Integrated amp with phono section for Totem Arro


Hello, gang,

I've been doing research on the following topic already, and I beg your indulgence if this topic has been beaten to death! :-)

In about a week, I should be the proud owner of a brand-new pair of Totem Arro speakers! :-)

Most of the rest of my system comes from the mid-1980s. This includes my amplifier, a PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amp, solid-state, of course, with 70 W per channel. I have assurances from PS Audio that this amplifier should, in theory, have no trouble driving the Arro, which presents a load of 4 ohms. What I'm wondering, however, it is since the Arro is, from everything I've heard, a VERY revealing little speaker, I'm concerned in advance what I ought to do for amplification if the Elite Plus turns out to sound harsh when paired with the Arro.

What I need, then, would be a much more modern, integrated amplifier, including a phono stage, because my main analog source is a SOTA Sapphire turntable.

I'd be looking at something that I could pick up for, say, $700 or less. Something used would be okay.

All suggestions welcome! :-)
rebbi

Showing 2 responses by johnnyb53

PS Audio was sort of ahead of the curve. There were some smooth and musical solid state amps in the '80s, and PS Audio stood out as one such. I have an Amber Series 70 power amp and it's another example. I think hanging tight with what you have is a good idea.

Since the Arros are bi-wirable/bi-ampable, if you find you need more power, find another '80s-era PS Audio amp. They should be pretty inexpensive by now. Then, for the price of one used amp you could bi-amp and double your power to each speaker.

In fact, here's a same-era 70 wpc PS Audio amp with a BIN of $200.
07-23-08: Rebbi
Yes, that's the next question [what to do about a phono stage]. I'll need some recommendations there. Anybody?
Depending on how cheap you want to go, the Cambridge Audio 640p could do it. Price/performance has changed in many areas since the mid-'80s. You've been using an '80s-era PS Audio. I was using a mid-'80s Amber Model 17, and also used a VSP Labs Straightwire II. The Straightwire was incredibly fast and transparent, and retailed around $1500 in the mid-'80s.

The $169 640p easily bettered the phono stage in the Amber (which was highly regarded in its day), and *at least* equalled the performance of the Straightwire as well.

I admit, I haven't A-B'd it against a Lehmann Black Cube, but even that or a Project Tube Box SE is about 3x the price of the Cambridge. And if you decide you want better, most mail order houses that carry the 640p (e.g., Audio Advisor) allow you to return it for refund within 30 days.