Ohm Walsh Micro Talls: who's actually heard 'em?

Rebbi,

I think that you can buy a new Bel Canto integrated amp in your price range. I've used this combo (Bel Canto s300 w/Ohm 100 S3)and it works very well. The S-300 offers a pre-out (if you ever want to add a sub), but not a power in (if you want to actively roll off your mains when you add that sub). Kind of a "glass half full".

The good news is that you might even be able to go with Bel Canto separates at/near your price point if you buy used. Check the A'gon listings. This set-up offers full (bi-amping or switching to a different power amp if you so choose in the future) flexibility going forward, and a stacked pair of small, matching Bel Canto chassis echos the uncluttered look of an integrated.

Good Luck,

Marty

Rebbi,

For greatest potential improvement, I'd look towards the separates if viable for you. I doubt you could go wrong with Bel Canto for compactness or even Musical Fidelity or Classe (those would be leading contenders were it me). A nice inexpensive used tube pre-amp ( with SS amp is also something to consider. An ARC might be too expensive, but a VTL or JUicy, BAT, or several others I've researched and/or had recommended could be interesting.

Rebbi, if you can wait for one to come up as they seem to, the VTL 2.5 is a preamp that's inexpensive used. I recently purchased one and mine is very quiet and has that tube sound with a dimensional quality.

Martykl,

That little Bel Canto S300 looks like a winner, and I've seen a couple of them go on A'gon for around $1000. I'll check back daily and see if one comes up here at a good price.

Mapman,

Separates may be the way to go, ultimately, but I don't think I have the budget for them at this time. :-(