New Amp? Which one?


Hi All, New here, and been away from hifi for a while; I am hoping for some guidance in finding the right integrated amp for an existing 2 channel system. A brief background: back some years ago I purchased, like lots of folks, a surround system. I haven't used it in many years, and have given my son the AV receiver. What is remaining is: a pair of Paradigm studio 20 v2s speakers, as well as a Velodyne VA-1250x sub. Also, a recently brought back to life Kenwood KD-2055 turntable and newly purchased Onkyo C-7030 with Wolfson DAC.

Now comes the question:

I know amps have a sonic signature; is there an amp in the $700 - $800 range that can provide both the warm as well as a natural, punchy sound? I should mention I don't really care about accuracy; I am more interested in what sounds good to me. Also, I have some concerns that playing a warm song on a warm amp will muddy it. Likewise playing a more natural sounding song on an amp that is equally punchy will sound artificial and fatiguing...if that makes sense.

I have been told that the Paradigm's tend to have bright highs due to their tweeters...true? When playing vinyl, I really like the laid back warm, musical sound (song dependent). But I also enjoy the punchy, natural sound of some songs as well, especially when played through the cd player. Can I get both?

The question is, based on my listening room size (18 x 18 x 19), the paradigm's efficiency, utilizing the velodyne's 80Hz high pass filter with speaker-level connection, and maybe other factors...what integrated amplifier would you suggest based on sonic signature and required power output? Of course knowing that compromises must be made....

Sorry for the long post...thanks!

hifi-105

Perhaps noting down what type of music and some artists will assist in identifying the best amp fit: 60s, 70s and very early 80s fold rock, rock, soft rock, some classical and a little jazz/blues.

Artists include: CSNY, James Taylor, CCR, Led Zeppelin, Carol King, S & G, Tom Petty, America, Dire Straits, Eagles, Steely Dan.

Hope this helps

Hey OP

go for a Musical fidelity A1 (used to fit your budget)

class A and sounds really wonderful.

 

good luck. 

 

What are your thoughts on the NAD C 316BEE V2?

From what I have read it seems to have the sonic signature that I seem to be drawn to, and is a class AB although it has slightly less power than the Rotel A10MKII. Why was the Rotel recommended over the NAD? 

Thanks