• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

What is my next step up? Calling on the experts!

34dean

34dean

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
In my desire to improve my system, over the past couple of months, I’ve added a pair of ADS 910 speakers, and now just recently, a Basis 2000/1 turntable with Rega RB900 tonearm. I have an Apt Holman preamp (restored/recapped) and Adcom GFA545II power amp.

Where do you feel my weakness is? What should I upgrade next?

Thank you for the advice!
 
Register to hide this ad
34dean said:
Not so much “lacking”. I’m just wondering if I upgrade my amplifiers, will it make a difference.
Click to expand...

It never ends...you will most likely buy and sell numerous pieces of gear like a lot of us have until you find the perfect fit for your ears and your listening space.

I like Yamaha gear, Sansui gear, and ESS speakers as well. I am always trying something new. I guess what I'm saying is the answer is non deterministic and the fun of the hobby is doing the auditioning of the equipment.

I collect turntables. I have a huge collection as I restore them. I am fond of Dual 1229 / 1219s and empire carts.....do reason other than I ended up hearing a lot of gear and it is what ended up sticking around.

A few monies dedicated to wall treatments is also of benefit.

Good luck on the journey.
 
Look at Odyssey Audio. Talk to Klaus. See if he's got something that works for you. I recently got a Khartago Stereo Extreme, and it's a noticeable improvement over any of the MOSFET amps I've used. 130wpc, high current, class A/AB, and built to order. If you want something a bit more massive, the Stratos at 150wpc would likely do the job....
 
justjed2 said:
Look at Odyssey Audio. Talk to Klaus. See if he's got something that works for you. I recently got a Khartago Stereo Extreme, and it's a noticeable improvement over any of the MOSFET amps I've used. 130wpc, high current, class A/AB, and built to order. If you want something a bit more massive, the Stratos at 150wpc would likely do the job....
Click to expand...
Odyssey makes quality gear,best bang for the buck around.
How many watts is the Adcom 545 ll? How old is that amp?
I have the Odyssey liquid speakers,their flagship. Best pair of speakers I have ever owned,and I have owned a few.
 
Last edited:
34dean said:
In my desire to improve my system, over the past couple of months, I’ve added a pair of ADS 910 speakers, and now just recently, a Basis 2000/1 turntable with Rega RB900 tonearm. I have an Apt Holman preamp (restored/recapped) and Adcom GFA545II power amp.

Where do you feel my weakness is? What should I upgrade next?

Thank you for the advice!
Click to expand...
The classic Adcom is amazing, especially if it is recapped. It is also a beast of an amp, and I have owned one previously. They have an amazing mid-range, and play a bit forward. A question I would ask: what kind of music do you listen to? That is important.
 
I am going to say that for me the music comes first. Suppose i have two or three thousand songs that "float my boat" or I know very well in my system. Some will be parts of, or a whole album. I have a base line for what I am familiar with and when I have heard it sound extremely pleasing to me. When I want to move up I want to top what I have heard. I could go listen to some really expensive gear that blows me away, but if it doesn't blow me away with my music in my listening space....honestly I would just be posing.

So with that as a grounding sentiment.........

You're about to make a very substantial move with your new turntable. I suggest you take some time with it in your current set up and re-familiarize yourself with what you have and what you know you like. Cool yer jets a bit before your next launch
 
Natasha Bell said:
The classic Adcom is amazing, especially if it is recapped. It is also a beast of an amp, and I have owned one previously. They have an amazing mid-range, and play a bit forward. A question I would ask: what kind of music do you listen to? That is important.
Click to expand...
If you want to modify the Adcom contact Musical Concepts. They have been modifying Adcom for over 40 years. I still have my 555 modified by them. Great back up amp if i have to send my Plinius in for mods or up grades.
 
I’m wondering if upgrading my power amp would bring any noticeable improvements?
My 910’s really crave power. The Adcom is only 100wpc.
The Apt Holman is a really great preamp especially for its price with a wonderful phono stage. But, it is quite old and I’m just wondering if something newer would sound noticeably better?

I listen mostly to rock and some jazz.
 
34dean said:
In my desire to improve my system, over the past couple of months, I’ve added a pair of ADS 910 speakers, and now just recently, a Basis 2000/1 turntable with Rega RB900 tonearm. I have an Apt Holman preamp (restored/recapped) and Adcom GFA545II power amp.

Where do you feel my weakness is? What should I upgrade next?

Thank you for the advice!
Click to expand...

I'd start with a better amp first. Not sure if you really need more power, but a higher quality amp with a better sonic signature.

also may want to try an outboard phono stage such as the EAR clones or Marantz 7 clones. With the EAR clones you can bypass the apt pre and feed the output directly into what ever amp you are using.
 
What:

is your listening room like...ie. floor/size/windows/ceiling/etc. like.

genre do you listen most to?

budget range are you considering?

are any obvious "weaknesses" you consider are present.

How long have you had your gear?


Keep in mind that you run the system, and not vice versa.


Q
 
Just remember... Try to have fun on the ride


ImageForArticle_11958(1).jpg
 
34dean said:
I’m wondering if upgrading my power amp would bring any noticeable improvements?
My 910’s really crave power. The Adcom is only 100wpc.
The Apt Holman is a really great preamp especially for its price with a wonderful phono stage. But, it is quite old and I’m just wondering if something newer would sound noticeably better?

I listen mostly to rock and some jazz.
Click to expand...

even if you change to a 200 watt amp then it's only 3dB louder.

The speakers are 93db sensitivity (I've never heard any but they look fantastic) so you're not using anything like 100 watts most of the time unless you are set up in a ballroom and like it loud enough to give you hearing damage.

I'd expect your system to sound amazing as it is. You could get a better turntable I suppose -there's always a better turntable out there no matter what you have. Or a better phono stage maybe. Sometimes that can be a surprising improvement but I don't know the Apt Holman so can't say in your particular case.

Have you done anything about the room acoustics? If not I'd start exploring that area if I were you. Potentially big gains for low cost.
 
Just about everything can be improved upon, the real question is "what" you are trying to improve?

Do you want it louder ?
More bass ?
More "clarity" ?

Where do you think your system is lacking and how much are you willing to invest(time AND money) in search of said improvements??
 
I cannot comment on how well the refurbished Apt Holman pre-amp will perform. However, I do know that performance gains can be had with a different amplifier.

I don't know what you have for cabling, but it is a contributing factor also. There is good stuff out there that is reasonably priced. It does not transform a system, but it is an additive effect. Of course speaker location and room arrangement need to be paid attention to also.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom