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Integrated Amp ideas for Dynaudio Special 40's

Looking for some ideas on integrated amps for my special 40's. I'm currently using a Peachtree Decco65 to drive these, but my sense is that it's not doing them justice.. Would prefer to use an all-in-one integrated (including DAC), but also open to other ideas.

I'm considering the Peachtree 220se--any opinions on whether this would be a noticeable upgrade to the Decco65?  Also curious about the Nuprime ida-8 and Hegel H80/H90... Would like to keep budget under $1500, and willing to buy used/demo/refurbished as well. Any other ideas much appreciated--
colinga
jeenam
131 posts
 
The Job Int integrated will smoke everything Peachtree makes. The Nuprime IDA-8 isn't even in the same league as the Job Int.
hififile
236 posts
 
Hi AZBRD,

My source components,  OPPO-UDP205 (sacd), Pro-Ject RPM 9.2 w/ Ortofon Cadenza mc for vinyl.

The WYRED 4 Sound was good, but the Luxman gave me better sound in all areas with the above source components.
wanderingmoo
29 posts
 
I have Contour 60s (can’t speak to Special 40s) but assuming similar, I don’t think you can go wrong with Luxman, Naim or Hegel. I’ve heard all 3 and wouldn’t have any complaints.  

After all of this, I decided on a simple setup with a Peachtree Nova500.  The SQ is close to my ears (but at times clearly surpassed) and the benefit of removing 2 components while giving me a home theater bypass for movies and clear advantage with WAF. It’s also 1/2 the cost of most other, better sounding options.  

Overall, I’m happy... for now :-)
jazzfan67
50 posts
 
NAD M32 for sure
stevehuff
43 posts
 
This is now old but I have the S40's and love them. I have tested them with a slew of integrated amps. Here is how they rank, the ones I tried...

1. BEST - Luxman 590 AXII - Only 60 watts into 4 ohms but wow Magic here. 
2. NEXT BEST - Octave V40 SE with KT88's and NOS driver and input tubes. Only 40 watts but sounds more powerful than the Luxman and my old 300 WPC McIntosh. Amazing amp with these speakers. 
3. FANTASTIC  - If you want a more romantic sound with amazing holographic imaging, the Raven Audio Nighthawk or Blackhawk VIII are fantastic with the S40's. 


POOR: Anything McIntosh. They do not work well with these speakers. Too dull. I tested these with an 8000 Integrated at 300 WPC that cost $10k. The Amps above sound much better. 

Average: PS Audio Sprout 100. Better than the McIntosh in sound but a tad weak in the bass. Not recommended for optimal quality. 

SLOPPY: I tested 2-3 cheap china made amps from Amazon..noisy, weak, flabby and one failed. Blah. 

These speakers want CURRENT much more than watts. They crave QUALITY over grunt force. Avoid class D with these. Class A is best but A/B is also wonderful. They LOVE tubes in the 40 WPC range. 


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