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 tawaundabomb

Rebbi,I was a owner of the Arro,the Unison Unico was a Magical combination with Mullard tubes in the preamp stage,it was really shocking how great that combo was.That was over 4 years ago and the Unico has gone up in price a bunch,but thank China for all the nice push-pull tube intergraedamps and Hybrids such as the Unico that are flooding the market in abundance,which mean music for the Arro's! and they are very affordable.Remember when it comes to amps for the Arro its about current 1st and formost and quality (tone,attributes ect.) more than quanity (watts) I had a Nad 320bee and it just didnt have the magic and dont listen to that claim from Totem that says "40-150 hours for break in" they wont really start clicking to around 300hrs and then they will really be singing at 450 hrs,yes yes i know its a long time but it will be a fun journey dont get paranoid it will be well worth it.You have a good Cdp with a solid transport,but I would have suggested a tube Cdp,but its ok just pick you up a good tube dac from Pacificvalve.com and call Underwoodaudio.com about the little great mods they have for the 25.2 which is the most mod friendly Cdp around,and get ready to approach your setup with your Turntable with your old Vandies or best it!
Rebbi,by all means go check out the Peachtree Decco intergratedamp,it combines Scott Nixon's Dac and 50 watt Chip amp,with a tube preamp linestage.The Decco is distributed thru Signal Path,the fine folks who was importing Musical Fidelity in U.S. in their best moments they also are the makers of the Era speaker line just dont listen to the Era's the were voiced with and the setup is the most magical setup I've heard regardless of price.The Decco sales for $799,Scott Nixon's Dac and chipamp sell for $800 by themselves,and you get a great tube amp to,but with a very creadible headphone section,its the best deal in audio right now,and it has stunning buid quality and its a real looker,David Solomon that the Dac section easily best Musical Fidelities X-dac which is 1 of the very best dacs available, the Decco has detail,dynamics,bass grip,and great layering ions,and above all it has amazing sepration and musicallity,its a must audition even for people who dont need a amp.