Looking at SS Amp for Change of Pace

[Feanor]

Why buy an integrated? Well, there are a couple of reasons, IMO.

1. Integrateds can cost significantly less that comparable separates, new or used
2. Integrateds will take up less space.

On the downside for a typical audiophile or enthusiast, an integrated offers less upgrade flexibility -- on each occassion that I've bought an integrated I've regretted it and it has ended up costing me as much as separates.


It's fun looking through Audiogon, (say), for integrateds; there are always of few of interest, e.g. these under $1500:

• Krell 400xi
• Krell 300i
• Musical Fidelity M3i
• Marantz AVR8003
• Arcam FMJ A38
• Bel Canto eVo2i -- I used to own one of these: very transparent, a tad cool; this is a bargain price.
• NAD C375BEE -- if you like NAD, ones I've heard sound overly warm in the mid-bass and not especially transparent
• Arcam FMJ A32 -- a good deal cheaper than the A38 above
• Cambridge Audio 840A -- this appeals to me in particular, esp. for the money

[Jack in Wilmington]

Well I ordered the Anthem 225 today. Just didn't see what I was looking for on the used front. Now we'll see if I have an audio epithany like Mr Peabody did. He changed his speakers to get the desired results. I decided to keep my speakers and change amp. Lets hope they both have the same outcome.

[harley .guy07]

Well if it is any comfort I love my Dynaudio's with my SS amp and Nuforce Preamp. It seems to have the power to be able to allow theme to breathe and bring out the best in them. I hope it does the trick for you and prove that Tubes don't fix everything and there are speakers out there that sound better without tubes being involved.

[harley .guy07]

If this does not help let me know because your speakers are not all that different from mine.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Thanks Harley. I have a 30 day trial on the amp. I figure that Peabody tried the Zu's, the JBL's and the Canton's before he found the Revels. I looked at reviews of my speakers just on the odd chance that it might give me a clue as to what might work. But as I thought, the reviewers used amps that were out of my league.

[frenchmon]

Well I ordered the Anthem 225 today. Just didn't see what I was looking for on the used front. Now we'll see if I have an audio epithany like Mr Peabody did. He changed his speakers to get the desired results. I decided to keep my speakers and change amp. Lets hope they both have the same outcome.

Congrats Jack. I hope it all works out for you. That Anthem is a fine amp. That Intergrated amp is loaded! Man...You should be able to run the Jolida through the 225 and still get a little tube warmness with more power....great!

And for the Retail listed price..even at that price it seems like you are getting a deal! Kindly let us know what you think.....Please give brief review.

[Mr Peabody]

Jack, I don't have time to read this entire thread but for the 1.8's you want a Krell. Arcam will not have the same power/drive for the 1.8's and Marantz may lean toward the warm side similar issues I had with my t2.5's. Krell with the 1.8's will give you a bass response and transient attack like you have yet to experience. I have not heard the
S-300i but a 300iL I think would be better than a 400xi though the iL is an older model.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Jack, I don't have time to read this entire thread but for the 1.8's you want a Krell. Arcam will not have the same power/drive for the 1.8's and Marantz may lean toward the warm side similar issues I had with my t2.5's. Krell with the 1.8's will give you a bass response and transient attack like you have yet to experience. I have not heard the
S-300i but a 300iL I think would be better than a 400xi though the iL is an older model.

I had my sights set on the S300i, but just could not find what I wanted. There is a KAV300i on Audiogon now that looks nice, but I was worried about the age of the amp. I decided to go with the Anthem because it's new and I do have 30 days to decide if I like it. It puts out 310w so power won't be an issue. I'll just have to see how the synergy is with the rest of my system.

[Enochrome]

Are you giving up on the Jolida? I too have a similar set up to yours and was thinking of going SS from a quality company. I wanted more frequency extension and faster transients. Although I am pleased with my Jolida I have had a reoccuring hum from the preamp tubes that are starting to annoy me.

Can't wait to read what you think of the Anthem and congrats on your new toy!!!! Will you do a comparison with the Anthem and the Jolida?

[Ajani]

I had my sights set on the S300i, but just could not find what I wanted. There is a KAV300i on Audiogon now that looks nice, but I was worried about the age of the amp. I decided to go with the Anthem because it's new and I do have 30 days to decide if I like it. It puts out 310w so power won't be an issue. I'll just have to see how the synergy is with the rest of my system.

Have you tried the Dynaudio with your Anthem MCA20? If so, do you prefer the sound to the Jolida?

