I've been where Mike is (still there to a certain extent) . . . but its taken about 3 or 4 system builds to get to a satisfactory setup.
Agreed, it does sound like you should keep going, staying within the realms of spouse/budget sanity!!
If present company in this thread are recommending neurochrome, I would take note (in fact I have!).
However if you don't want to do the DIY or get someone to do it for you this may be of interest. Don't own one myself but have heard similar typologies and if you want a very well rounded amplifier with a helping of all virtues, this might be worth a punt.
Might take a while to get here though . . .
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HYPEX-UCD...AAAOSwPhRavbAU
All I can suggest is finding some speakers you really like and sticking with them. I have done so with my Quads and now will not entertain any bit of equipment unless it has a proven or (at least) theoretically technical synergy with them. Might mean selling everything if I change speakers but I accept that.
I still get it wrong even following these stipulations though so nothing is foolproof.
Reviews and recommendations only make up a small percentage of my decision process now . . . although they certainly used to have more of an influence.
System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
- Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
- Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -
System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
- Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
- Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -
Location: Scotland
Posts: 16
I'm Derek.
Mike, have you considered an Exposure amplifier? I'm currently considering an old Farlowe-era integrated to pair with some old ProAc Tablettes. I'm led to believe they have the propulsive quality of Naim but without any harshness. Sounds ideal for rock.
KEF Reference series are very revealing speakers, so this should put the cat amongst the pigeons.
Current Lash Up:
TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.
Current system 1210 GR. CDP - Meridian G08. Amp -Sugden A21I - Sig. Wharfedale Lintons.