New amp? or new speakers too?

[dave mc]

I have a dilemma,

I have a Leak Stereo 70 amp playing through a pair of B&W DM3 speakers.

The amp is now in serious need of attention but not sure whether to repair or replace. I am aware that the Stereo 70 was ok'ish but have thought about upgrading for some time.

What do I need to be considering when looking for alternatives? I think the speakers are quite sensitive but not certain.

Alternatively, has speaker technology moved on that much that I should replace the DM3's as well? I've been out of the hi fi scene for a long time as I had been quite happy with what I have. If it makes any difference, using a Thorens TD125 MK2 with a SME 3009 arm.

[Westyman]

I do not have the experience to fully answer your query but I will say that I used to have a pair of DM3s and they were replaced by a HiFi News magazine design called Tabor, used a pair of Audax units in each, and there was definite improvement in depth and imagery. They too have been replaced now.

[dave mc]

Thanks Westyman,

What amplifier were you using with the DM3's?

[Dingdong]

Replace the Leak. Something small and valvey would do the trick. Or even a T-amp.

[dave mc]

OK Mark,

A T amp? Please excuse my ignorance.

[Dingdong]

There'll be a few people, such as Synsei, along in a bit to tell you how wonderful the t-amps are.
They are small and cheap and don't sound half bad for the money. Would probably drive your DM3's quite nicely. I like valves meself, but they cost more.


Edit: Nice tt by the way. What cartridge have you got fitted in it?

[dave mc]

I'm willing to spend a bit as I've spent virtually nothing in 30 years.

The cartridge is an empire one, though I can't remember exactly which one.

[Haselsh1]

David, take a look at the Icon Audio Stereo 20PP, maybe here:

http://www.iconaudio.com/portfolio-item/stereo-20-pp/

I've had mine for almost two years and it is wonderful for 550 quid.

[dave mc]

ooh! This getting interesting. There is reference in that link to a Leak 20.

Should I consider one of them?

[Dingdong]

A decent Leak 20 would work nicely I think. They are not that cheap anymore though.

There is one for sale here.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23161

[dave mc]

OK then. What sort of difference am I going to get between Leak 20 with B&W DM3's against say, Cyrus 6 (or8) amp with tannoy revolution dc6 speakers.

Old v new. Much difference? Or am I opening a can of worms with that?

[synsei]

Hi Dave,

As predicted by Mark, here I am. As you can see in my signature I own some pretty decent kit and yet I employ an Amptastic Mini-T Tripath amp for power amp duties which drives a pair of B&W DM2's to great effect. Despite this amps modest proportions and very modest price (£60) it totally out performs the modified Hafler DH220 power amp I used previously. In my system the Mini-T performs admirably and having listened to it along side some pretty serious amplification I have no desire to evict it as yet ;)

[dave mc]

Good grief! £60? That's got to be worth a punt. I'll do a bit of research first.

I bet they're causing a stir in the hi fi world?

[synsei]

I bet they're causing a stir in the hi fi world?

It has on this forum Dave, but the wider world seems not to have noticed as yet. The Mini-T's only have one set of inputs Dave so a pre-amp is a must unless you are using a single source. Amptastic are currently developing a mkII version which is due out sometime this financial quarter. Chris from Amptastic has promised to announce its release on this forum so keep your eyes peeled if you are interested. Rumour has it that the mkII will have more sophisticated circuitry and will be a switchable integrated/power amp. Watch this space... ;)

Incidentally, don't let the price put you off, this is one serious little amplifier even if its output is modest. I expect it would drive your DM3's very well indeed...

[dave mc]

Well if its this quarter that will be handy, as my birthday is 29th March.

I'll add one to my birthday list.:)

[Dingdong]

OK then. What sort of difference am I going to get between Leak 20 with B&W DM3's against say, Cyrus 6 (or8) amp with tannoy revolution dc6 speakers.

Old v new. Much difference? Or am I opening a can of worms with that?

The leak would sound way sweeter imho. But try and have a listen to the amp Dave is on about. You may be surprised. You can then send part of the money saved to me if you want. :)

[The Grand Wazoo]

All of the above suggestions are all very well, but I wonder if Dave realises (hi Dave & welcme to AoS, by the way!) that these options will need a pre-amp of some sort? Remember that he intends to play his turntable through whatever amp he ends up with.

[Westyman]

Thanks Westyman,

What amplifier were you using with the DM3's?

Not sure, probably the Nytech CA252, a sweet sounding lowish power device that's still in its box in the loft with the Tabors. I suspect they will not be fit for much now.

It used to be my view that the law of diminishing returns applies to hifi in no small part but the passage of time reduces its effect. That is to say, you can achieve small changes - and maybe kid yourself it's an improvement because you need to justify having spent the dosh - with frequent purchases, or leave it all alone for years, then spend some dosh and you will hear stuff on your media you've never heard before and the hairs on the back of your neck prickle. That's the emotion of music!!

I changed from the Nytech to the Cyrus kit I have now because it reviewed well and I took the speakers to a dealer to audition and the emotion kicked in.
Good luck in your search.

[dave mc]

OK all, thanks very much for the advice so far. Lots to consider.

If I go down the valve amp route, which I think I am favouring at the moment, what are the considerations between a new valve amp and an old one such as a Leak 20.

I know the obvious answer to that is " it depends on you ears", but anything else I need to consider.