I suspect the Anthem integrated is basically the MCA 20 with a built in preamp...

[Mr Peabody]

I'm not familiar with many Anthem power amps, I did hear a multichannel of theirs and it didn't give Paradigm Studios much slam. The kav-300i is alright but it's the least of all the Krell integrated amps. I've yet to hear an entegrated with the brute force krell puts in theirs. With 310 watts though hopefully the Anthem will have the 1.8's dancing.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Enochrome, I haven't given up on the Jolida. I just don't feel I'm getting all the headroom and air that I should be getting, especially on some rock and full orchestral music. I will listen to some of my so called "audition" music on the Jolida before I bring the Anthem into the mix.

Ajani, I didn't try the MCA 20 with the Dyns. The speaker wires coming out of the MCA 20 are set up for bi-wire and the Dyns aren't a bi-wire speaker. I know I could have done it fairly easily, but I just got lazy. I know that's no excuse, it's not like I have anything to do all day.

[texlle]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

[Hyfi]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

I was gonna ask how that Jolida drove the 42s. As good as they are, there is only so much they can do.

I can tell you that they really perform with both my Stratos or Counterpoint NPS400 via all tube preamp, VAC. But, you are only going to get so much bass out of them.

Definitely worth a shot though, cause I know how good the 42s can sound as mains. Add a little sub and they become very believable.

They make awesome rears, which is what I use them for.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

I know several members here have had excellent results with a tube pre and SS amp combo. Now your 42's will be an easier load on the 502 than my 1.8's were. A lot will depend on the type of music that you listen to. On accoustic music, jazz and some classical it will be a great match I would think.

[bobsticks]

Krell and Dynaudio have excellent synergy together and it will, in fact, be a presentation completely different to that of tubes.

[JohnMichael]

Congratulations Jack, the Anthem should give you what you have been missing. Clean power is a wonderful thing. The Krell really keeps a tight grip on the drivers and fills the room with music. I am sure your new amp will do the same thing. To my ears there is a certain sense of ease when the amp is not struggling to drive the speakers you have.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Congratulations Jack, the Anthem should give you what you have been missing. Clean power is a wonderful thing. The Krell really keeps a tight grip on the drivers and fills the room with music. I am sure your new amp will do the same thing. To my ears there is a certain sense of ease when the amp is not struggling to drive the speakers you have.

Thanks JM. I can really hear the difference. I felt before like the drivers were being held back at times. Now the transients have come alive. I find myself playing things that I haven't listened to in years, because they sound good now. I hope to eventually bring home a Krell, a Bryston and a Ayre to listen to. The journeys not over yet.

[frenchmon]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

I have a hybrid system....tube preamp and SS amp @ 200 watts, and I can tell you its a wonderful system....My tube is not syrupy sweet, but Lively sweet. Its almost like ARC in its sound. I have never heard a Jolida but im sure its a great sound....you should try
a SS amp. Great slam....oh and before I forget...I once hooked the preamp to some Conrad Johnson tube mono blocks at 100 watts each driving some Dynaudio t2.5's and it drove the Dyns effortlessly.

[frenchmon]

Thanks JM. I can really hear the difference. I felt before like the drivers were being held back at times. Now the transients have come alive. I find myself playing things that I haven't listened to in years, because they sound good now. I hope to eventually bring home a Krell, a Bryston and a Ayre to listen to. The journeys not over yet.

I've heard a Krell integrated and the best way I can describe it was a fast sports car. It hold every phase of the music in check with easy it seems.. Had all the power for Classical music. I heard it pared with a T+A CDP and it was an outstanding match. The Krell like I said seems to be fast and smooth at the same time. I've heard the Bryston amp as well. Compared to the Krell the Bryston was warm. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Ayre. Jack you're having some fun over there I see. You gotta love this hobby.

[Jack in Wilmington]

I've heard a Krell integrated and the best way I can describe it was a fast sports car. It hold every phase of the music in check with easy it seems.. Had all the power for Classical music. I heard it pared with a T+A CDP and it was an outstanding match. The Krell like I said seems to be fast and smooth at the same time. I've heard the Bryston amp as well. Compared to the Krell the Bryston was warm. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Ayre. Jack you're having some fun over there I see. You gotta love this hobby.

My dealer here where I got the Anthem sells all three (Krell, Bryston, and Ayre. It will be fun to try them. I know the Krell is the cheapest price wise. They sell Wilson Audio and have Ayre driving the Sophia's and Audio Research driving the Sasha's. Sonus Faber's are being driven by Bryston. Krell is driving some of the Totem's and some of the Signature Paradigm's. There is a lot to choose from.

