I'm tossing the idea of selling my two front stage amps and replacing them with something different......

Running a set of Soundstream Exact 5.25" splits and Orion 8" midbass drivers up front are currently a SS Class A Renoir and a SS Reference 700, all run through SS's Balanced line driver and active crossover.

Should be nirvana, sounds more like the abyss thanks to w@nker installers: BUT! they are trying again in a week or so.

THE POINT..... I've acquired a Phoenix Gold EQ, and having owned PG M-series amps before, I'm wondering about reverting back to my favourite amps! I might be able to pick up an M100 and an M50 in perfect nick, which is about as close to a match for what I have currently.

The EQ already has crossovers builtin (and tasty 24 db/oct slopes at that!), so I could remove the SS crossover completely (apart from the sub amp) and look at a complete boot of PG instead of a complete boot of SS.

I know it's not a bad dilemma to be in, but does anyone have some input? Sell the SS gear (inc balance crossover), or stop dreaming and make the current set-up work first?

may depend on how much $$ are involved in the changeover, and whether you have that $ or consider it good value.

i don't know any of those amps particularly well in terms of power outputs, but they all have a reputation for top SQ as you know.

IMO, i love matching cosmetics and brands, so a boot full of PG (or SS for that matter) would look schmick.

overall, it seems you'd be doing it for brand matching and cosmetics rather than SQ/performance. i wouldn't expect the PGs to eclipse the SS in any great way (again, not knowing the power differences).

I would personally try to make your current install work, rather than spend $$$$. You have to first assess why it is that your current setup is not working well and what improvements can be made. Otherwise, what's to say that replacing your SS amps with PG amps will make any difference.

It's hard to comment because i don't know exactly why you're not happy, whether it be staging, lack of midbass, subbass not punchy enough, etc.

I've known heaps of systems that have been professionally installed ($$$) and have sounded FAR worse than mine, with twice the money spent. Goes to show that the key rule is installation and precision, not just components.

Try to work out where your system flaws and try to improve on that. If you're still dissapointed then change your amps, but i wouldn't think there would be a massive difference.

Dom

what the? what are you doing? [insert ***** slap smiley here]

seriously though i'd be getting the ****** install fixed up first to begin with, can't expect things to sound any great deal better with one of the most important things faulty to begin with

I knew I was going to get slapped by a certain member for even contemplating this!!

I promise, the current install will be addressed first: I'm not ripping it out without giving it a fair go! It's just.... M Series amps from PG!! I Love 'em! Just like SS amps!

Crap - I have a headache now.

If I see some HCCA amps floating about, I'll be really confused.

Does anyone here live in Cairns and wants osme input into this system?? I could really use some help which ever direction I go amp-wise!?