Agree with the recommendations (2) for Creek Integrated amps. They have shown up on Stereophile’s recommended lists for years. I drive a pair of large Martin Logan SL3 electrostatics with my 5350SE rated at 90 RMS/channel. It hits way above its rating. Drives those big speakers with room to spare. Large toroidal transformer. Incredibly airy, super defined detailed soundstage, and their phono section (you have to order the phono card) is outstanding, best I’ve heard. I believe it falls within your size needs.
Best sounding compact integrated amp < $2k?
I am putting together a 2nd system that will be used in my living room. Music source will primarily be Tidal. Haven't finalized my speaker selection - but I may end up going with something from Dynaudio - perhaps the Excite X18 or the Special 40. Streaming will be handled by one of the following: Bluesound Node 2, outboard DAC/streamer or DAC/streamer onboard the amp.
Need to figure out what integrated amp would work best. A major constraint is that the enclosure that will house the amp has a maximum depth of 15 inches - so the amp itself will need to have a depth that is a couple of inches short of 15 (to leave room for rear cables/connections).
I have tried the Naim Uniti Atom and it is certainly a potential solution (sounds great too), but I am hesitant to go with an all-in-one solution (a separate streamer allows me to upgrade that part of the system as technology progresses).
The Peachtree Nova 150 is another option - but I have not yet had an opportunity to audition it.
My budget for the amp is $2k, but I am willing to stretch the $$$ for an outstanding component :) I am also open to picking up a pre-owned amp, though I would prefer to buy new.
Suggestions will be *greatly* appreciated!
Need to figure out what integrated amp would work best. A major constraint is that the enclosure that will house the amp has a maximum depth of 15 inches - so the amp itself will need to have a depth that is a couple of inches short of 15 (to leave room for rear cables/connections).
I have tried the Naim Uniti Atom and it is certainly a potential solution (sounds great too), but I am hesitant to go with an all-in-one solution (a separate streamer allows me to upgrade that part of the system as technology progresses).
The Peachtree Nova 150 is another option - but I have not yet had an opportunity to audition it.
My budget for the amp is $2k, but I am willing to stretch the $$$ for an outstanding component :) I am also open to picking up a pre-owned amp, though I would prefer to buy new.
Suggestions will be *greatly* appreciated!
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- 50 posts total
- 50 posts total