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Best $1k Integrated Amp for Spendor S3/5's

Hello, I'm looking into purchasing a preowned set of Spendor S3/5's with a Velodyne sub and wanted to see if anyone has any ideas as to which $1k integrated would work best with them. Some ideas are:

Creek 4330SE or 5330SE, Linn Majik or Classik, MF X-150, or Naim Nait 3 or 5. Also, if going the tube route, Jolida or Cayin look like strong options in that price range.

For the transport, was looking to either go with a Bel Canto Dac 2, MF X10D/PSU, or ART DI/O and Rega Planet as the CDP.

Also, any thoughts on how to build a sub $2500 system by changing any of the above pieces are greatly appreciated.
prorec
adasilva
57 posts
 
The last demo I had of the Spendors 3/5 and 5e where with a VTL IT-85 ($3k new so it's not in this price ranage). However I liked it much better than the mostly low to moderately expensive solid state amps which I've demoed with Spends. The dealer knew I was not a tube person yet suggested the comparision as he seemed to perfer the spendors with a tube amps also. The tube/solid state comparision did not strike me as much when powering the B&W (which I own).
Either way I think they do sound better with 100+w/ch. I suggest demoing as much as possible. Good luck, Al
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I would seriously consider the NAIM line
rmihai
55 posts
 
Exposure 3010. Good luck finding one.
bobgates
535 posts
 
I recently purchased a Qinpu A-1.0x new for under $800 and am very impressed with it. I've had some nice integrated amps in the past, the Classes CAP-100, Rowland Concentra to name a few, and this inexpensive Qinpu is quite good. It has a wonderful tube-like ambience in the midrange yet is more focused than some of the tube integrated amps that I have heard. It also has good control on the bottom end and a nice detailed and extended top end. Anymore I don't even consider an integrated amp unless it has a remote volume and the A-1.0x has this feature.
sherod
1,690 posts
 
Hi Bobgates, I was curious if you had done a comparison of the Jungson 88D and the Qinpu A1.0x. That would be an interesting comparison.
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