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Amp Suggestions For A Newbie - Please

I am upgrading my system. New to components. Live in an apartment house. Listening space is relatively small. Considering either B&W 602s or Paradigm V20s. Very much into jazz and classical (acoustic). Wish to achieve good clarity, distinction and presence with my new system. A depth to the music. Looking for the strongest amp candidates for the abovementioned speakers. Obviously lots of power is not a requirement just quality and character of sound. Either New or Used Amp suggestions are fine. Budget: $500/$600. (If you feel I would get equivalent results from an integrated Amp, let me know that, too. Appreciate both your time, input and thoughts.
fullrun
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Fullrun, you might want to take a look at a Sonic Frontiers Anthem Integrated 2 that is up for sale on Audiogon. The seller wants $650 for it. To be honest, I don't know a thing about this integrated, but based on the good reviews by forum members of Sonic Frontiers/Anthem products, it may be worth it to research this piece. Good luck!
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
I am currently using paradigm studio 20's with an anthem integrated. Very nice. I personally don't care for the B&W line until you get up to the CDM series. I owned the next step down from that (CM) series and didn't like it. I've also spent time with the 602's. I can't pinpoint exactly what I didn't like. Just that the paradigms had more of what I like. I was using parasound amps for a while, but switched to the anthem integrated and am much more happy with that.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
A used Audio Refinement Complete integrated amp.
geddie
27 posts
 
I can't help much with your speaker selection, but can personally recommend the AudioSource Amp 1/A (80 watts/channel and an excellent performer) as well as the AudioSource Pre 1A preamp highly. Both the amp and preamp can be purchased new for around $500 - $550 total. They are solid entry level pieces, and the amp is stable into even 2 ohm loads.

If you feel you want even more power, the AudioSource Amp 3 (150 watts/channel at about $550 - $575) might be a good choice. See the following link for pricing, additional info, and a dealer who sells these units:

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fs_srch.pl

Happy Listening!
buckingham
333 posts
 
Had the 602's with a Musical Fidelity A3 and the combo was quite good! The 602's are quite good for the price and the tweeter is very resolving. Audition as many speakers as you can and go from there.
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