Integrated amp for Quad 22L?


I am looking for an integrated amp, preferably used, to drive the Quad 22L speakers. I listen primarily to rock(70%) - classic, alternative, modern & some classical - instrumental, indian fusion(20%) & vocal(10%). I prefer a warm sound, with a good, tight bass, nice mids and smooth highs. The speakers will be in a small room(15'x12') placed along the width.

Budget is 1K & I am fine with either SS or tube but have never owned a tube product, so I am unsure about maintenance. Since I have a limited budget for now, I plan to use a Roku soundbridge playing my cd's ripped to FLAC/WAV from htpc.

- The 22L is rated 89dB at 6 ohms. What is the minimum power requirements for the amp? I don't play music at rock-the-house levels but need something which delivers impact on music like Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc.
- I would like to use the optical out on the Roku. Are there any integrated amps which have digital input(coax or optical)?
- If I wanted to add a subwoofer in the future, can an integrated amp provide the necessary pre-out?

I should add that the dealer was driving them with a Quad cd player & pre-pro. He suggested that Arcam would also be a good match. How about NAD, Rotel & the Outlaw receiver(RR2150)?
srinivos

Showing 1 response by roundmoundofsound

I have 22L's in 1 of my systems. I have used both Quad 909 amp/99 preamp/99 cd as well as Cayin a-50t. Instead of int. amp. why not Quad 99 amp/preamp? You should be able to get a similar price for the seperates compared to the Cayin. I think the Quad 22L's like the control of the Quad amp over the Cayin unless you are only playing strings or background music. The extra power can't hurt for the bass as well. Either way you should be happy! I am not as familiar with the Arcam products but both Nad & Outlaw pieces have been hooked up with only fair results. They are great value products but the Quad & Cayin's are a very definite step up.