AudiogoN Forums: Looking for a great value integrated

Looking for a great value integrated

I'm looking to buy an integrated amp to go into one of my two setups. I haven't found much in the way of direct comparisons among the best solid-state integrateds in this range, and any advice would be greatly appreciated. As of now, my setups are:
1)Totem Rainmakers + Moon 100d + NAD C375BEE (more musical)
2)B&W CM7 + V-DAC/V-Link + Rotel RSX-1056 (more for tv)

I'd like to replace the Rotel in the second system with a better integrated amp, however, I'm not sure if I will use the new integrated with the CM7's or move my NAD to that system and use the new amp with my Totems. The price range I'm looking at is under 1k used (preferably lower but I'm flexible). I also would prefer something that is readily available and can be found easily on Agon. So, I'd like to know two things really--what integrated would make for a great upgrade over my NAD if I choose to place it in my Totem system (in which case I'd be willing to spend more $ because I care more about my musical system), OR, if I just decide to replace my Rotel, what would be a great value integrated for less money to go with the CM7s (ideally closer to the $700 range used)?

I've heard lots of things about offerings from Rega, Arcam, Creek, NAD, etc, but I need some direction to choose one over the others. Thanks for your help.

Rossbernstein (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

03-19-12

Responses (1-11 of 11)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

03-20-12 The bada dc-225 (i think) from pacific valve is excellent. ... Chayro

03-20-12 I think you'd have to spend a bit more to upgrade the nad - ... Loftarasa

03-20-12 I have had very good results from a dussun v6i, 150 watt int ... Manitunc

03-20-12 I've had nad, and arcam in my b-system and strangely, with t ... Akg_ca

03-20-12 I think you can change the sound from the nad for that price ... Mapman

03-20-12: Sufentanil
I've heard the Rainmakers with a few different integrateds that a dealer carried. One was from Simaudio (but I think it was the i5 or something like that, probably above your price range). Others were a DK integrated, Music Hall Mambo, and a Jolida 302b. He also had it with Marsh separates (probably available used for under $1K for BOTH amp and preamp).

My favorite combination was the Jolida 302b with the Rainmakers, with the Simaudio in 2nd place, and the rest a close 3rd. The Jolida is exciting and musical, the Mambo a little warm and subdued, the Sim articulate. As I recall, the Marsh and DK sounded very good, but just a half a notch below the rest in terms of the "intriguing factor".

Ultimately, though, as good as the Rainmakers sound for their price and sound, they are limited by their exaggerated mid-bass and lack of full bass extension. Ultimately to get to the next level you'll have to upgrade your speakers.

Michael
Sufentanil (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

03-20-12 I think i may try to do some auditioning of the integrated a ... Rossbernstein

03-20-12 I would look into rega's very inexpensive integrateds, or if ... Learsfool

03-21-12 Sufentanil, i agree that a speaker upgrade looks to be a log ... Sabai

03-22-12 Jolida keeps getting better at this stuff so maybe try one o ... Wolf_garcia

04-01-12 Try the new rega brio 900 bucks clarity and musical and buil ... Passet02