2. amps-preamps
  3. 128147-2211

Integrated amp upgrade

I'm using a Classé Audio CAP-151 to drive my Thiel CS 3.7s at the moment.
I'm not sure if i should upgrade, anyway if i do so i'm looking for a used integrated amp in the $2K to $3K price range with balanced inputs.
I've seen a Sugden IA4 for $3K and a Musical Fidelity KW 550 for $2,4K but it's not balanced.
If i upgrade it would have to be really worth it otherwise i'd rather keep my CAP-151.
I have someone who would like to buy my CAP-151 for $1,6K.

128x128thieliste

Showing 3 responses by mgreen27

mgreen27
147 posts
 
Do you plan on listen to the amp first, or are you going to take a chance and hope for the best? Also, you should list your entire system because it makes it a lot easier to recommend something you'll be happy with.
mgreen27
147 posts
 

"My source is a Hegel HD12 streaming music from Qobuz via USB."

If that's what you are using for a source, there's no need to worry about balanced operation. Your dac isn't fully balanced. At best, you may notice a slight difference, but nowhere near enough to not go with a single ended component that you like.

The upside here, is your dac has a volume control, and if that's your only source buying just a high quality amp can be a very big upgrade. The biggest problem with integrated amps in your price range is that the preamp section is usually the bottleneck. Its difficult to find a good sounding preamp for 2-3k, let alone finding one in an integrated amp where the cost has to be shared between 2 components. So, if you can't get a good preamp, don't get on at all. There's no shortage of good used power amps within your budget. You can even find a good, high power tube amp like an ARC VT-100 or a VAC PA 100/100. Most tube integrated won't have enough power to properly drive your speakers. 

mgreen27
147 posts
 

There's a listing hear on AG for a pair of Pass 0 mono amps. lis7gccg

I used to have a pair myself. They have tons of power and sound incredible. They had no problem driving my B&W 800's and ProAc Response 3's. It would be hard to find a better amp for the money.

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