A little assistance please on a SS Integrated Amp


I am helping a friend put together her system and I have talked her into not only upgrading her speakers but upgrading her receiver to an Integrated amp. I am a tube guy but have owned an Electrocompaniet ECI-3 integrated which I had great results with but it is a little out of her price range.

She has a budget of about $700-$800 and will buy used on my recomendation here on Audiogon. She purchased a pair of JM Labs Chorus 707s today which are really a nice sounding speaker for their price point. They are 92dB so anything will drive them. I was maybe thinking of steering her to a hybrid? I would appreciate any suggestions.. Thanks in advance for your replies!

Chris
the_kid
I think a non-audiophile would be very well served by the Bryston B-60, particularly since she has reasonably efficient speakers. The Bryston won't break, it is small and compact, and is an excellent all-around performer (there is even a version with a remote, although it would really stretch her budget). I had a Bryston 4B-ST amplifier for five years and have a Bryston MM phono stage in my second system -- solid stuff.

Good luck.
Knowing I was going to spend a lot of money on my primary system in our dedicated room, I put together a rather low priced second system for use off of my kitchen. SImilar to your friend, I am using the JMlab Chorus 706S speaker (a little smaller than the 707S). I am using the Cambridge Audio Azur 640A integrated amp (around 4 or 500 USD) and and the Cambridge Audio 640C CD player (same price). Like the inexpensive bookshelf speaker, I feel these components are a great value for the money. I am sure the sound would be good enough for what your friend is looking for, plus can stay within the budget and buy new equipment. If she can afford it, there are a lot of other decent considerations for a little more money (e.g. Arcam, Creek, Roksan, and Simaudio).
Jolida 302B or 502B.
Great amps, right in your price range.

Definitely audition the hybrids before buying. Some are downright dry, and others are abrasive, IMO.

Good luck!
I would choose the Conconance M100 plus. The amp is really a great sounding unit but sounds a lot better if you remove the bottom cover and let it rest on the wood sides.