Passive intergrated Amps

I forgot about the Densen. Although I never had the chance to hear one, I always thought they looked cool.

Many of the affordable integrated amps today are actually passive. However, they do have lots of inputs that you don't need for your configuration. A good example is the Plinius 8100/8150/8200. BTW, a used 8100 at around $1000 US is a GREAT unit.

Considering your proposed configuration (CD source only), you have a potentially better option. Buy a killer CD player that has built in volume control and connect it directly to your amp. I have the Cary CD-308 running this way and it is wonderful! Plus it gives you REMOTE volume control so you don't have to get up off of the sofa!!

The nice thing about the CD w/volume control is that it provides flexibility. You can use it with a pre-amp or an integrated amp, but you can also use it with an inexpensive power amp. BTW, I saw a Roksan Caspian power amp on AudiogoN for $495. Add that to a good used Cary CD-308 and you will have a nice affordable system.

My System:

Cary CD-308
BottleHead Paramour SET monoblock amps
or Dodd 8 watt Stereo Tube amp
Reference 3a MM De Capo Monitors

Simple, but very nice!!!

Enjoy,

TIC

Gunbei, I own the densen, and it sounds really great to me (good mix of musicality with transparency) but I can't compare since I rarely listen to other amps (can't stand shopping). I don't like the looks personally ... too showy. The knobs on the front should be smaller and either silver or black.

http://www.avahifi.com

link through to the "control" amplifier.

The conrad-johnson CAV-50 tube integrated is a passive switcher and attenuator mated to a 50W tube amp.