If you had a grand......

[karma67]

As above to spend on an amp what would you buy?
New or second hand? Valve ? Classic Japanese or English?
Big brand or 1 man band?

[Boyse6748]

Do you mean Amp or integrated? Obviously, there are used bargains out there, but not much within your budget..... unless of course your real lucky. It really does depend on what your looking for...... it’s a bit of a wide spectrum to be specific. No doubt others will advise, but at the end of the day, you must have some idea what you fancy.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[hifinutt]

mmm if i had yammy ns speakers i might buy firebottle valve hybrid monoblocks and a cheap passive pre which would be just a tad over a grand but not much

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?49632-Firebottle-Mono-monoblock-power-amplifier

[Ian7633]

I'd have my ears syringed to get the best from my current amp and spend the money on chocolate and loose women:thumbsup:

[southall-1998]

The MK1 Krell KSA-50. Never heard one. But had fun reading the great reputation.

S.

[walpurgis]

For a grand, I might just about be able to get a Leak Stereo 20 plus Promitheus TVC pre-amp. That should do the trick! :)

[Batty]

1000 GBP would buy an Earl Weston handbuilt Troubador 350valve integrated. Currently selling at around AU$1700.

http://www.westonacoustics.com/page006.html

The Basic 6L6 is under $1200. http://www.westonacoustics.com/service1.html

[Pigmy Pony]

I'd have my ears syringed to get the best from my current amp and spend the money on chocolate and loose women:thumbsup:

I had my ears syringed a couple of years ago, and since then I hear a constant high-pitched whistle, like the noise that you used to get with old CRT tellies. If I turn up the volume with my music, the whistling gets louder too.

[Ian7633]

I had my ears syringed a couple of years ago, and since then I hear a constant high-pitched whistle, like the noise that you used to get with old CRT tellies. If I turn up the volume with my music, the whistling gets louder too.

I've been living with quite pronounced tinitus for a long time, your problem sounds different, might be worth getting checked?

[RobbieGong]

With bias I'd say classic Japanese, especially a 'good' one ie: a proper hifi delity piece - 'up there' if you get my jist.

You already know what you like as the Sony you have I'm sure you've been happy with.

Well if you want a genuine upgrade from that something like the Sansui AU 919 or a Sansui D11ii would be just the ticket and I should know ;)

I had a 700 ES like yours for a short time it was completely re-built and I mean like new.

In all fairness I was meddling a lot with my entire system at the time, upgrades and so on so didnt really hear the 700 in the right context ie: tonearm set to sweetspot and eventually moved it on.

That said the 919 is a wonderful peice of kit. I've also heard Angus (Phonomacs) Sanusi D11ii and that too is a great amp, not as forward sounding as the 919 maybe but 2x 130wpc and a fine sounding amp.

You'll bag either for less than a grand BUT If you do make sure you can get it to someoine competant who will have it runing like new.

Angus I'm sure would happily properly service / overhaul a D11ii for you, he knows the proper improvements and upgrades that the tech boys on forums like AudioKarma implement and which he's applied to his own.

If the Legend that is the 919 appeals much as I genuinely hate to say, mine may be up for grabs.

Mine as you know has had, literally everything done, improved and I'd go as far as to say probably one of the best of it's kind out there right now - see my signature which only tells half the story - Angus I'm sure will be able to tell everything it's had done.

It is currently with him awaiting a phono selector switch.

Never ever thought I'd even consider moving it on, if it went to someone here that would be small consulation as it will, hand on heart ache a bit to let it go but I cant and wouldn't run two amps.

The AU a707 DR moves me in the same way which I didnt expect but edges it a little in the depth of info presented and the textures / timbres etc - The 919 is very very detailed and does this too but the 707 notches it hence.

I'd even suggest one of the Alphas like mine, 607 DR, 707 DR and the monster 907 DR ( 2x 160 wpc :eek:) However they are very rare and finding good 230/240 UK/Euro voltage versions of these will be a challenge.

Anyway which ever route you decide to take, good luck and do your homework - I always do and it has almost always paid off one way or the other :)

[walpurgis]

I had my ears syringed a couple of years ago, and since then I hear a constant high-pitched whistle, like the noise that you used to get with old CRT tellies. If I turn up the volume with my music, the whistling gets louder too.

