need recommendations for "Best" Stereo amp under $2000

[mech986]

Ok, looks like the 001 load, a 130A plus a 175DLH with N1200 crossover, using a "potato masher" conical perforated lens/horn.

Would recommend you try raising the speaker up between 10 to 15 inches off the ground to get the HF at near or slightly above ear level, then adjust the HF gain on the crossover for most pleasing balance.

The hard part with a 2 way using the 130A is the crossover region to the mid-tweeter.

 

[BMWCCA]

So you've got a really nice old-fashioned woofer without much excursion in a cabinet that's too small to really get the most out of it coupled with a limited-range mid-high horn and no real tweeter. Don't get me wrong! the 001 is a wonderful old system that's mellow sounding but it doesn't necessarily cover the full range of the piano and all its resonances. Your subs have probably solved the low-end but, as Mech pointed out, the crossover region won't be a particularly smooth transition and there's really nothing going on beyond about 10k Hz, it drops off so rapidly.

 

[destroyerzx1]

So you've got a really nice old-fashioned woofer without much excursion in a cabinet that's too small to really get the most out of it coupled with a limited-range mid-high horn and no real tweeter. Don't get me wrong! the 001 is a wonderful old system that's mellow sounding but it doesn't necessarily cover the full range of the piano and all its resonances. Your subs have probably solved the low-end but, as Mech pointed out, the crossover region won't be a particularly smooth transition and there's really nothing going on beyond about 10k Hz, it drops off so rapidly.

in piano music it sounds like someone has the reverb up all the way and the sound waves murder each other. on the emotiva the highs are a lot sharper and the hk the midrange overpowers each note, should I convert it over to the s7? or what should I keep an eye out for? everything else like I said sound fine, guitars are clean the notes are clear, metal has a lot of punch and doesn't get drowned out, drums & saxophones are freaking amazing

 

[BMWCCA]

One more time: What does your piano recording sound like on another system, if you've had the chance to try it?

As the owner of over a dozen amps from several manufacturers, I find it incredible that you find such a difference in detail simply switching from the H/K to the Emo, but hey, I haven't heard either.

 

[destroyerzx1]

One more time: What does your piano recording sound like on another system, if you've had the chance to try it?

As the owner of over a dozen amps from several manufacturers, I find it incredible that you find such a difference in detail simply switching from the H/K to the Emo, but hey, I haven't heard either.

I'll hopefully have time to hook it up to my fathers f32's friday or saturday and see how it compares

 

[mech986]

in piano music it sounds like someone has the reverb up all the way and the sound waves murder each other. on the emotiva the highs are a lot sharper and the hk the midrange overpowers each note, should I convert it over to the s7? or what should I keep an eye out for? everything else like I said sound fine, guitars are clean the notes are clear, metal has a lot of punch and doesn't get drowned out, drums & saxophones are freaking amazing

Something is very odd here, good amps should not sound that much different on the same speakers. I would suggest you check all the speaker wiring from input to the crossover, to wiring from the crossover to the woofers and the compression driver - its possible one set of wires has been reversed. Also, check the 130A's and see if the cones on the back look exactly the same or that one has been reconed (may have grease pencil writing on it or a different printed number on the cone) which might explain why thing sound weird so there may be one driver out of phase.

Try playing your piano music in mono to both speakers - you should get a very solid middle image and good bass response (not huge though, the 130A doesn't go very low). If you don't get a solid center image with mono, then something in the speakers is out of phase.

As for better speakers, there's a lot of options and choices depending on your needs. Tell us where you are located and that may then present options for you.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

In short, the best McIntosh or Bryston you can afford regardless of power level is the best your $2000 or less can buy. Or the best pre-Harman Crown amplifier.

 

[BMWCCA]

Or the best pre-Harman Crown amplifier.

You could find ten Crowns for that money, unless you're talking Studio Reference-II. The PS-200 and PS-400 are the best and newest I know about of the pre-Harman Crowns. Better than the similar D-series. I have several of each and I use the PS-200 and 400 in my main system. That being said, I somehow doubt an amp will resolve the OP's piano issue.

 

[destroyerzx1]

I would also suggest getting some good vinyl sources of piano music and compare that to your computer files - see whether its the source material.

Thanks for the advice, I have been playing most of the music through spotify (premium) I was able to find flac version of the songs on bandcamp and both songs sound entirely different the spotify variant sounds much more thin. I'll have to experiment with this more...


ok lets say when I get the f32's here, that they sound great with piano at that point do I buy better speakers to fit what I'm trying to play or can I add a tweeter or horn tweeter of some kind and run it off a completely different amp.

 

[mech986]

Thanks for the advice, I have been playing most of the music through spotify (premium) I was able to find flac version of the songs on bandcamp and both songs sound entirely different the spotify variant sounds much more thin. I'll have to experiment with this more...


ok lets say when I get the f32's here, that they sound great with piano at that point do I buy better speakers to fit what I'm trying to play or can I add a tweeter or horn tweeter of some kind and run it off a completely different amp.

