[len]

The new heavily dampened woofers and transmission line of the upgrade knocked my current Sim amplifier out of the ring.  Just for 2 music channels (mostly vinyl) and no subwoofer, would anyone who has done the VR-4Jr Mk IV upgrade like to recommend an amp?

Thanks,

Len

[jab]

Len, the bel canto ref M300 500 or 1000 are pretty nice mates.  The 300 can be had in stereo..  I'm using the 1000's with my Uni 2's!  Should find something reasonable on audiogon?  Jack

[len]

Jack, thanks for the suggestion.  I will look into the Bel Canto line.  I think the bass design of your speakers has some similarities to mine.  I would love to hear from someone who has also done the VR-4Jr Mk IV upgrade and uses them for a simple 2 channel system.  My otherwise superb Sim W-5 amp "tasted" something in the bass response of the upgraded speakers that gave it anemia.  Something weird was going on.  It's hard for me to know if the speakers are unique in this regard.

[JackD201]

Hi Len,

If you're finding the bass a tad tight and dry with your current amps, the amp I would look into would be the Aesthetix Atlas which is a hybrid using octals in the input stage. It is a full sounding amplifier but isn't loose or sloppy. I have found this to be a great match for my Endeavor E-3s which is voiced to be quick and punchy.

In the event that the overall balance becomes a bit rolled off and lacking air up top it is easy to swap out the stock 6sn7s with the likes of some Siemens or Tung-sol GTBs. Nice thing about 6sn7s is that generally the top ones do not get priced in the stratosphere as is the case with 12ax7s and 6922s.

* I have no affiliation with Aesthetix whatsoever

[gammajo]

Len Depending on your price point, the Nuforce Reference 9 V3SE monos or Reference 18 or 20 monos have worked very well with my VR4Sr, AR5 Anni and now the VR55.