2. amps-preamps
  3. 1119537903

Integrated amplifier - selection and alternatives

Hi everybody,

I am in the market for an integrated amplifier. The speakers are custom made:2-way, 83db sensitivity in 8 ohms, but they can go as low as 6.2 ohms in the bass region. My guess is that these speakers would love a 100w pc amplification. More is not necesarilly better, less might be not enough.

After I look around couple of alternatives seems interesting and reasonable prices for me:
- Accuphase E-308 (caveat - difficult to find in North America)
- Ayre AX 7 X (caveat - maybe not enough power)
- Krell KAV 400xi (caveat - not as musical as I would like)
- Electrocompaniet ECI-4 (caveat - a little bit overpriced compared with the the others that are bringing in similar qualities).

Being the market for a maximum $5800, which other integrated should I consider in your opinion?

Thank you very much for your time.
rmihai
sdatch
204 posts
 
The Musical Fidelity A5 integrated is also within your price range, and outputs 250 wpc into an 8 Ohm load. I recently had the opportunity to hear the kW-500 at the same dealer, which is a little over your budget. I was blown away, almost literally. I came away with the belief that either one of the new MuFi's should be capable of driving just about anything.
aball
2,016 posts
 
The McIntosh MA6900 is absolutely fantastic. It has a rare musical capability that few others can match.
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
With a sensitivity rating of 83 db, I'd be more tempeted to use a higher powered integrated than 100 wpc. I think the the Musical Fidelity A5 would do just fine.
hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
342 posts
 
I've on order a Blue Circle NSCS. 110wpc
rmihai OP
55 posts
 
I've done my measurements - 100W would be just enough.

I was thinking about Mcintosh MA6900 - but, I personally consider McIntosh stuff a little bit overpriced.
More to discover