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Need an integrated amp that sounds engaging at lower volume

May I please have any recommendations for an integrated streaming amp to match with Sonus Faber bookshelf speakers? My best friend wants help picking out a stereo, he's no audiophile, but he loves and collects music and he can afford a decent stereo. He wants the Sonus Fabers, so the speakers are fairly settled.

I don't stream music much but that's all he does. I have a Hegel H200 which I love but my concern is that this amp seems kind of laid back at low volume, and this guy listens to music at fairly low volume, otherwise I'd recommend a Hegel H360/390.

So I'm thinking something with a little kick and nice midrange at lower volumes would be perfect, but I would appreciate suggestions very much b/c I never had bookshelves and I like music fairly loud. If there's an amp that fits the bill under $4,000 all the better.

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

sloane27
joncourage
185 posts
 

Enleum 23r

sloane27 OP
21 posts
 

Thank you everyone for your input, I do appreciate it! 

 

@audioman58 I appreciate your input thank you, I mentioned the speakers were settled and I mentioned a budget, preferably under $4,000.

In any event I told him to get a Naim Uniti Atom (he wanted something now). It has high marks on reviews (here and elsewhere), he doesn't need much power, and it seems to be a great pick for someone that only streams. Lest I forget, it has a picture of the album cover of the song it's playing on it, which I couldn't care that much for if I tried (it may be better than not having it, I can't say), but my buddy loves that and truly to each their own.

Thanks all!

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 

@sloane27 

good call on the naim uniti atom... terrific one box do it all unit, works great and sounds great on speakers that aren't too demanding

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
6,035 posts
 

I have an heard an H360 and own an H390. They both are fairly neutral sounding and have plenty of power for your friends SF speakers. I happily listen to mostly Jazz and classic rock @40-65 dbs. Occasionally, I’ll crank it up and the amp handles it easily.

All the best.

JD

avanti1960
1,745 posts
 

doubtful a new amp will help much. i suggest more efficient speakers, e.g. 89 db min. or add a small subwoofer.

check the PSB imagine XB speakers.  sound great at low volume and do not cost a fortune.

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