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Suggestions for a integrated that punches above it's weight. I am looking for a used newish amp with a phono section. The phono is not a must if the amp is a great one. I am looking for something that takes spades or binding posts for speaker connection. About 100 watts a side. Thanks for any suggestions.....
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I was just informed by PM that John Curl didn't design the new integrated from Parasound.
I don't know what difference that makes, but it's on the table.
I rather suspect some design elements in common and it would appear that semiconductor use is the same.
Take it as it sounds, maybe? I wouldn't like the lack of JC initials stand in my way, if the piece appealed to me.
Too much is never enough
It's really a power amp with a volume control rather than a traditional integrated, so only one set of inputs and no phono.
But it's around your budget and over your required wattage. It also, in my experience, is far superior to Creek, Arcam and some others previously mentioned; very open and dynamic, yet not at all harsh in the highs.
See Jonathan Valin's review of the Khartago. The Cyclops is the same amp with a volume control. It surprised the heck outta me.
Great suggestion,but, I need three inputs and a sub out.....
Any fans of the PSAudio HCA-2?
got a decent Stereophile review and certainly has the Chops for the Wharfedale Denton speakers.
These should be available very reasonably these days, given it's a decade old design. The downside? 'D' amps have made good progress in the last 10+ years.
Too much is never enough
Creek/ Music Hall.
Marantz pm 8004 or 8005 are worth considering.
Some amps are more or less capable with some 'bad' (highly reactive) speaker loads so having some idea of WHAT speakers would help.
Too much is never enough
The speakers are Wharfdale Denton re-issue stand mounts with a subwoofer....
To tell you the honest truth, the LAST Wharfedales I heard were 70s vintage W70E. They were like a 12" speaker in the form of an end table. Very heavy, with room filling sound.
I have no idea if the Denton is a 'bad' load or not. NOBODY publishes such data other than Stereophile who has the means to measure.
If you have the 80th anniversary issue, they are listed at 86db sensitivity, which a lower than average number. 100 GOOD watts per speaker as you suggest. They are 6 ohm, so any 8 ohm power rating will be somewhat higher for these speakers.
I hope other folks chime in with some information about this speaker.
Too much is never enough
I have a pair of these with a Peachtree Decco65 for a bedroom that we're "converting" to a library. I think the speakers do very well with acoustic instruments. So far, they seem to really shine with jazz. For example, I prefer the Decco/Dentons to my main system for jazz cds and I just love my main system. I'm still getting to "know" these speakers. At Music Direct's closeout price, they're worth trying. (That's where I got mine after the first price drop. I'm still a little annoyed because I asked about further price drops and they insisted there wouldn't be anymore. I didn't really believe it then, so that's on me, I guess. Plus, I had to address that fear that they wouldn't be available much longer. I'm a sucker for ltd ed, anni ed., etc.) They're well-made and have a decidedly vintage look which I really like. They're not "furniture grade" cabinets like my Soliloquy 5.0i speakers. The cabinets seem to be a nod to the famous BBC monitors I've read about but never heard. The mid-range is both detailed and "warm". They play perfectly loud and "strain-free" for regular listening. But, they reach their limits just above my regular listening levels. More power than what I'm giving them might be needed for parties (see below).
The Decco65 probably wouldn't have enough power for the Dentons in a larger room but the Decco's built-in dac is impressive. I'm using an optical connection with an old D-series Cambridge Audio cdp. The Cambridge has a BNC connector for coax out. I need to learn a little more about it so I'll know what to look for in a cable. (Yeah, my next step for this system is going computer-based using the usb connection. Not sure when that's going to happen.)
Also, I intend to try the Decco with my Acurus 100wpc power amp which has no permanent home at the moment. Maybe more power will make the Dentons great "all-around" speakers. This may not read like a glowing review, but I did say that, "I prefer the Decco/Dentons to my main system for jazz cds and I just love my main system." I just don't have many jazz cds.
Quick look at A'gon:
Rogue Tempest $675.00
NAD C 356DAC2 / C356DAC2 Integrated Amp with USB 2.0 DAC, $699.00
Sim Audio Moon I-5080 $700.00
NAD D 7050 $725.00
Arcam FMJ-A32 100 w integrated amplifier with remote+$775.00
NAIM 5i Italic $795.00
peachtree Nova hybrid intergrated amp $849.00
Naim Nait 5i-2 $950.00
Creek Destiny $950.00
Cayin A-60t (identical to A-50t) EL34 Integrated $999.00
Exposure Electronics 2010S2 black $999.00
Any one of these would suffice. YMMV.
for speed amd snap, NASIM. For classical (tube sound), Cayin. Peachtree is great DAC married to good preamp maried to OK amp, ? buy and add on tub amp later?
I've had that one. Virtually the same as the NAD's in that range. MAYBEEEEEE a tad more midrange. But that's a big but?
Thank you for taking the time to compile this list. I am pretty aware of what's out there now. I just need some testimonials of people that have used these amps and how the liked them. I know this is kind of a general question but, it helps to narrow down the field. Thanks again
Opus 33 1/3
About $800. to 1,000 used....
Italian design and built Tube input on power amp side, MOSFET output devices. Only rated at 50 wpc at 8 ohms, but 90 wpc at 4.
Excellent MM/MC phono section. remote volume control. A real sweetheart.
Opus 33 1/3
I had the original Unison Research Unico for awhile when it first came out. That model was rated at 80 wpc. A very nice integrated that responded well to upgrading with premium tubes (two 12AU7/5814 types).
How would you characterize the sound of it? I guess I am looking for something between sweet without loosing dynamics. I know a tall order...
power amp, sweet, detailed highs, solid mids, extended but not the ultimate in control, bass.
I liked it. A lot. One of those amps I wish I'd never sold.
Opus 33 1/3
On the tubey side, Rogue Audio.
What is budget?
Music Hall?
"Familiarity breeds contempt, and children."
-Mark Twain
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