Integrated Amp advice please someone help me


Hi.

I'm in deep "analysis paralysis" and can't seem to pull the trigger on a new integrated amp. Would love to hear your opinions... i'd like to spend no more than $700...

I'm considering:

Creek 4330 (used)
Arcam a65plus (new)
Rotel RA-02 (new)
Musical Fidelity A3 (Kevin @upscale sez a good match and he's selling em' for $850. a bit too rich for my blood though)
Roksan Caspian (used)
Audio Refinement Complete (if i can find one used)

My system now:
NAD 3020a (old, ailing, on its last leg)
Ah! Njoe Tjoeb CDP (brand new)
Clarity Labs Emberglow ICs
Beovox s45 speakers (From the 70s, soon to upgrade)\

thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou

(i listen to every concievable kind of music. Ideally i'd love to achieve a significant improvement over the NAD)
thumper_1

Showing 1 response by ewha

That's a good list you've got there... There are a few in this price range that are all stellar, and it'll just depend on your tastes (and speakers) as to which is best. The Audio Refinement is fantastic, but is slightly limited in its power output (50wpc, I think). If that's okay with your speakers, it's hard to beat. If you need more power, be on the lookout for the Audio Analogue Puccini SE. I believe it's 85 wpc, and shares similar sound qualities to the Audio Refinement Complete. For solid state integrateds, these two would top my list.

You might also consider some of the tube/hybrid designs out there. The Jolida 1501RC is terrific, as well as some of the other Jolida all tube integrateds (301, 302, etc.). The 1501 is a hybrid design with a tubed preamp section and a 100 wpc solid state amp section. Also in that price range are the Anthem integrateds. I had the Integrated 2 (hybrid design, 90 woc) for some time, and was very happy with it. Great bass, smooth mids and highs, plus tank-like build quality. The Integrated 1 is a pure tube design.

Again, which one of these works best for you will depend on your listening tastes and the demands of your other equipment. I like a warmer, more laid back sound, which explains my recommendations. But, since you've already taken a step into tubes with the Ah Tjeob unit, these units might work well for you too. Best of luck, and happy listening!