[Deathwish238]

I'm pretty happy with my current setup...however I can't help but wonder what I'ld get from upgrading my Mini^3 to a better amp.

My guess is a better sound stage and maybe deeper bass? I'm not sure really...I have plenty of deep tight bass now and I'm happy with the soundstage. But then again I haven't heard better

What difference would I expect from a more expensive amp? A bit of a vague question I know...

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm pretty happy with my current setup...however I can't help but wonder what I'ld get from upgrading my Mini^3 to a better amp. My guess is a better sound stage and maybe deeper bass? I'm not sure really...I have plenty of deep tight bass now and I'm happy with the soundstage. But then again I haven't heard better What difference would I expect from a more expensive amp? A bit of a vague question I know...

Xbox forum? Sorry to be so vague, but usually everything.. I know my HR-2 gave my DT990's weight & body.. before the bass seemed transparent to me..

 

[Uncle Erik]

Try some tubes.

 

[synaesthetic]

A better amp will give you a lighter wallet. =P

 

[zipdisk]

I agree with synaesthetic--a lighter wallet. From my experience going to a better amp is a bit iffy. It may give you better control of the bass, but since that doesn't seem to be an issue, it might not make much difference. Also if your source (e.g., cd player, turntable) is not up to the task, the differences may be negligible. From my experience the change, when there is a substantial change, is not just one of volume, but also of quality of sound. But often there is not a substantial improvement.

 

[Deathwish238]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool bubba ice /img/forum/go_quote.gif Xbox forum? Sorry to be so vague, but usually everything.. I know my HR-2 gave my DT990's weight & body.. before the bass seemed transparent to me..

Yeah, it's the same Deathwish

I didn't know you were into headphones.

I'm not sure what you mean by transparent...


Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Try some tubes.

I have thought about that a good amount mainly to get rid of the sibilance I had before upgrading my source. But now that I don't have a sibilance issue anymore, I'm quite as motivated to go for a tube amp.

I read that tube amps are supposed to be more musical...and my only experience with tube amps is listening to some Dali speakers which definitely sounded very musical...

What would you recommend?

Quote:

Originally Posted by zipdisk /img/forum/go_quote.gif I agree with synaesthetic--a lighter wallet. From my experience going to a better amp is a bit iffy. It may give you better control of the bass, but since that doesn't seem to be an issue, it might not make much difference. Also if your source (e.g., cd player, turntable) is not up to the task, the differences may be negligible. From my experience the change, when there is a substantial change, is not just one of volume, but also of quality of sound. But often there is not a substantial improvement.

Well the bass could use a small improvement. Only with one or two Lamb of God songs(One Gun for example) do I hear just the slightest bit of muddiness. But these two songs truly test the best speakers and I haven't heard many that can play deep and not sound muddy with them.


I don't need more volume...I turn my mini^3 up no more than 1/4 volume as it is.

 

[ricmat]

better amp -> better sound

??

 

[zipdisk]

I don't know where you reside, but attending a local head-fi meeting would give you the opportunity to hear differenct amps.

 

[Uncle Erik]

You need to look at the specs of the amp and consider them with the headphones you plan to use and your preferences. There isn't much correlation between money and performance. You can DIY an amp for $400 or $500 that will outperform commercial ones that cost thousands.

I encourage you to listen to tubes some time, though. There's a different presentation from solid state that a lot of people love. They're relatively affordable, too, and generally very reliable.

 

[Deathwish238]

I guess I really just need to demo other amps...

Quote:

Originally Posted by zipdisk /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't know where you reside, but attending a local head-fi meeting would give you the opportunity to hear differenct amps.

I'm in Austin, TX....I so wish I could go to CanJam

 

[Occidio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricmat /img/forum/go_quote.gif better amp -> better sound ??

lol so true!

 

[tfarney]

If you already have a quality amp, if there's nothing wrong, that's not where I'd personally spend the money. Changing sources, or DACs, will probably make a bigger audible difference. And if you really want to hear your upgrade, buy new cans. Really different cans. So you can completely change the sound of your system, at will, to suit the music or your mood.

Tim