Upgrading the amp (ultra beginner here)

[ChrisMG]

Hello all!

I'm considering upgrading my amp. I'm using my Yamaha R-V98 AV Receiver right now. I'd like to upgrade to an integrated amplifier with a phono stage. Things I'm looking at are the Rega Mira, Rega Brio, Marantz MP5007, and the NAD C316BEE with a separate phono. It's impossible to set these up side to side and compare and my ignorance shines brightly in high end audio stores. Any ideas? Most of the music I listen to is 20th century Classical and prog rock. I should note that I plan on purchasing a Rega RP1 in the near future.

Speakers: Phase 3.5T monitors

 

[GranteedEV]

Might I inquire WHY you wish to upgrade?

 

[ChrisMG]

Might I inquire WHY you wish to upgrade?

I want improved sound quality. I wouldn't want to purchase something in this class if I wouldn't hear a clear difference. Phono is a big priority. I have no need for a 5 channel receiver. I'd rather have a dedicated 2 channel amp.

 

[lsiberian]

I want improved sound quality. I wouldn't want to purchase something in this class if I wouldn't hear a clear difference. Phono is a big priority. I have no need for a 5 channel receiver. I'd rather have a dedicated 2 channel amp.

upgrading amps rarely improves sound quality. Speakers make the sound.

 

[GranteedEV]

I want improved sound quality. I wouldn't want to purchase something in this class if I wouldn't hear a clear difference. Phono is a big priority. I have no need for a 5 channel receiver. I'd rather have a dedicated 2 channel amp.

Do you mind showing me an impedance graph and voltage sensitivity rating of your Phase Techs? What size room do you plan to use your speakers in?

I've noted that a Phono input is a priority for you, which does seem to be valid reasoning for upgrading, but unfortunately the only.

 

[ChrisMG]

Do you mind showing me an impedance graph and voltage sensitivity rating of your Phase Techs? What size room do you plan to use your speakers in?

I've noted that a Phono input is a priority for you, which does seem to be valid reasoning for upgrading, but unfortunately the only.

Crossover is 3 kHz. Frequency respomse is a claimed 50 Hz to the usual 20 kHz. Sensitivity is 90dB, and impedance is 8 ohms. That's all I know about them as they were a hand-me-down. I believe they were built in '97. The amp and speakers were both given to me from my sister. Now that I've gained a big LP and CD collection I'd like to start upgrading. One upgrade soon is from my $20 Sony turntable to a Rega RP1.

 

[lsiberian]

Crossover is 3 kHz. Frequency respomse is a claimed 50 Hz to the usual 20 kHz. Sensitivity is 90dB, and impedance is 8 ohms. That's all I know about them as they were a hand-me-down. I believe they were built in '97. The amp and speakers were both given to me from my sister. Now that I've gained a big LP and CD collection I'd like to start upgrading. One upgrade soon is from my $20 Sony turntable to a Rega RP1.

search TLS_Guy and turntables to get some good reading. He knows his stuff on turntables.

 

[GranteedEV]

Crossover is 3 kHz. Frequency respomse is a claimed 50 Hz to the usual 20 kHz. Sensitivity is 90dB, and impedance is 8 ohms.

8 ohms nominal impedance doesn't really tell me the whole picture as far as amplifier interaction, but between that and the above average sensitivity it sounds like your speakers SHOULD BE a very easy load for any amplifier. I think you may want to look into just an external phono input. If you're unsatisfied with the sound as it is you may want new speakers instead.