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Inexpensive integrated for Usher S-520

I'm putting together a system for a small bedroom that's about 11'x12'. I've owned the Usher S-520 before so I'm pretty familiar with them. What integrated amp under $500 (new or used) should I pair them with? I need a remote control, and I want to stay away from tubes. I'd be interested in trying out one of the class D or tripath based amps, but not sure if they would match well with the inefficient Ushers.

Integrated amps that I've been considering are:
Onkyo A-9555
NAD 325BEE
Cambridge Audio 540a v.2
PopPulse T70i

Any other recommendations for the Ushers?
128x128johsti

Showing 2 responses by johsti

johsti's avatar
johsti OP
102 posts
 
I was looking at the little dot, but the tube in the preamp concerns me. One of the things I like about the tripath amps is they are very efficient, and if I left them on all night, they wouldn't draw much power or produce much heat. Would a tube in the preamp create additional heat, and could it safely be left on for hours at a time? Has anyone listened to the Pop Pulse? It looks almost perfect on paper, but I can't find many reviews. I'm also considering one of the Panasonic SA-XR models since I'll have at least two sources. Any other ideas?
johsti's avatar
johsti OP
102 posts
 
I'd love to audition the Decco, but it's out of my price range right now. I picked up a used Panasonic XR55 to use for now. The xr55 just might be all I need since this is a small bedroom system and I have limited speaker placement options that are not ideal. After some initial listening, the Panny makes the S-520 sound a bit bright on some material. I'm sure it can sound much better after some more tweaking. For the money spent, I'm impressed.

Thanks!
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