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Integrated amp recommendation

I recently bought a used pair of Swiss-made Piega p4L MKII floor-standing speakers. I am looking for a two-channel integrated amp to pair with them. Budget: $1,000.

Among the stated speaker specs: applied power rating 20-200 watts, sensitivity 89 db, 4 ohms impedance and frequency response 38 Hz-50 kHz. To me, the speakers’ sound can be described as natural, detailed and transparent, not aggressive and maybe slightly lacking in bass. The room is 12 x 20, carpeted but relatively bare. I listen primarily to classic rock, classic jazz and classical. I use a Bluesound Node 2i music streamer and CDs. Bluetooth would be nice but not essential.

Thank you for any assistance.

phil59
dcevans
178 posts
 

If you hurry, you might be able to snag the AYRE ax-7e used for $1400 listed currently on Audiogon. While I have not heard it, Ayre is in the upper echelon of American electronics and you could easily resell it if it doesn’t offer the sound you’re looking for. I bet it will be great, and I seriously doubt you can do better for the money.

phil59 OP
26 posts
 

Concerning Belles speaker power ratings questioned above:

Aria: 75W (Rms) per channel into 8 ohms, 125W (Rms) per channel into 4 ohms.

Aria Signature: 125W per channel into 8 ohms, 225W watts into 4 ohms.

 

phil59 OP
26 posts
 

Of the most frequently recommended integrateds in this thread, several are above the $1,500 price point (up from $1,000), such as Plinius, Parasound, Belles Aria and Musical Fidelity. Of the others that meet the robust power requirement, Rogue Sphinx and Ayre AX7e are doable. This is my entry into higher-quality equipment, so I would prefer to start the so-called journey at a relatively reasonable price level.

barfbag
24 posts
 

In the last year I’ve had the Ayer Ax7e, top notch sound but just didn’t have the balls I was looking for, switched to Belles Aria….problem solved and a decent headphone section to boot. However that YBA Audio Refinement Complete is just an incredible integrated for the price. Good luck.

snapoli2
97 posts
 

Freya + and vidar 

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