Thanks for all these responses. I will look into the Musical Fidelity amps since they come so highly recommended. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the A308 and the A5? Also, are there any good hybrid integrateds out there? I know Blue Circle makes a couple. Maybe that would give me the warmth of tubes I'm looking for with solid state power...
Integrated Help
I'm looking into purchasing a new integrated amp. Right now I've got a Rotel 1062 with Infinity 3500 (4 ohm) speakers. Source is a VPI Scout/10x5 with EAR 834P. I listen to mostly rock--not classic, more punk, new wave, indie, etc.
I like the sound/idea of tubes, but I'm worried about warm up time. I usually only have an hour or two a day to listen to the stereo, so letting tubes warm up for an hour or something is not convenient. Or should I not be concerned about this?
Second, does anyone have any integrated recommendations in the $1500 range used?
I should also say that I don't plan on keeping these speakers forever, though they do sound great. I would hope to upgrade in the next year or so, but I'd like to do the amp first.
I like the sound/idea of tubes, but I'm worried about warm up time. I usually only have an hour or two a day to listen to the stereo, so letting tubes warm up for an hour or something is not convenient. Or should I not be concerned about this?
Second, does anyone have any integrated recommendations in the $1500 range used?
I should also say that I don't plan on keeping these speakers forever, though they do sound great. I would hope to upgrade in the next year or so, but I'd like to do the amp first.