Are you referring to Revel Performa F32 speakers? Obviously a much newer design (circa 2003) with a lot more science behind their development and construction. They will likely image a lot better because of the small and separate mid and tweeter, and may actually reach down reasonably low for double 6.5" woofers. I suspect they won't play super loud unless pushed very hard with good amplification.

http://www.harman-kardon.cz/revel/manual/revel-performa-f32.pdf

See how your Apollo's stack up against the F32's before you start thinking of modifications to your system. Once you ID any issues with your system, then we can talk about what possibly to do about it.

 

[ghamilton]

http://www.adcom-usa.com/stereo-amplifiers

 

[Rex Aeterna]

...and then his speakers may be where he needs to start, which is often the case for piano-focused listeners, at least that is what I have seen in the past... piano is a demanding instrument for speakers... though I may be in for you guys telling me how great his JBLs are... I don't know 'em...

that what i was thinking. also might need a good clean sub like a 2245 or two maybe if he wants that last octave cleanly for the piano since a piano can reach down to 28hz...know rare but, always good to have instead not to have.

 

[stevo137]

For brand new and best for the money I would look at the April Music Aura integrated.
I have heard this and it's a lot of sound for the money.
Integrated, simple and modern adaptability.

 

[destroyerzx1]

Are you referring to Revel Performa F32 speakers? Obviously a much newer design (circa 2003) with a lot more science behind their development and construction. They will likely image a lot better because of the small and separate mid and tweeter, and may actually reach down reasonably low for double 6.5" woofers. I suspect they won't play super loud unless pushed very hard with good amplification.

http://www.harman-kardon.cz/revel/manual/revel-performa-f32.pdf

See how your Apollo's stack up against the F32's before you start thinking of modifications to your system. Once you ID any issues with your system, then we can talk about what possibly to do about it.

Alright well I finally got a chance to try out the revels and they do sound quite a bit better then the apollo's and the citation amp paired with the 728a is far superior then any other combo that I've tried so much so that my father is thinking about buying a 728a. the only thing they really lack is the drums that 15" driver really kicks when listening to something like radar love. is there a way to have both? I'd really like a set of speakers that has the high end of the revels but that nice clean drum kick of the apollo's

 

[mech986]

Ok, looks like the 001 load, a 130A plus a 175DLH with N1200 crossover, using a "potato masher" conical perforated lens/horn.

Would recommend you try raising the speaker up between 10 to 15 inches off the ground to get the HF at near or slightly above ear level, then adjust the HF gain on the crossover for most pleasing balance.

The hard part with a 2 way using the 130A is the crossover region to the mid-tweeter.

Did you have the Apollos up and tried adjusting the HF crossover control in your comparison?

The first thing you can try is to add a tweeter on a small stand above the midhorn. If you stay with JBL, you could add any of their dome tweeters (034, 044, 035TI, or best the 052 from the 4408A/4412A) or a 2405/2405H which are as efficient as the 175 and relatively inexpensive, plus are horn loaded and wide dispersion. The crossover sections we can come up with to help you.

Rebuilding the N1200 crossover with discrete new parts is also an option.

A much more costly option is to consider changing the mid section to an LE85/2311 or 2312 horn with acoustic slant lense, and add the 2405, essentially making the mid/top end an L300 clone - probably would then go to a modified Nelson Pass crossover, even consider changing out the woofer?

 

[destroyerzx1]

Did you have the Apollos up and tried adjusting the HF crossover control in your comparison?

The first thing you can try is to add a tweeter on a small stand above the midhorn. If you stay with JBL, you could add any of their dome tweeters (034, 044, 035TI, or best the 052 from the 4408A/4412A) or a 2405/2405H which are as efficient as the 175 and relatively inexpensive, plus are horn loaded and wide dispersion. The crossover sections we can come up with to help you.

Rebuilding the N1200 crossover with discrete new parts is also an option.

A much more costly option is to consider changing the mid section to an LE85/2311 or 2312 horn with acoustic slant lense, and add the 2405, essentially making the mid/top end an L300 clone - probably would then go to a modified Nelson Pass crossover, even consider changing out the woofer?

I tried placing the apollos up higher and played with the hf crossover but nothing sounded great. for the tweeter would I wire it into the crossover with the 175 or unhook the 175, I have some decent tweeters around here that I could try there rated @ 4ohms. I can try that for now till I track down those expensive additions, would the 130a need to be replaced as well?

 

[destroyerzx1]

well think I solved my problem a pair of Yamaha FX-1's became available locally for a good price and they sound amazing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8iNuRC0MejyX1piU2RBdG9wUFU/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8iNuRC0MejyM3RoVHd2RVpPXzA/view?usp=sharing

 

[FONSguy]

Crown Distinction Series power amp.