[electronicsgeek]

Hello All,
I'm new to this hobby and am trying to improve my 2ch setup. I started to build around my Denon 3805 receiver, but I now think it has to be relegated to Home Theater use only.

Planned setup: Bolder Modded Squeezebox3 -> Musical Fidelity Trivista DAC -> ??? Integrated Amp -> Monitor Audio GR10s & a pair of Rocket UFW-10 subs

I've decided on an integrated amp and would like to find something used for under $2000.

Contenders: MF A5, Creek Destiny, Bel Canto S300iu, PS Audio GCC

I know system synergy is very important, but since I am buying used I cannot demo (but could always resell). My biggest concern are my bright (overly?) Monitor Audio GR10's. With the Denon they are too forward and I am getting grainyness/distortion on the high notes. Please help.

I listen to all types of music - but really enjoy female vocals and acoustic works.

Thanks!
 

[bhobba]

Hi Electronicsgeek

Planned setup: Bolder Modded Squeezebox3 -> Musical Fidelity Trivista DAC -> ??? Integrated Amp -> Monitor Audio GR10s & a pair of Rocket UFW-10 subs

I have been looking into what setup to use with a new speaker I am buying.  After a lot of investigation I have decided on a panny XR55, 57, or 59 fed with a Cambridge Audio 740C up-sampled to 192K.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f21/panasonic-sa-xr55-57-etc-class-d-receivers-weaknesses-247263/
'Feed it really clean, low-jitter digital signal and power your 2-channel speakers with the dual-amp function, and prepare to be amazed!'

The 740C is really low jitter - having some of the lowest jitter around.  That and its up-sampling should make the panny sing.

A word of caution though.  It is reported the sound can be described as cold and analytical.  To some this characteristic can be 'un musical'.  Getting an amp that has all the positive attributes of the panny, without this possible limitation, probably cost quite a bit.

Thanks
Bill

[bhobba]

The 740C is really low jitter - having some of the lowest jitter around.  That and its up-sampling should make the panny sing.

Forgot to mention the 740C can take the output of the squeezbox, upsample and dejitter it to feed into the panny.

Thanks
Bill

[chadh]

I think the integrated amp you need is the one I'm looking to sell!

I sent you a private message.  I hope you don't mind.

Chad

[electronicsgeek]

Thanks Bill,

I've looked at the 740C and it looks very sweet. I appreciate the feedback.

[Steidl Guitars]

If you find your speakers on the bright side, I would not recommend the MF A5 which I owned for a while and found to be forward sounding.  When I had it paired with speakers that had a forward-sounding tweeter, it was enough to make me crazy. 

With the right speakers, the A5 would make a fine pairing--but to my ears, those speakers would need to be pretty warm sounding.

Bob

[electronicsgeek]

Thanks Bob!
I was just about to pull the trigger on an A5 just as you posted this. Your advice is causing me to reconsider - my Monitor Audio's are certainly bright.

[mca]

How about something like the Unison Unico or the Unico SE? That would give you a bit of tube warmth.

[twitch54]

my Monitor Audio's are certainly bright.

Having listened to those very same speakers myself I respectfully disagree with the overly bright part. Granted amplification change can help but I'm willing to bet you have some room / acoustic issues as well.

I would first re-evaluate your listening room and then look for a real nice tube integrated amp. Given your price point you would have quite a few to choose from.......... PrimaLuna, Cayin, Jolida, Rogue to name but a few.

[electronicsgeek]

Thanks mca, I'm unfamiliar with those items. I'll look into them.

Twitch54, I appreciate your feedback. You are probably right that my room accoustics are contributing to the problem - however, I'm not sure what I can do to improve this (I don't have a dedicated listening room unfortunately)

Maybe I've described my speakers poorly. Overall, I am very happy with the sound, but when I close my eyes, the cymbals are int the front of the sound stage - this can be distracting on some quieter jazz.

Thanks again all.

[DaveC113]

Overall, I am very happy with the sound, but when I close my eyes, the cymbals are int the front of the sound stage - this can be distracting on some quieter jazz.

Thanks again all.

Probably the Denon reciever...  a lot of ss gear can have overly forward presentations.

[twitch54]

Twitch54, I appreciate your feedback. You are probably right that my room accoustics are contributing to the problem - however, I'm not sure what I can do to improve this (I don't have a dedicated listening room unfortunately)

Most of us don't have the luxury of a 'dedicated listening room'  Be sure to check out the sub-forum on this site dealing with room acoustics, for there you will find plenty of ideas as to what you can do to help your ' living / audio room' !

Good Luck !

[Steidl Guitars]

As others have mentioned, it's amazing how upgrading your amp can improve (the sound of) your speakers as good speakers will reveal the limitations of your gear. 

One nice thing about MF gear is that it holds its value so you could try it and not lose much if you flip it.

If a smoother presentation is what you're after, then I'd also suggest that you perhaps consider tube gear.  I went to tubes somewhat reluctantly and I doubt I'll ever go back.  In fact, I've become something of a tube freak--I want to try tubes in every component of the chain.  Certainly there are trade-offs, but to me tubes have a certain magic that seems challenging to replicate in SS gear for the same cost. 

I traded my A5 for a Rogue Tempest II and for what I'm after, it was a great trade.  I replaced the stock tubes with old tubes and that ended my thoughts of SS gear...

Good luck!

[Steidl Guitars]

After typing that, I went over to the Trading Post and saw this:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=49942.0

If you're a dyed-in-the-wool SS guy, these come pretty highly regarded though I have not heard one. 

[mcgsxr]

I presently run tubes (high efficiency speakers, so the low power single ended nature of the EL84 is fine) but I used to run a Sugden integrated.

I would stay on the prowl for an A21a if I were you, the Class A integrated will do wonders for the brightness you are describing, in my opinion.  I used my Class A/B Sugden with Totem Rokk speakers, with a metal dome that would be shiny if you were not careful in amp selection.

[electronicsgeek]

mca: I've been researching the Unisom equipment you suggested and it seems very promising. The price is right too...I might try and pick one of these up. Thanks!

twitch54: I will look into that sub-forum. I appreciate your suggestions.

Steidl: I haven't really looked into tube amplification much yet - mostly due to my own ignorance on the subject. I just purchased a dedicated headphone tube amp from Woo Audio. I haven't spent much time with it yet though...Thanks for your help.

mcgsxr: "Shiny" - I'm still learning the adjectives to describe sound, this seems a perfect description for part of what I am hearing. I have been looking for an A21a, I haven't found one used yet. Thanks for the recommendation.