Starting a couple of years ago, I had something similar. A sensation of a hissing whistle in my head all the time. I'd put it down to some medication I take, but in the last couple of months the sensation of noise has worn off and I'm still on the meds. Haven't figured this out.

[Jazid]

The OP was kind enough to leave me those AvantGarde Trios I always wanted so... the problem is simple: just locate a Don Garber 300b Fi amp. Should be under budget, no worries on the SQ front, just a bit of a search for someone daft enough to part company with one.

If I got impatient I could always sell my arse for a couple of hundred and get Jake's Almarro out of the classifieds... Or get a proper job, or something?

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

[montesquieu]

I bought one of these recently and it’s the biggest audio bargain I’ve ever come across.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LP-Audio-0-L1-Class-A-20W-Solid-State-Power-Amplifier-Forget-300B-SE-Black-/222790898635

I had to wait a couple of weeks extra while 240v mains transformers were sourced but it was well worth it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jandl100]

The MK1 Krell KSA-50. Never heard one. But had fun reading the great reputation.

S.

Have a listen first.
It's a bit boring imo.

My cat liked it more than I did.

https://i.imgur.com/vHsMEvm.jpg

[jandl100]

A grand?
Well, gosh - the world is your mollusc.
I've had oodles of fab amps for under a grand.

[karma67]

I’m learning towards something from threshold,pass labs is out of budget,the Sony though does not leave me wanting, but then I’ve lead a sheltered life Hifi wise so I’ve not heard much else.

[paulf-2007]

The OP was kind enough to leave me those AvantGarde Trios I always wanted so... the problem is simple: just locate a Don Garber 300b Fi amp. Should be under budget, no worries on the SQ front, just a bit of a search for someone daft enough to part company with one.

If I got impatient I could always sell my arse for a couple of hundred and get Jake's Almarro out of the classifieds... Or get a proper job, or something?

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk
A proper job? Noooooooo

[Wakefield Turntables]

Sansui 919 would be high on my list, had the 719 wish I never got rid.

[Haselsh1]

Well just over a year back I had more than a grand to spend and having given the usual thought to what I wanted to do I ended up with a Prima Luna pre/power. Had I had one grand to spend I have no idea what I would do. The decision was complex enough as it was.

[speedracer]

It really depends on the rest of your kit Jamie, for me it would have to be a valve amp & for a grand you would have a great choice, in fact for half that there are some very capable amps out there. Even though I can't take to them I am sure there are some good SS amps as well.

[Shovel_Knight]

I would buy a VFET amp and have it properly refurbished. When working properly, they are worth their weight in gold.

[Bigman80]

mmm if i had yammy ns speakers i might buy firebottle valve hybrid monoblocks and a cheap passive pre which would be just a tad over a grand but not much

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?49632-Firebottle-Mono-monoblock-power-amplifierYou can use your nak as a pre. Would be a great choice.

PS, you can pick different cases for them. Those discs on the front don't do them justice. Could look like mine [emoji6]

[karma67]

I would buy a VFET amp and have it properly refurbished. When working properly, they are worth their weight in gold.

Yes I’ve got my eye on one, trouble is it has a crackling output pot, I don’t know how serious that is, but I has slightly put me off.

[Shovel_Knight]

Is it a power amp or one of Sony integrateds?

Crackling pots can usually be fixed with a generous helping of contact cleaner. Although in my former TA-4650 the volume pot was enormous and completely sealed.

[karma67]

It’s a power amp, Yamaha b-2

[Bigman80]

If it were me.......

I'd avoid vintage Japanese amplifiers. I love them but I've had a plethora of issues with them. Mainly pots or switches. I can name at least two people who are suffering with the same problems too.

I really do love them though.

Can't get Vfets. Won't be the same with anything else.

Class A is beautiful.

Class D is also worth a look due to the pure efficiency of them.

I'll never flog my Amps. They are the best things I've owned in that area. Bar none.

[wee tee cee]

EWA Q20V with volume pot.

Heard Colins amps at Ali Tates place-class A just does it for me (bought an M50 off the back of what I heard)

The croft integrated is about 1k....my son runs croft pre/power-what lovely music they make, dare say the integrated would do the bussiness.

[Pieoftheday]

I've been living with quite pronounced tinitus for a long time, your problem sounds different, might be worth getting checked?