[JohnMichael]

My dealer here where I got the Anthem sells all three (Krell, Bryston, and Ayre. It will be fun to try them. I know the Krell is the cheapest price wise. They sell Wilson Audio and have Ayre driving the Sophia's and Audio Research driving the Sasha's. Sonus Faber's are being driven by Bryston. Krell is driving some of the Totem's and some of the Signature Paradigm's. There is a lot to choose from.

I wish I had such a dealer locally. Oh well we have best buy.

[Jack in Wilmington]

I wish I had such a dealer locally. Oh well we have best buy.

It really is a great area for audio. There is another dealer across the street and down about a block. They carry Avalon, Classe, Focal, Magico, Magnepan, Martin Logan, Quad, VPI, McIntosh and lots more. Both dealers get a lot of business from the neighboring states because they're tax free.

[frenchmon]

My dealer here where I got the Anthem sells all three (Krell, Bryston, and Ayre. It will be fun to try them. I know the Krell is the cheapest price wise. They sell Wilson Audio and have Ayre driving the Sophia's and Audio Research driving the Sasha's. Sonus Faber's are being driven by Bryston. Krell is driving some of the Totem's and some of the Signature Paradigm's. There is a lot to choose from.

JM wrote:

I wish I had such a dealer locally. Oh well we have best buy.

Jack wrote:

It really is a great area for audio. There is another dealer across the street and down about a block. They carry Avalon, Classe, Focal, Magico, Magnepan, Martin Logan, Quad, VPI, McIntosh and lots more. Both dealers get a lot of business from the neighboring states because they're tax free.

Oh how I miss Carolina because of all the gear. In Raleigh/Durahm/Cary/Chapel Hill which really can be said to be one big city where I lived, they have the Research Triangle Park.

I'm sure you know Jack, but for those who don't know, its one of the USA's biggest technology centers. So that means lots of cash, and not only blue collar but even more white collar workers as well. Lots of the upper east cost residents from places like New Your and Boston and Phili and Washington where locating down to the Triangle area....also not to mention Duke University over in Durham and, Tar-heel/North Carolina University down in Chapel-hill and Then North Carolina State Wolf Packs over in Raleigh. So its a booming college town all within a 8 mile radius, with not only the work force of the Triangles blue collar and white collar workers, but its also a favorite place for college students. Then from Raleigh/Durham you have 2 hours drive east to the ocean, and another 2 hours drive to the west for the mountains. And its all has a country feel to it. Its the home of NASCAR, and road bikers love the place because of the narrow country roads with all the tree's and hills. Most of the population is people from other parts of the US. So its a favorite target location for high end gear manufacturers...white collar workers can afford the expensive stuff, and collage students can still find good deals. So its very easy to get out and visit the audio shops. When you live in an industrial city like St. Louis which don't have a huge white collar work force like a technology town, you don't have as many high end shops in today's economy. High end gear follows the high money areas.

Jack I've listen to the Watt puppies and the Sophia's. You thinking about making a purchase of some Wilsons? Also Totems I've listened to as well, and they are a remarkable speaker, very much a 3D speaker. The Signatures are a nice speaker as well, nice mid range and a nice lively top end. I listen to the Sonus Faber's and came away wanting to listen some more. Not as punchy as the Totems....the type of sound that you really gotta sit down and listen to for a while to make a good judgment call. Well that's how all speakers are, you just have to get them in your own space before you can really say its the one for you. Man you are lucky to have all that gear you can listen too. Well any ways....I wish I could be out in Carolina with you...perhaps some day I will move back.

Oh I forgot to mention Cary Audio thats made a right there in Cary North Carolina. Its like art work! Some outstanding stuff. have you had a chance to listen to some? I would not mind looking for some used, that way its more affordable for me. You should put it on your list. You wont be disappointed.

[Jack in Wilmington]

The Wilson's are definitely not in my budget or in my decorating scheme. The Sonus Faber's appear to be a very amp specific speaker. My sales guy never had anything nice to say about them until they picked up Bryston. He says the Bryston/SF combo has put some life in the SF's. The Totems I originally heard on my Anthem integrated and it's the best I'd heard Totems sound. Now they've moved the Wind into the Sonus Faber room and hooked them up to a Krell amp/pre combo and they hooked up the Anthem to a pair of Totem Forests. I'm glad to see them move things around, that way you get to hear different combinations of gear.