Need a new Class AB SS integrated...$2-3k due to hurricane
Well the same hurricane induced windstorms that took out Lahaina, blew heavy against Oahu and caused crazy power fluctuations that flipped out my lights and appliances and over-surged my surge protectors. One of them went kinda crazy and something got thru and blew out one of my integrateds, the one in my home office. While not a super high end unit, it was these days the one I used the most on a daily basis. After multiple different attempts to reset and looking at the boards, I have concluded its toast and time to get a replacement. I had embarked on that quest a few years ago looking for a decent small footprint unit but Covid, the declining stock market and some house repair needs kind of depleted the discretionary fund. So, now its crunch time as working without music could call serious household strife...I am thinking I am going to move my 2nd system unit to the office, a Marantz PM8005 and get a replacement for it. This means a new SS unit than can drive Kef R300s with a remote. This is the wife’s most used system so it needs to be "easily operated". I was thinking about units like the Belles Aria (which I have heard and liked), maybe the AVA SET 120 which I have read about and was intrigued by, possibly a mid-range Rega unit above the Brio which I heard and liked a few years back, maybe the Hint6 before I saw current pricing of $4k. I have not heard any Class D amps that I liked so far in my life (rejected, Rogue Sphinx, mINT from W4S, some others I cant remember). So, looking for some ideas, maybe some new stuff I have not heard of? I am getting off island for a bit in late September so I may be able to hear some if I am targeted in my search. No tubes as they are too hot. I want new because the odds of reliability are higher and shipping off island for repairs is a $300-400 round trip cost on top of the acquisition cost so Ill pay more to get new and a warranty. Probably need a minimum of 50 watts with good current. I think the price range is workable for entry level high end though it seems like everything has gone up as I am also looking for a new car and shocked at how little $40k buys you.
Appreciate all input and feedback. Mahalo.
My local KEF dealer pair them with NADs. The new NAD C 3050 is very good and I heard it drive Kef Reference 3 Meta beautifully (I've heard the LE edition but the Non LE edition is pretty much identical) I've heard also NAD C700 with LS50 Meta. Also a good pairing. There are very good new class D amps that are not named Aavik at your price range. At your price range you could consider either Cabasse Abyss or Teac AX-505. |
@yogiboy I dont care about the passive preamp but the lack of a remote is a deal killer. I thought they had one but I will have to check with Frank. I already had my eye on Gene Rubin cause he has 2 or 3 amps I potentially liked. @auroravengeance I read a decent review on that NAD 3050 and have to admit the faux retro look is appealing as a boomer. But, I would need to hear it to get past my Class D "concerns". But, its good to know they do well with Kefs. I can probably hear them fine in the PA/DE area next month. @beatlebum I have heard good things about Simaudio Moon for years but never even seen them in the stores I have visited.I will check out their website and see if can find some place that sells them near where I travel. @ goldprintaudio I heard Belles line a few years ago in NJ and was very impressed by the 2 Arias I heard...but then the line changed up some just as I was saving for a model that was replaced by the Dual Mono version. But thats why it is still back on the list now because it was so nice...even knowing it needs a very long break in period. I have never heard the Rega Elex but I heard the BRIO about 5 years ago n a shop in Memphis compared to a CJ tube integrated. The CJ tube integrated was better but I was amazed by the BRIO for only a $1000, especially as compared to a Marantz PM8005 I also heard. I ended up going with the 8005. The small shop owner was a very nice guy and gave me honest feedback that the reliability of the REGA was not as good as the Marantz and the sound was very close. That Marantz has been totally reliable for 5-6 years and despite the size issue, which is also what I liked about the BRIO, it will move to the office. Appreciate all the feedback so far. |
How about a Rotel RA-1572? I have its predecessor, the 1570 in my office system and it’s fantastic for me. I originally bought the 1570 as a stop-gap after I sold my McIntosh integrated and I actually love its sound more. I now use it as a preamp while I’m evaluating some small tube amps and it’s been great. |
