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Looking for an Amp or Integrated Amp with a solid midrange presence

I bought a pair of Omega Dyna 10 2-way speakers (8 Ohms, 91db sensitivity) that paired beautifully with my old Harman Kardon Twin Powered 930 receiver (1972) and PM 665 vxi integrated, that I'd swap out as the urge hit.  Over the past 6 months both units have needed repairs and after investing a fair amount over the years I'm reluctant to get these worked on again. Would anyone care to recommend a good amp that would have that deep musical weight the HK's provided? I tried the Yamaha AS801 but it was much weaker than the 100WPC implied.  My listening room is 14' wide by 16" deep.  Used for movies and 2 channel stereo only , no home theater .  Budget maximum would be $1500 range.

I appreciate everyone's feedback.

chip7936
chip7936 OP
2 posts
 

Rich;  I contacted Louis initially, and my error in not stating that initially.  Louis recommended Schiit but I'm not a fan.  Looks like I'll go with the Naim 5si which should hit Saturday, and I'll fire that baby up and settle in for a good long listen.  Thank you - and everyone else- for the thoughtful and informative replies.  I really appreciate all the insight everyone has provided. Brands I was never aware of were introduced and I can dig deeper into these also for future reference.  I'll post an update on my listening experience.  Thank you again.

Post removed 
doni
450 posts
 

Third the Rega, and I’d consider the I/O as well.

secretguy
1,992 posts
 

 OP

I coined the phrase "Yamawatts": some years ago after experiencing how weak kneed their stuff is.

helomech
2,015 posts
 

Having owned many Yamaha amps including the 801, I suggest finding a used Rogue Cronus Magnum II. The Rogue is more mid-centric in a good way, and it sounds much more powerful than the 100 watt rating implies, especially when set to 4-ohm output. It’s a ballsy, dynamic sound but still retains enough detail to satisfy most listeners. It won’t let the very finest of details through (though no amp in this price range does) but it makes up for that in how it renders the midrange and bass textures. The downsides are the heat and some faint transformer hum. If you can forgive those factors, it is one of the best values in an integrated under $5K. 

BtW, the 801 is one of the least impressive Yamaha amps I have owned or auditioned. It didn’t sound weak per se, but it definitely homogenized everything it played and was a boring sound to put it simply. I much prefer my old A-S500. 
 

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