New amp / recommendation

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Frankie67

New member
Joined
Feb 1, 2021
Messages
9
Location
Milan
Hello everyone. My system is composed as follows:

Analog Source: EAT Forte S Turntable, F Note 12 MKii tonearm and JO No. 8 cartridge.

· Digital Source: Rossini dac 2.0, Rossini Master Clock, Rossini Transport.

· Preamp: Audio Research Reference 6.

· Power Amps: Audio Research Reference 250 SE mono blocks.

· Phono Preamp: D’Agostino Momentum Phono Stage.

· Speakers: Wilson Audio Sasha DAW.

· Cables: Transparent Audio XL and Transparent Audio Isolator.

· Headphone Amp: Carbon KKGSHV.

· Headphones: Stax 009s and Audeze CRBN.

· Music Server: Nucleus Roon Plus.

· IsoAcoustic isolation feet below each component (including Gaia under the speakers, which are on marble slants).

· Solid Steel Hi-fi Rack.

I like my current system, but I am wondering whether I should replace my ARC amps with SS amps in order to improve speed and resolution, while maintaining separation, air, spaciousness and soundstage. In this regard I’d probably keep my Ref 6 preamp. On the other hand, I am conscious that there is a synergy between electronics of the same brand.

Here are my current options:

- Gryphon Essence Monos
- Boulder 2160
- Pass Labs xp160.8
- Dagostino Momentum 400 monos

What would you recommend?

I’m also considering whether adding one or two subwoofers would improve SQ.

Thanks in advance.
Franco
 
After hearing numerous systems with Wilson Audio speakers, the two that stood out IMO were both using the Ref 6 with a Mark Levinson power amp.
(not sure of the model).
Those using tube power amps were "softer" in the presentation. While the ML combo was big, fast, powerful and dynamic.
 
Buongiorno Franco ;),

Welcome to the forum! I am sure you will enjoy the friendly discussions here.

Concerning your question, I would also recommend a brand which is just around the corner from Milan: Nagra. I have heard several times the combination of Wilson Audio and Nagra (e.g. during the Munich fair) and have always found it very natural:

Nagra Wilson Audio Alexia 2 Kubala-Sosna @ High End Munich 2018 - YouTube

The Nagra HD amp should fit your bill quite well:

High End Audio Amplifier - HD Amp | For ultimate high-end systems

Even the Italian Nagra distributor is the same as for Wilson Audio and DCS, Audio Natali ;)

Un saluto
Martin
 
Frankie, nice equipment list but you omitted one big piece of info.......... your room ! Also what volumes do you usually listen at ?
 
My favorite pairings are: D’Agostino Momentum, Boulder 1160/2160, Constellation anything (in no particular order).

I do not care for the ARC pairing with Wilson personally, but YMMV.

A sleeper pairing is SimAudio and I bet the Classe Delta series would be good too.


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Thanks Dave! So the room is approximately 16 feet x 12 feet and I never listen to high volume (say max 45 db). Actually, I also like to listen at low volume at night.
 
One of my favorite pairings with Wilson is with ARC but the amps were the M series 160M, not sure which model amp was used this year at the show,, I don't know how that compares with the Ref 250. I also heard a nice set up with Doshi.

The solid state amps I have heard with Wilson, like D'Agostino, weren't bad just not my taste.
Actually, the Sim Audio set up was pretty good. It's just nothing images like the ARC.

Depends on where your listening priorities lay. The 160M control I felt would rival some solid state amps.

I recently heard Nagra for the first time and was smitten, I'd love to be able to have one.

Hard to predict sometimes how brands will mesh.
 
@Mr Peabody, I’ve heard that the 160S is way better that the 160M. Personally I am looking to add dynamics and speed while retaining the air and tridimensionality that I have now. Hopefully a good SS amp paired with the Ref 6 will help achieving this objective.
 
Anybody has experience in Gryphon Essence paired with an ARC preamp and Wilson Audio speakers?
 
I have no experience with the Gryphon with ARC, just commenting, knowing each character that would be interesting to hear what happens with that combo.
 
Frankie67 said:
Thanks Dave! So the room is approximately 16 feet x 12 feet and I never listen to high volume (say max 45 db). Actually, I also like to listen at low volume at night.
Click to expand...

Frankie, with a room that size and your relatively low listening levels I can't imagine being any more happy than you already are ! As a happy Pass customer I doubt you wouldn't be happy in that direction as well.

FWIW I've listen to your exact speakers driven by these... Products_Apollo.htm and I must say it was stellar but again, better than your ARC's ??
 
Boulder 2160 or move up to the 3060. I had Boulder 2060 and 3060 with Wilson XLF for several years. Still have the 3060 but with YG speakers now. Clarity and soundstage width are expansive with the Boulder, much better than the ARC amps.
 
Frankie67 said:
I meant less than half volume. Not a helpful comment though …
Click to expand...

Just saving your money! ;)
But i´m glad you clarified. Half of the volume, probably, has nothing to do with 45db.
To hear at 45 db the best is a vintage Pioneer or Sony amplifier with loudness button.

45db=45km/h.
Nobody needs a Ferrari to drive at 45 km/h
 
Spock said:
Just saving your money! ;)
But i´m glad you clarified. Half of the volume, probably, has nothing to do with 45db.
To hear at 45 db the best is a vintage Pioneer or Sony amplifier with loudness button.

45db=45km/h.
Nobody needs a Ferrari to drive at 45 km/h
Click to expand...

Have you ever heard a high end system? My guess would be you have not.

On the original question, the Boulder 2160 will have excellent synergy with the ARC Ref6. I had an ARC Ref40 for years with my Boulder amps -- it worked really well.
 
I just set my volume to 45db on my SPL meter. I highly doubt that is accurate. It’s barely playing above a whisper.

Download Audio Tools or a similar SPL meter to your phone. Sit in your chair and measure. 65 is soft for me. 85 is normal for me.


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