Integrated decisions for under $1500


Hi all...

i've pretty much narrowed down my choices to two, and am looking for any input from previous or current owners of either piece.

1. Manley Stingray.
I've owned one. I know I love it. my only complaint, no remote. My only concern...will its 40 tube watts give me enough "ooomph" ? driving Von Schweikert VR2100s. I believe the speakers are rated at 91db, so i would expect that this would work well.

2. Pathos Classic One
never heard one...I'd be buying based on reputation alone, but I've read endless glowing reviews so I can't see how i'd be dissapointed.
only downfall......its a few hundred more on average for a used one.

will its 70wpc be WAY more power than the Stingray's 40?
Youd' think so, but I've learned power ratings are NOT eqaul, and that 50w of SS is never as beefy or loud as 50 tube watts.
for that matter, class A operation also makes a difference.

anyone?
is the Pathos "light years" ahead?
nobody has ever really written a review for the stingray in any of the popular magazines, or have I missed anything?
128x128nickspicks

Showing 1 response by mlsstl

If you've not tried the digital amps, you might take a look. Bel Canto has the S300i which you can find used on Audiogon for right at the $1,500 mark. (I have the S300 power amp and am extremely pleased with it.) NuForce also has an integrated amp (the IA-7) which I believe retails for under your budget.