Do you use a hearing aid Ian? Although I don't use mine all the time I have found it has helped my tinitus

[Ian7633]

Do you use a hearing aid Ian? Although I don't use mine all the time I have found it has helped my tinitus

I've not used one yet James, I'm lucky that distraction techniques work well for me. the only time I really notice it is bed time but playing a cd or having the radio on quietly usually does the trick. I was worried it would drive me insane, not too far to go there:D, but I adapted pretty quickly.

[Pieoftheday]

I've not used one yet James, I'm lucky that distraction techniques work well for me. the only time I really notice it is bed time but playing a cd or having the radio on quietly usually does the trick. I was worried it would drive me insane, not too far to go there:D, but I adapted pretty quickly.

Apparently tinitus is the brain trying to fill in the gaps that hearing loss has left, so the chap at ENT said, I suppose that's why a hearing aid can be useful,it fills in the gaps,or tries to so the brain doesn't have to. It's good you've found ways to adapt

[BenK]

I’m learning towards something from threshold,pass labs is out of budget,the Sony though does not leave me wanting, but then I’ve lead a sheltered life Hifi wise so I’ve not heard much else.

If it's a power amp you're after, you might be surprised; my Pass Aleph 3 set me back £1,100, and I've seen others sell for that kind of money. Excellent amp for the money imho; only potential downside is that it'll only put 30W into 8Ω.

[karma67]

any Onkyo fans here? how about one of these Onkyo M506RS ?

[karma67]

or a croft 4SA?

[Bigman80]

or a croft 4SA?Can't imagine it sounding anything but glorious. You're gonna spend a shit ton of money getting good valves for it though

And no, there aren't any good cheap valve [emoji23][emoji23]

[karma67]

What’s a shit load out of interest?

[walpurgis]

Slightly bigger than 'dirty great'. :D

[Jazid]

Loads of fantastic cheap valves, they just aren't commercially viable, after all if it's cheap it can't be much good, right?

BTW I am not saying that expensive valves aren't good: as a 417a/300b nerd I can hardly pretend to think that!

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

[Bigman80]

Loads of fantastic cheap valves, they just aren't commercially viable, after all if it's cheap it can't be much good, right?

BTW I am not saying that expensive valves aren't good: as a 417a/300b nerd I can hardly pretend to think that!

Sent from my GT-I9195 using TapatalkHaha, just saying, the real good ones just aren't cheap.

[Bigman80]

What’s a shit load out of interest?Well, a Shit Ton equates to "a lot" [emoji23][emoji23]

Seriously, it ain't gonna be cheap to replace all those lovely valves. You'll get the valve rolling bug and you'll spend day after day listening for the best valve you can find.

It's worth it though valves are magic.

[montesquieu]

any Onkyo fans here? how about one of these Onkyo M506RS ?

My mate has one of these with some Kef 104s and while it's a million miles from my way of doing things it's always sounded pretty good when I go round there for a night. Looks the business too. Not sure it's one for string quartets and Lieder but it does the big stuff in style. I was surprised to find myself liking it.

Croft Series 4S has always intrigued me though one has never come up when I've had cash so I've never had a play. The EL519s are rare as hen's teeth these days though so that would give me some pause for thought.

[Jazid]

Haha, just saying, the real good ones just aren't cheap.The ones that are easy to get right in a circuit...
Sand amps have gone even harder the same way now, be careful with your dreams!

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

[Bigman80]

Nearly bought a pair of these out of curiosity a little while back. Slightly over budget [emoji4]

http://www.hifi-forsale.co.uk/mobile/moreinfo.php?pid=54065

Reviews are good, makers are good. Geoff can add some opinions as he has a similar pair I believe.

Here's the review :

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/frank04.htm

Should also be noted that the MK2 had the buzzing transformer problem fixed along with the other picky issues mentioned in the review.

I am actually tempted myself. They do raise my curiosity!!

These were £1000 each side!!!!!!!!!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180209/d0082ac9074e7bb3cb72a64d761ba43e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180209/7bf4e2e7c171c5b804c15c76207f3107.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180209/26b96e1c63e54990fb391264d6cb5db8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180209/d2f8c6876bc4c026f2fb41b66f6bb1a0.jpg

[alphaGT]

Browsing EBay at the $1000 mark, here in the states mind you, but I see many desirable amps.

