You might want to look for a used Audio Research 100.2.
Seeking warm, smooth musical amp 2k with features
So what's new - I want the warmth/magic of tubes and convenience of solid state with features galore in the order of priority: remote, pre-out, phono, headphone under $2,000. Yes I love the idea of tubes and tube rolling but with baby ready to crawl - I think I should restrict tube to pre-amp only.
I am particularly seeking musical enjoyment at low listening levels to not to awake baby. Since my wife will also be using this system, simpler the solution the better it is.
My humble system:
- Von Schweikert VR1 Monitors (efficiency 89db) with VR Sub
- Pioneer 563A Universal Player with
- Bel Canto DAC2 - still breaking in
- Arcam A65+ 40wpc integrated - warm but lacking detail especially at low listening volumes
- Thorens 170 entry level turntable
- Signal Cables and interconnects
- Stock Power cables and stock power strip and AC outlet.
Living in NYC apartment - room size 12*21 - open to foyer on one side. Wood floors with area rug. Room acoustics seems ok with furniture etc.
Here's my short list (other recommendations are welcome) - some within budget and some not - so would consider geting used/B-stock (my wife rightly thinks I don't have any hi-fi budget :-0 under $2000.)
+ Unison Unico Hybrid
+ Consonance 120 Hybrid
+ Marsh Sound Design - Hybrid Pre and Solid State Power
+ VTL or Quicksilver Pre- with ??? Solid State Power
+ Electrocompaniet ECI 3 / Plinius 9100 Integrated
Listen Mostly to Acoustic Jazz, Classical Chamber, Opera and Orchestra, Religious Vocal (poor recordings but great music)
Some Bluegrass, Classic Rock and Celtic
I want to get settled with my system - lower my noise floor and enjoy music even at low listening levels.
Your help will be greatly appreciated in choosing integrated or separates and helping reduce noise floor with tweaks or system matching. Thanks a lot.
I am particularly seeking musical enjoyment at low listening levels to not to awake baby. Since my wife will also be using this system, simpler the solution the better it is.
My humble system:
- Von Schweikert VR1 Monitors (efficiency 89db) with VR Sub
- Pioneer 563A Universal Player with
- Bel Canto DAC2 - still breaking in
- Arcam A65+ 40wpc integrated - warm but lacking detail especially at low listening volumes
- Thorens 170 entry level turntable
- Signal Cables and interconnects
- Stock Power cables and stock power strip and AC outlet.
Living in NYC apartment - room size 12*21 - open to foyer on one side. Wood floors with area rug. Room acoustics seems ok with furniture etc.
Here's my short list (other recommendations are welcome) - some within budget and some not - so would consider geting used/B-stock (my wife rightly thinks I don't have any hi-fi budget :-0 under $2000.)
+ Unison Unico Hybrid
+ Consonance 120 Hybrid
+ Marsh Sound Design - Hybrid Pre and Solid State Power
+ VTL or Quicksilver Pre- with ??? Solid State Power
+ Electrocompaniet ECI 3 / Plinius 9100 Integrated
Listen Mostly to Acoustic Jazz, Classical Chamber, Opera and Orchestra, Religious Vocal (poor recordings but great music)
Some Bluegrass, Classic Rock and Celtic
I want to get settled with my system - lower my noise floor and enjoy music even at low listening levels.
Your help will be greatly appreciated in choosing integrated or separates and helping reduce noise floor with tweaks or system matching. Thanks a lot.