Int amp help

Chelillingworth - I have heard the C370. Don't assume I haven't. I definately should have added that the LFD is only 50 watts, though. When I listened to it, the amp was driving a pair medium sized three ways to loud levels, so I assume that it will drive a pair of fairly efficient monitors easily enough. The Sudio 20s are not exactly power mongers. I agree that the C370 is a good deal at $550. Tonally, however, the Mistral is superior, and imo, also a bargain. Maybe jakeulate will not find that it fits the bill. Maybe, somehow, it is too little power. In fact, I really doubt he will end up with it. Mine was just a suggestion.

Oh I am not personally attacking anyones suggestions, or making assumptions, my only reference to the LFD was it's realtively low power, it is a fine product. It does look like the comment on hearing the components was a little tangled up, I didn't meaan to direct it towards Ohlala.

My comments about the NAD are only to make the point that this amp doesn't fit in the classic NAD pidgeon hole, dark opaque and underpowered. My comments were directed towards the thread in general as many people have commented on the quality and sound of NAD, good comments with which I agree. I am only stating that this amp is a different can of worms.
There are many very good solid state integrateds for $1000 to $1500. The surprise to me is that the NAD has so much power and is a very neutral and transparent amp. It is not warm like the Audio Refinement and to a lesser extent the LFD. All though they are tonally different,that gets into personal prefence, but in the important areas of resolution and control the 370 is unimpeachable at double it's price. Now the decision is how much to spend, how much power do you want, and tonally what is your cup of tea. All the amps mentioned are very good and none would be a mistake.
Cheers

Have to recommend the Bryston B-60R as an excellent long-term investment, not as much power as the NAD but waaay better build quality. And IMO, sounds nicer overall even though it's only 60 wpc. If you're planning on keeping this piece a long time, find a nice used one and buy it, you won't regret it. And if you ever do want more power, you can easily biamp to any 2B or 3B amp.

How about an Anthem Integrated 2. A solid state amplifier section with a tube preamp section. Can be had used for about $500 (at least that is what my husband would like to get for his. (he went to separates in his system and now has one he needs to get rid of, he is just lazy and has not posted it for sale yet)

Another one to consider is a used Classe Cap-80...more than enough for even Magnepan's and Martin Logan's. For more money the Classe Cap-100 and ARC CA-50 are worth a listen.