Like a Technics SE-A5, and an Onkyo M-507 for $900, both with the BIG dials. Several nice Japanese tube amps and a Nakamichi PA-7! A Golden Tube Audio SE40! A Peachtree Audio 220, and a Perreaux 3150 with 300wpc! There’s a LOT you can do with a grand in the used market, I’d love to have any of these mentioned, and there’s more but I think that’s enough to make my point. Which will make a good match for your speakers? Room size? It’s hard to recommend without being there.

Russell

[Yomanze]

Under a grand, then I'd try to seek out an Exposure III / IV combo like the one I have upstairs & use the change for a service. Classic, easy to maintain, and IMHO my favourite Exposure gear to date.

[jandl100]

A Croft 4SA was my very first valve amp, over 30 years ago it must have been. Got me hooked on the glowing things (not that I don't enjoy solid state as well).

Those Monarchy amps are pure snoozeville, imo. But then I just don't get on with class A solid state.

____

An underlying premise on this thread seems to be that more expensive amps tend to sound better than less expensive amps.
Well, that's not my experience.
I've found that the best in any price band are as good and enjoyable as the best in any other price band, from £100 up to quite a few £k.
I think I might be in a minority of 1 on that, though. :lol:

[steveharman]

Leak Stereo 20? Good ones, fully restored, can be had for just shy of £900 and, if it matters, they'll increase in value if past performance is anything to go by. I sold my fully restored beauty in 2010 for £400.

Steve

[montesquieu]

Leak Stereo 20? Good ones, fully restored, can be had for just shy of £900 and, if it matters, they'll increase in value if past performance is anything to go by. I sold my fully restored beauty in 2010 for £400.

Steve

£900 a bit steep I think even restored.

[walpurgis]

£900 a bit steep I think even restored.

Yes. £550 to £700 I'd say depending on condition.

[Bigman80]

A Croft 4SA was my very first valve amp, over 30 years ago it must have been. Got me hooked on the glowing things (not that I don't enjoy solid state as well).

Those Monarchy amps are pure snoozeville, imo. But then I just don't get on with class A solid state.

____

An underlying premise on this thread seems to be that more expensive amps tend to sound better than less expensive amps.
Well, that's not my experience.
I've found that the best in any price band are as good and enjoyable as the best in any other price band, from £100 up to quite a few £k.
I think I might be in a minority of 1 on that, though. [emoji38]Seeing as you own a Firebottle amp, would you recommend one? Surely the antithesis of overpriced brand snobbery and performs at a much higher level than you would expect from a £500 amp?

[Bazil]

Starting a couple of years ago, I had something similar. A sensation of a hissing whistle in my head all the time. I'd put it down to some medication I take, but in the last couple of months the sensation of noise has worn off and I'm still on the meds. Haven't figured this out.

I have had this for many years its got worse as I get older , its tinnitus but higher up the audio nerves , anything that gets into the blood stream makes it worse , alcohol , caffeine , medication . Tiredness really makes it worse and its because as we get older we don't sleep well has compounded my problem . I can no longer take a quick nap in the day as this makes it even worse again for some reason .

[Pharos]

I've had it for 25 years or so, a high pitched whistle/buzz. It depends on tiredness, stress of life, worry, over training, and diet.
Today has been free of it for some unknown reason.

[walpurgis]

I've had it for 25 years or so, a high pitched whistle/buzz. It depends on tiredness, stress of life, worry, over training, and diet.
Today has been free of it for some unknown reason.

Funny thing is, I've had a touch of the 'head whistling' today. Got it right now actually. First time it's bothered me for a while. Was feeling a bit off colour most of the day, maybe I've a cold on the way?

[struth]

I have that too. I find it worse when my sinuses are a bit inflamed and not wide open

[RobbieGong]

Back on thread - Looking at the numerous posts in reply, you've a heck of a lot of choice and options which may or may not have actually made you any clearer on what route you want to take :eek:

that can be a problem in itself, loads of views, opinions, avenues.

Question? Do you like what your 700 ES does ? If so have you considered another high end integrated in that vein, powerful, solid build and genuine quality electronic componentry ie: - Sony TA FA 808 ES, http://www.audioreview.com/product/amplification/integrated-amplifiers/sony/ta-f808es.html

https://www.google.co.uk/search?tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=h2yBWoKvPKnBgAb7t5bYDA&q=sony+ta+fa+808+es+audio+scope&oq=sony+ta+fa+808+es+audio+scope&gs_l=psy-ab.3...273231.276300.0.276730.12.12.0.0.0.0.98.890 .12.12.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.oYc0ah-Ka8o#imgrc=uVuCa1FgBpNtwM:

You've then got even more of the same, more refined, genuine high fidelity approach design of the higly regarded http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-TA-FA777ES.html said to be Sony's 'best' integrated.

