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Integrated Amp for Dynaudio Special 40

I have recently picked up a great pair of Special 40s - unfortunately I am currently powering them with a Marantz sr5014 AV receiver and I am looking to upgrade to a dedicated integrated amp.  I have read quite a bit about it already and have narrowed it down a bit.  My source, for now, will primarily be a Linn Axis I inherited with a new Adikt cartridge.  I may do some streaming as well but it is less important.  I am open to either used or new and leaning towards used so I can get the most bang for my buck.  The list I considering is below:

  • Ayre ex8
  • Moon 340i /i3.3
  • Plinius Hautonga
  • Roksan Blak
  • Belles Aria
Unfortunately I've not been able to listen to any since my local shop is sort of only half open during these times.  I know there's a big price swing but on the use market most of these I can find for under 3k (apart from the Ayre).  I'm very much on a budget but want something I could live with for the long haul.  Any ideas out there - many thanks in advance!!
terracebk21
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,523 posts
 
I have a friend who is running these with a Sugden and says the sound is to die for.  He is listening near field.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,262 posts
 
+1 Sugden. Bet it's lovely with the dyns.
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
SimAudio and Dyn's always go together.  My local dealer has them paired quite frequently.  Seen them demoed together lots of times at shows. Dyn's need quality high current power. 

b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,290 posts
 
I like my Belles Aria quite a bit.  Its only 75watts but I think its a stout 75 watts.  It has a silly damping factor too; can’t remember exactly but I do remember seeing it in the owner's manual and being pretty surprised at how high it was.  The Volume control, ie modulation, is great.  I’d describe the Aria’s sound as very open and with great bass definition, weight and control.  It sounds tube like to me at times.

Anyhow, I hope that helps!  Goodluck!
perkadin's avatar
perkadin
286 posts
 
Sim + Dynaudio. The synergy is real. I would make a suggestion though and skip the i3.3 if you are willing to buy used and go with an older i5 or i5.3.  Or jump up to the i600. Maybe it’s the number sequencing, but I’ve always thought that the I3.3 was an evolution of the i3 while the i5 evolved into the 600 and 700. The i5 is more refined, has better soundstage, and a bit more high end sounding.  I could be wrong though, I only auditioned the i3.3 but I’ve owned both the i3 and i5 and the 3.3 reminded me a lot of my old 3.  And don’t worry, even with 110 watts the i5 will have no issue driving the special 40’s.  
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