Guys, thanks for the suggestions - all good. I think the McIntosh may be a bit clunky for her taste (great product though). Yes, the Blue Circle won't have the remote - should be fine though. Yea, I have the Blue Circle BC2s and love them - that's a key reason I'm considering the CS - looks like a nice, tidy, femme-friendly package too.
Also, I do have the likes of Creek and Rega on my list of considerations - love the British mid level amps (also considering Musical Fidelity and Arcam) - they're all a bit 'boxy' though. I think she may appreciate something a bit more interesting looking (I know the sonics are the key, but I think she'd be looking for a good looking amp too). Yes, Audio Refinement would be another nice choice (I have the YBA CD1a from same designer, and love it - have a lot of respect for YBA's design philosophies). Am also considering the Jolida 302b - don't know much about it but got a nice offer on a new one, and it has that interesting tubey look.
She, like the rest of her department at work, are losing their jobs this week, so I want to perk her up with a good system (I have speakers and front end and cables I can give her, but need the nice amp to go with it). Cheers,
John.
Also, I do have the likes of Creek and Rega on my list of considerations - love the British mid level amps (also considering Musical Fidelity and Arcam) - they're all a bit 'boxy' though. I think she may appreciate something a bit more interesting looking (I know the sonics are the key, but I think she'd be looking for a good looking amp too). Yes, Audio Refinement would be another nice choice (I have the YBA CD1a from same designer, and love it - have a lot of respect for YBA's design philosophies). Am also considering the Jolida 302b - don't know much about it but got a nice offer on a new one, and it has that interesting tubey look.
She, like the rest of her department at work, are losing their jobs this week, so I want to perk her up with a good system (I have speakers and front end and cables I can give her, but need the nice amp to go with it). Cheers,
John.