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Integrated amp selection

I have a 2.1 system with Martin Logan Motion 35XTi speakers and Dynamo 800x sub. My sources are streaming [Bluesound NODE] and playing CDs, and don’t need phono stage or headphones jack. I am looking for an integrated amp upgrade from the current one which is NAD c316bee. My preference is sound quality and analog simplicity such as AVA Set 120 control amp, Rega Brio, MF M2si [or higher models,] Naim Nait 5si….these days it is difficult to demo audio equipment in person and I would appreciate any advice about the listed [or any additional] integrated amp choices. I manly listen to jazz and classical music and ML speakers are fairly easy to drive [92db/4ohms] so I don’t need particularly powerful amp. Thanks

xti35
mofojo
2,170 posts
 

So guessing your budget is 1500 or so? Less?

smrex13
645 posts
 

The Martin Logan 35xt (the previous version) was also listed as 92db sensitivity.  However, actual tests revealed that it was just under 87db.  A 4ohm speaker with a sensitivity of 87db needs about 3x the power to produce the same volume as a speaker that is truly 92db.  

 

ghdprentice
6,362 posts
 

This may be outside your price range but Audio Research recently released the i50. An integrated tube amp of Audiophile quality with 50 watts per channel… it’s sound quality is extraordinary, natural and detailed. In the high end audio world this drops the performance typical of this component from $10K to $5K, very amazing.

johnto
972 posts
 

Another integrated to consider would be a used. Parasound  Hint Halo, it basically has everything you need and is great sounding.

nutty
2,659 posts
 

Naim audio Supernait 3.

 

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