Audio Refinement Complete owners: amp power Q


Hello,
For those of you that are experienced with the Audio Refinement Complete Integrated, how would you describe the capabilities of its amplifier section? Just how capable are its 50 watts? I am considering matching it with a small pair of monitors, the GMA Europas. I don't listen to music at insane levels or have an abnormally large room, but I do want an amp with "guts" for lack of a better term. Other integrateds on my short list are the Bryston B-60, the Creek 5230se, the Unison Unico, and the Plinius 8200 (if I can find a REALLY good deal). Thanks for any input. Jb3
jb3

Showing 1 response by jfacker

I have heard very good things about all the amps you mentioned, but I haven't heard any of them (I did hear the Creek 4330, which is a steal). I've used a Complete as the cornerstone of my system for about 4 years now. MANY other components (in fact, all of them) have come and gone, but the only amplification I've heard that I liked better was the Audio Refinement Multi-2/Pre-5 combo, and that's not necessary for some speakers (such as the efficient Triangle line). The Complete just has a very balanced, smooth, detailed, sound that has always outshown its competitors in my system. It's just a question of how it matches with your speakers. Some speakers, in my experience, do not sound their best unless you hit 'em with serious power and current, which is not what the Complete is all about. It's plenty energetic, though, and I love the deep, CLEAN bass, which is perfectly integrated with the rest of the sound. I am a real fan of YBA's whole approach to audio and I think their elegant, simple designs and attention to resonances, etc. pay off with results that sound, well, refined! Happy listening. PS: if you do listen to the Complete with the GMA speakers, be sure to let us know how it turns out. I've been curious about that very combo.