44
124 posts
 

I spent some more time on this. Nice speakers, by the way!.

Some years ago I had a similar pair of JM Labs/Focal tower speakers with almost identical specs to yours. I drove them with a Conrad Johnson MV-55 amp. It was an awesome pairing - very full, musical, detailed and overall great sound. Their current version is the Classic 62. Maybe your local CJ dealer can let you try one out with these, because it may be just what your looking for.

All the best!

pmm
220 posts
 

Great Thread!

I had switched to a higher gain preamp. The sound was too heavy .  So, I moved my speakers further away from the wall. It took care of the problem. 

A movement of only 6", made a difference.

ghdprentice
6,471 posts
 

OP,

Your mention of the flute getting lost in the sound of the strings. 
 

I attend a symphony every couple weeks.I have ideal seats 7th row center. And the flutes… and all instruments go from being solo to “massed” together. That is how it sounds in real life. But perhaps, you are saying this happens more that you think it should.

 

if you think this walking on top of each other. Then, it is probably most likely you need higher quality speakers. I think. Did you post any photos of your system and venue?

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