2. amps-preamps
  3. 1044456836

please help with amp and speaker selection

I'm trying to decide whether to buy a vintage Mac amp (SS) to use with my Carver C-1 preamp OR to purchase a used Simaudio I-5 integrated. The Carver is collecting dust so I'd like to use it if I decide to go the way of separates. Will the C-1 be much of a hinderance to the sound quality of the McIntosh? I'll be purchasing speakers after I decide on the amp so any help there is greatly appreciated too. I'd like to spend less than $1000 for speakers...used is fine too. My listening room is small - appx. 14X10. I currently have an HT system but the two channel quality is awful. I listen mainly to classic jazz, blues and rock. My source, for the time being, is a Sony DVP-S7700.

Thanks in advance for your time and tips!
chuke076

Showing 1 response by stehno

stehno
1,453 posts
 
For 13 years I owned a C-1 as well as Carver's 1.5t amp. I would heartedly recommend the SimAudio I-5 over the c-1 & Mac combo. Carver's equipment looks good but that's about all it was good for. Although, I found the sonic-holography feature fun especially for 2-channel home theatre.

And the vintage Mac certainly won't get you any closer to state-of-the-art sonics.

But if you're considering a SimAudio I-5 for several grand, then I'd highly recommend you consider the Odyssey Stratos amplifier for $1000 new (see odysseyaudio.com website) and then a preamp for about $1000 also. The Stratos amp is one of the best solid state amps in the business and with a decent preamp, you'll have even better sonics than a more expensive (?) I-5.

-IMO
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