the preamp/amp question

[joeinid]

That is a great question. I do change gear around a lot but also listen to what is setup a lot. It takes a while to learn what something is doing, but you are right, sometimes I (we) make an assumption on what we think something sounds like and have been all wrong. I try to be patient and just listen. The better gear rises to the top naturally.

There are no absolutes. "Ignorance is bliss" and I try and shut out a lot of the noise from everywhere else. What my head wants and what my heart wants are usually two separate things. Trying to reconcile the two is difficult.

I think at times when your searching for "that sound" and you have many different components such as dac, preamp, amp, speakers, cables; how are you suppose to figure out which one is preventing "that sound" form happening? I have stopped myself from changing my burmester combo bc I find nothing wrong with it and I like the ignorance of not knowing otherwise. the main part that I did listen to before purchase were speakers. I tried all the major ones to hear their house sound before I decided on magico.

 

[Alpinist]

Sorry to drift a little off topic.

While I had and loved the KXR-20 and MXR-20 combo, I tried each individually with other amp and preamp combinations. I have to be honest and say that while the KXR-20 is spectacular in its own right, I would have preferred a fuller and more meaty tone. Even the Ayre combo was just a bit too thin for my taste but still amazing. Ayre has probably the best treble and mids in that they are smooth and a bit sweet with absolutely zero harshness and sibilants. Ayre is a paragon in that way, but give me that smooth and sweet treble with a thicker tone and you have a world beater on your hands. It may be out there but I have not found it. You all can think I am crazy but I've had my time with the KXR-20 and am not looking back.

Hi Joe,

I apologize for taking the thread a bit off topic. I am happy to read that you tried the KXR Twenty with other amp combinations before you sold it. If it was sounding on the thin side in your system then you made the right decision. I hope the Luxman preamp gives you the meatier sound you desire. If not, there’s always the option to save up for the Momentum preamp. I think getting the M400’s will be huge step forward with your system, once you find the appropriate matching preamp.

All the best,
Ken

 

[joeinid]

Thank you Ken, absolutely no worries. I don’t mean to knock the KXR20. It really is a superb preamp. I guess I’m a little spoiled. I would be surprised if my Luxman wasn’t a great match with the D’Agostino amps. I had the first Momentum preamp and I think Jock did too. We both preferred the KXR20 over it but it was great too. There’s a chance I might do tubes on the M400s. First with my little MZ2 then something else. I’d love to try a GSPre.