2. amps-preamps
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Help with $600 to $800 integrated amp

I am reducing my home theatre to a 2 channel setup and am looking for a good integrated amp.

Current system
Nakamichi AV8 receiver
Marantz (Ah Thoebs 99') CD
Nordost Blue Heaven interconect
Marantz DV4200 DVD
NHT 1.5 main speakers
Kimber Kable 8TC speaker wire
NHT SA-1 sub amp with NHT 10' sub
NHT AC-1 center channel

I am selling the receiver and center channel for starters and am looking to get an integrated that will be good with a variety of music (jazz and electronica (lounge style) mostly, but also Rock, R&B and classical). I would like to continue using the sub as I enjoy the flexibilty I have over the bass. I like a smooth sound and rarely if ever use high volume. At some point in the future I plan to upgrade my speakers as well, but want to start with the amp.

I am looking for used or new. My consideration list currently has:
Classe Cap-80
Arcam A75 Plus (heard it and was really impressed)
Arcam A65 Plus
Creek 4330SE
Creek 5350R (maybe out of my price range)
Audio Refinement Complete

Any thoughts?
scd112
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
For around $500 used...Vandersteen 1cs speakers are tough to beat...they are pretty forgiving on electronics...you could get away with your NAK for the time being...but to get a full range(40hz) phase correct speaker for this kind of money is absurd...they will also have enough bass if and when you decide on a sub...they go alot lower than their LF specs would indicate...their soundstage and 3-d imaging is vastly superior to your current 1.5s...sell those for $250...get the 1cs...upgrade to an intergrated amp of your choosing (the Vandies dont require alot of power)...and watch your friends jaw-drop when they come over....they are not their best on aggressive rock...but for laid back jazz/electonica you mentioned...they would be perfect///
bundee1
147 posts
 
I picked up an Arcam a65 plus about a month ago. Im using it with PSB Alphas and a Music Hall cd player (rebadged shanling). The sound is pretty good with acoustic music and hip hop and disco, faster stuff might be overwhelming. Low level listening leaves a lot to be desired. This set up needs to be cranked up a little bit to get the best sound, and the Alphas are very efficient (91dbs I think). I know, I know I need better speakers, but no cash right now. I like the Arcam. One note, it doesnt weigh much and doesnt seem very sturdy, otoh my cdp weighs a good 17lbs!
eldulcesol
197 posts
 
SCD112, what I did to improve my stereo system was I got a hold of an Audio Aero Prima integrated amp. This is an earlier version with 3 inputs and an pre-out for a sub or another amp. I purchased this amp last year, bought a new Mullard tube and a Vandenhal power cord last year all for under a grand. The new Prima's sound nice, but this older model sounds just as good, or even better with the upgrades that I made. The cord really gave it tighter bass and the tube improved the midrange and highs. With the pre-out, which the newer ones do not have, makes it more applicable to use with a sub. This is a hard to find amp, if you do find one, grab it and do what I did and you will not be sorry.
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