Integrated Amplifier Choices for LSA-1 Signature


A few weeks ago, I started out by asking for recommendations for an amplifier to drive my LSA-1 Signature speakers. Several agon members were kind enough to provide valuable advice.

My current setup is: LSA-1 Signature front left/right, LSA-1 Center, Onkyo RC-180 AVR (110 wpc, 2 channel driven), Apple TV connected to the Onkyo via HDMI (use it for both netflix and wifi streaming apple lossless music from itunes on a different computer). And finally, a DefTech SuperCube 1 for sub.

The setup is in my living room - about 25 X 30 with no back wall (opens into the kitchen). The setup is going to be for music mostly (2.1). Mostly listen to jazz, blues, classical, opera with occasional pop/rock at moderate volumes.

To make a long story short, I am not happy with the sound of the Onkyo, it just not driving the speakers well. Clarity is compromised, base has no punch and is a bit muddied, not much detail or resolution. Also, the LSA sound is a bit more smooth and laid back which works great for jazz but sometimes I wish I can get a bit more oomph and feel the base - not earth shattering but enough to 'feel' it.

So I started out thinking that I can buy a used amplifier (around $1200 - 1500) and use the pre-outs from my Onkyo. But several members (notably brownsfan and manoterror) suggested that I am better off using a better source and either buy an integrated with a nice built-in dac (e.g. Harman Kardon HK990) or get a nice player like Oppo-105.

Like everything else in life there are different ways to skin this cat. Just wanted to get some advice on which would be the best way going forward on a limited budget (around $1500 this year, with potential of adding another $1200 next year):

1. Harman Kardon HK990 - built-in DAC, room correction, good power. But honestly, I am not too crazy about the way it looks. If I'm paying $1500 (used), it better look like one which it does not.

2. Yamaha AS2000 (can get a used one) and a decent used DAC. I have heard good things about this integrated. Built like a tank and looks damn good too. I have had a Yamaha receiver in the past and I liked the sound.

3. Peachtree Audio Nova 125 - this seems to be the best choice. Heard great things about the DAC and now with 125 wpc, it seems to have more power than the outgoing Nova. But I keep reading on forums that this set is more suitable for a smaller office type setting and might be anemic in a larger living room. Also, since I'll be streaming my music from Apple TV, this looks like a great choice.

Which route would you guys recommend? I am also open to other suggestions. Want to get something in a couple of weeks.
128x128arafiq
telescope_trade: thanks for the info. very helpful! if i'm not mistaken you were also driving your ushers with a HK 990 at some point. how would you compare it to the peachtree?
i'm thinking if i wait out for a few weeks you'll get bored with your nova and put it up for sale here ... j/k :)
dave, jazzfan: the yamaha looks really good. is anyone of you using it with a DAC, if so which one? i'm trying to understand how the overall sound quality would differ between the Yamaha (+ decent dac) and Peachtree Nova 125.

Yamaha looks really nice and I suspect that its 90 WPC rating is a bit on the conservative side compared to 125 for Peachtree. But then Yamaha might have been understating. Yammie also has balanced inputs which I don't believe are present in the Peachtree. Is this something that will make a lot of difference if I get something like Oppo 105 in the future?
Hi Arafiq,

Ok, I have had the Nova 125 for hours now and am ready to sell. LOL!!! It is a very lively & vibrant sound with a lot of detail & air. Hard to compare to the HK until it breaks in a bit, but I like it a lot so far. Are you any closer to a decision?