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I have been using an Outlaw Audio 5 channel power amp, model 750, with my rm2's since I bought them both, around 5 years ago. It's a home theater amp of course and I have long wondered if my speakers could use something better. Is that reasonable? Would I be likely to hear a big difference if I bought something on Audiogon for say $1500? My source is usually a computer with sound card, digital signal > Cambridge Audio 740c > Placette remote volume control (sometimes a DYI tube preamp)> Outlaw 750 . I am generally pleased with my sound but just want to experiment/upgrade - you understand I'm sure. So any suggestions?
You would get a tremendous improvement in sound by acquiring a decent 2-channel amp such as an Odyssey Stratos for less than a grand. With that being said, you shouldn't just stop at upgrading your amp. Virtually everything else in the chain should be upgraded to the same level, beginning with the source. Budget $1,500 for a decent used DAC. Hold onto the Placette for a while, then upgrade it later on. If you're not willing to upgrade everything, including all of your cables, then enjoy what you have.
Sorry but I am not sure I understand your advice. 1) Are you saying that nothing in my system is up to the level of the RM2's? 2) I wouldn't get an improvement from just upgrading the amp? 3) It would be great to upgrade everything at once but where do I get the $10K?
You could get a big improvement with a good amp. But, The outlaw is a pretty darned good amp. Have you tried using 4 channels to biamp the RM2 s? That would prob sound great. A good preamp would/could make a big improvement. You don't have to spend big money to get killer sound. To start with, you have great speakers. That's what most budget systems don't have. The sound card could also sound bad or thin. Good luck. Post pics and keep us updated.
I don't think you are going to get a night/day difference by changing amps. I would look more at your source equipment. The biggest difference for me is when I upgraded from a Pioneer AVR to a Meridian processor.
RM2 appreciate superb high current/high power amp. Best value for this application IMO: build a stereo Hypex UcD700 or stereo Ncore NC400 (both with SMPS1200A400), former estimate $1k, latter $1350. The latter amp requires some research to hard wire, not plug and play.
I use the spdif output going to the Cambridge audio 640 C for DAC.
Yah, I guess so! Switching from several weeks past due date packaged food to fresh gourmet! RM2 appreciate superb high current/high power amp. Best value for this application IMO: build a stereo Hypex UcD700 or stereo Ncore NC400 (both with SMPS1200A400), former estimate $1k, latter $1350. The latter amp requires some research to hard wire, not plug and play.
For a few hundred dollars you could pick up a used Meridian (or other good processor) and try it out. If you don't get the improvement your looking for, just sell it.
Just so I understand this comment, regardless of the input signal quality, a good amp will make it sound great.