Will have a very clear detailed and refined presentation which may or may not suit you. It will be 'accurate' ie: in the true sense of hifidelity like the two high end Sansui's I have - You get what you give them, they wont give bass where there's non in the grooves or gloss things over - if it's there you'll get it as it's been recorded, you'll get plenty of insight into the 'recorded' music.

Some say they are into hifidelity but dont actually want what that is :scratch::rolleyes::lol::D

I actually love it ;)

Anyway good luck and keep on keeping on (the journey) 'til you get there, although I do think having an idea of what you like will help you get there sooner.

Trying stuf blindly or otherwise, chasing others views and ideas might mean a very long round in circles route which can bring tears, pain and despair, just sayin ;) - heaven forbid :)

[paulf-2007]

Seeing as you own a Firebottle amp, would you recommend one? Surely the antithesis of overpriced brand snobbery and performs at a much higher level than you would expect from a £500 amp?
It's not brand snobbery, more resale value away from here where the masses don't know of fire bottle.

[Pharos]

The better your system gets the more critical small changes become because of its transparency.

[Bigman80]

It's not brand snobbery, more resale value away from here where the masses don't know of fire bottle.Not sure what you mean Paul, I am suggesting that it's a good alternative to an overinflated market. Not suggesting anyone here suffers from brand snobbery?

Resale? Unlikely to be a problem. Theres enough interest here to move things on daily easily.

[paulf-2007]

Not sure what you mean Paul, I am suggesting that it's a good alternative to an overinflated market. Not suggesting anyone here suffers from brand snobbery?

Resale? Unlikely to be a problem. Theres enough interest here to move things on daily easily.
I didn't think you were suggesting anyone here had brand snobbery Oliver and yes selling on here would not be a problem but limit the options. Ignore my post, doesn't seem to be articulate enough to be understood.

[Lawrence001]

I didn't think you were suggesting anyone here had brand snobbery Oliver and yes selling on here would not be a problem but limit the options. Ignore my post, doesn't seem to be articulate enough to be understood.I understood it fine.

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[jandl100]

Seeing as you own a Firebottle amp, would you recommend one? Surely the antithesis of overpriced brand snobbery and performs at a much higher level than you would expect from a £500 amp?

Ah, well, yes. My Firebottle AIR is one of the best amps I have heard and I would certainly recommend one. Alan is a very nice guy to deal with, as well.

My point was that, with the benefit of quite extensive experience of buying amps, price has very little to do with how much I enjoyed any particular amp.

The AIR cost me, used, £450. Money well spent. Very pleased with it still.
The max I've spent on an amp is £4k - MF F18. It was OK, nothing very special. It could get a good grip on the ML CLS2z stats I had at the time, so that was handy.
I bought an Amptastic Mini-T for £50 new. Fantastic sound - the first TA2020 class D I had heard, blew me away.
A pair of Jadis JA80 monos cost me about £3k, I think (long time ago). They were pretty good. A Lowther Club Jazz 6L6 valve amp cost me £300 not that long ago - fantastic, quite possibly the best valve amp I have heard. I wish I had kept the darn thing! (One of the very rare exceptions that I regret selling). Easily surpassed the Jadis, imo. At 1/10th the price. Didn't have as much power, though.
I've had some great amps at around the £1k mark, and some real duds that got moved on pronto.

etc etc ramble ramble ramble.

The point is, for me looking back I see very little correlation of enjoyment against amp cost.
Great amps high and low.
Poor (for me) amps, high and low.

The point I was attempting to make is that if you have the OP's £1k to spend, don't ignore something interesting at £300!

[Bigman80]

Ah, well, yes. My Firebottle AIR is one of the best amps I have heard and I would certainly recommend one. Alan is a very nice guy to deal with, as well.

My point was that, with the benefit of quite extensive experience of buying amps, price has very little to do with how much I enjoyed any particular amp.

