Need opinions on amplifier selection.......

[robertk]

Kind of a long winded post, but trying to paint a good picture.

Tri-amped system. Considering what to do with amp covering the highs--from 2k on up.

Currently using a conrad johnson mf80. Kinda sorta like it, if you will. Caps in good shape but has not had an update to go to an IEC connector, which might help.

A Conrad Johnson premier 4 runs mids from 200 to 2000. Krell kas 100 runs low mids 70 to 200. Subwoofers have their own amplifier and there is a total of 2 subs containing 2 10" speakers each.

But those ribbons--in my opinion--can easily have an amplifier choice making things far too bright
& that is a sound I just can't stand. Rather have things roll off.

Have the heavily modified Infinity rs1b converted to a line array system with all emim's replaced. infinity ssw 10 are the subs. vpi modded scout w/ Benz Micro glider. mit cables throughout.

Obviously, a vinyl system. And I listen to a lot of highly demanding and dynamic music. Lots of german synthesizer stuff/Chemical Brothers/etc. All in a dedicated room with nothing but albums stereo gear and 1 chair about 14 feet away.

That kind of paints the picture.

Dilemma, of sorts, is that mf80. Not the best but I really do like that CJ sound for higher registers. But CJ is best known for tubes, not their SS efforts. That Motif would likely be the best CJ SS fit, as far as I'm concerned.

Choice A. Get IEC connector and go with Shunyata Power cable--like everything else has--for mf80.

Choice B. CJ mv75a. I always like their sound and have maybe 20 vintage tubes to re-tube things.

Choice C. That Motif 100

Choice D. Go with an older krell, like the kst 100. Or maybe a ksa 50, which I am fairly certain will drive that top end because that is a different ballgame than amp power needed to drive woofers.

Choice E. I've always liked Threshold--but they were always the bridesmaid when it was time to get an amp. Got CJ/Krell/Audio Research and never pulled trigger for Nelson's stuff. Leaning towards maybe an s300 type thing.

Choice F. Levinson ml9. Don't really think this is an ideal fit for my system and am concerned with it being a little bright. But maybe I'm wrong.

Choice G. What idea's do you have?

Any insight is appreciated and we're probably talking a 1k to $1500 type acquisition. Thanks.

 

[Melbguy1]

Robert, there is a re-capped/serviced Threshold S/350e amp on USA Audio Mart atm asking $2k, but you could probably pick it up near $1800 + delivery. Looks like a good example.

Btw, for my own/our curiosity, can you post a couple of pics of your modified Infinity RS-1B's? :audiophile:.

 

[a.wayne]

I suspect the brightness you are hearing could be the amp clipping , try one of the larger amps on the tweeters and see . Btw what is the impedance of the tweeter array ..?



Regards

 

[Anatta]

How do you compensate for the gain difference of the amps used?

A Job225 should be very good on the tweeters.

 

[sheltie1]

Totally off topic, but nice to see someone from Myrtle Beach!.....my wife and I have a little place there (and her parents live there as well).

 

[Mr Peabody]

How is the impedance on that array? Some of Infinity's gear was notorious for dropping into very low impedance. So on one hand something like Krell or Levinson would be good but from your comments I don't think you'd be happy with the sound.

Also, if impedance dips I'm not sure tubes would be the best choice. If stable though seems keeping in the CJ family would provide good synergy.

For a time I had a CJ CT-6 going to my Threshold s300i, the synergy was incredible. If wanting to go newer explore a Pass or Coda, Coda being basically Threshold without Nelson. My friend uses Coda, their Class A sounds good but IMO more neutral than Pass, so if it's a more sweet sound you may be happier with Pass.

A solid state McIntosh might also work for you.

 

[crwilli]

I suspect the brightness you are hearing could be the amp clipping , try one of the larger amps on the tweeters and see . Btw what is the impedance of the tweeter array ..?
Regards

+1 for what it's worth, I ran an MC452 on the upper panels of IRS Betas and an MC352 on the lower panels (e.g. Subs). Since your speakers are modified, I am not sure what you replaced the emits with - Graz units? - but they may be equally power hungry. I would second the vote for a powerful Mc-amp.