2. amps-preamps
  3. 1084391907

Help me spend my $1500, interated or separate?

Setting up a system for my sister. The only thing that is for sure is the speaker, Dynaudio Contour 3.3. They will be in a rather large room, 15x17 opening to another similar size room.

Given Dyn loves power, solid state is a must. But she is not an audiophile and has no intention of getting complicated separate components that will require a PhD to operate, so integrated came to mind. But few integrated fall in that price range and still have decent drive even though she listens mostly to classical music and does not listen loud, so she might have to step up to separates to have enough power.

She will only run one source for the time being, so the other option is CDP with volume control or passive volume control directly to amp.

With this limited budget for amplification, what will you recommend?

Thanks.
semi

Showing 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,395 posts
 
I give up the attenuator -- It's an excellent choice for anyone listening to classical, but budget restrictions make this setup unadvisable.
I would make sure the integrated is remote controlled -- the volume, at least. I doubt your sister will want to get up all the time, and volume control is necessary for classical, IMO (very many transient loud passages). Especially as, with a good system, she WILL be listening louder!
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