Check out the review in The Absolute Sound for the Musical Fidelity M6CD/M6PRE/M6PRX. You might want to consider the M6PRX, which is a seriously fine amplifier ($3500 list new). In the TAS review, the author specifically mentions Proac as a good pairing. There's a used M6PRX for sale on Audiogon right now (the first one I've seen come up) for $2100 which is a terrific value. I have no connection with the seller, but I do own an M6PRX so I know what a great amp it is. |
I think ProAc uses Audio Research in speaker development/voicing. That should be a place to start.
I can't recommend anything because I have no idea what your budget, room size, preferences, etc. are. Just threw out the ARC recommendation due to ProAc's use of them. |
Some additional background and input: the size of the listening room is approx. 450 sq. feet, music that I listen to is pretty much everything other than metal and rap, budget: max 5k. Thanks! |
I think a Parasound A21 will work great for you. It will save you $$$ for more music and other accessories. |
just to be contrarian, (unless of course you want to sell it to me) i'd be really reluctant to replace your integra amp--it's a fantastic sounding piece which would cost something like $8k in today's bucks. to be honest, i've only heard it paired with pre-amps of similar vintage (like the integra 308), and i haven't heard it with your (excellent) proacs so i can't recommend a specific modern preamp, but at your budget you can afford to experiment a bit (tubes? passive?). kbarkamian's idea for ARC makes some sense. |
What would you think of pairing the integra with an ARC Ref 3? In addition, do you think that Audience AU24 cables could be a good match?
Thanks. |
5k in what currency ?? US$ ?? £ ?
Moon integrated in your bracket is worth checking out. Or if you can find one at a discount the Gryphon Atilla ..... |
Pairing a REF 3 with the Onkyo would be like mounting Walmart tires on a Ferrari.A more balanced approach,consider an Audio Research tube amp at the 2K to 3K price point. |
I've found a nice used REF3 for a reasonable price. Should I get it? Also, can you please recommend some good, reasonably priced speaker and IC cables? I've heard good things about Emprical Design cables. Thanks. |
I agree that matching a REF3 with an Onkyo amplifier is a bit of a mis-match... but who cares. This is a hobby and if you want to give it a try, go for it.
I think it makes more sense to buy a component that you really want (like a REF3) and plan to keep, than buy two components which you know you will flip down the road and possibly lose money on. |
What about the smaller ar ls26? |
Keep the Onkyo, you are not going to gain much if anything replacing it with another amp from an audible standpoint unless your just looking for more power. http://www.tom-morrow-land.com/tests/ampchall/index.htm |
I'll keep the Onkyo amo. Still undecided between ARS LS26 and Ref.3 preamp (both of which I will try to audition). Is the Ref.3 worth 2k euros more than the ls26 (used)? |
For the same money - less actually you could get a Audio Research VSi60 Integrated. Very nice sounding amplifier. |
Grimace, thanks but I don't need an integrated amp. I am looking for a good preamp to match my onkyo amp. |