The AIR cost me, used, £450. Money well spent. Very pleased with it still.
The max I've spent on an amp is £4k - MF F18. It was OK, nothing very special. It could get a good grip on the ML CLS2z stats I had at the time, so that was handy.
I bought an Amptastic Mini-T for £50 new. Fantastic sound - the first TA2020 class D I had heard, blew me away.
A pair of Jadis JA80 monos cost me about £3k, I think (long time ago). They were pretty good. A Lowther Club Jazz 6L6 valve amp cost me £300 not that long ago - fantastic, quite possibly the best valve amp I have heard. I wish I had kept the darn thing! (One of the very rare exceptions that I regret selling). Easily surpassed the Jadis, imo. At 1/10th the price. Didn't have as much power, though.
I've had some great amps at around the £1k mark, and some real duds that got moved on pronto.

etc etc ramble ramble ramble.

The point is, for me looking back I see very little correlation of enjoyment against amp cost.
Great amps high and low.
Poor (for me) amps, high and low.

The point I was attempting to make is that if you have the OP's £1k to spend, don't ignore something interesting at £300!You're a man who's had a lot of experience so that bit of info is very telling.

Money doesn't equate to quality. I totally agree

[walpurgis]

My point was that, with the benefit of quite extensive experience of buying amps, price has very little to do with how much I enjoyed any particular amp.

The best amp I've heard recently is the Creek Destiny 2. It adds and subtracts nothing. It does not sound like an amp, as it seems to have no sound. It simply lets all the music through unblemished! Shame Creek don't still make it. Comparatively, it wasn't expensive either.

[Pharos]

There is a quasi linear correlation between money and quality, with statistical distribution around that line, but of course very expensive stuff which does not sound good stands out as jewellery rip-offs.

What we want is the anomolously good for little money.

I built several Lowther amps, and they were better than most others using the same valve configurations.

[jandl100]

I built several Lowther amps, and they were better than most others using the same valve configurations.

Sorry, Dennis, understandable confusion.
I didn't mean a Lowther amp, I meant one of these ... http://www.lowther.com.hk/Jazz%206L6%20Amp.htm
Mine had valve adapters and I used a pair of Brimar 6BG6 power valves. Marvellous.

[walpurgis]

Very nice. I like the look of that.

[alphaGT]

There is a quasi linear correlation between money and quality, with statistical distribution around that line, but of course very expensive stuff which does not sound good stands out as jewellery rip-offs.

What we want is the anomolously good for little money.

I built several Lowther amps, and they were better than most others using the same valve configurations.

I agree With Dennis, amps don’t have to be excessively expensive to be good, but good transformers cost money, matching components cost money, good power filtration cost money. An honest designer should be able to build a better amp if he is allowed a bigger budget.

Russell

[hifi_dave]

Starting a couple of years ago, I had something similar. A sensation of a hissing whistle in my head all the time. I'd put it down to some medication I take, but in the last couple of months the sensation of noise has worn off and I'm still on the meds. Haven't figured this out.

Some medication does produce Tinnitus symptoms. I took a heavy duty Diuretic called Frusemide, for a while and that gave me terrible Tinnitus plus having to rush to the loo in the two hours following the dose. Tinnitus stopped within a day of stopping the Frusemide.

Side effects do, sometimes, wear off or become less of a problem, after a time.

[Macca]

I agree With Dennis, amps don’t have to be excessively expensive to be good, but good transformers cost money, matching components cost money, good power filtration cost money. An honest designer should be able to build a better amp if he is allowed a bigger budget.

Russell

In a nut shell, yes. There is probably a limit to what can be done regardless of budget. I suppose you could get silly and up the power and size indefinitely. But there has to be a ceiling on the cost of sound quality. I wonder what it is?

[alphaGT]

In a nut shell, yes. There is probably a limit to what can be done regardless of budget. I suppose you could get silly and up the power and size indefinitely. But there has to be a ceiling on the cost of sound quality. I wonder what it is?

I’m sure the laws of diminishing returns comes into play here. At some point doubling your budget will only yield a 1% increase. And doubling that budget will yield another .1%. All subjectivity aside.

Russell

[Pharos]

Well I've just gone from home designed BBC/Rogers mid/woof with a ESS Heil, to a pair of ADAM Betas, £1500 to £25k worth.
Yes it is quite a bit better, so do I aspire to the Beolab 90s at £65k?

The diminishing returns, as Russell says, not only apply to the system, but the source may not have been made to high enough standards to merit a better replay system.

[jandl100]

Ah, well. Speakers.
Yes, that's where my money goes.