2. speakers
  3. 182878-180279

Integrated amp recommendation

I recently bought a used pair of Swiss-made Piega p4L MKII floor-standing speakers. I am looking for a two-channel integrated amp to pair with them. Budget: $1,000.

Among the stated speaker specs: applied power rating 20-200 watts, sensitivity 89 db, 4 ohms impedance and frequency response 38 Hz-50 kHz. To me, the speakers’ sound can be described as natural, detailed and transparent, not aggressive and maybe slightly lacking in bass. The room is 12 x 20, carpeted but relatively bare. I listen primarily to classic rock, classic jazz and classical. I use a Bluesound Node 2i music streamer and CDs. Bluetooth would be nice but not essential.

Thank you for any assistance.

phil59
slowlane
9 posts
 

Shopping used with a $1K budget, my short list would include Rogue Sphinx V1 or V2, Schiit Ragnarok V1 or a basic V2, and Peachtree Nova 150.

The Ragnarok is the one I know the best, so that is my favorite candidate. 😊 Solid build, decent resale, and excellent sound for the spend.

If you are willing to shop with a lot of patience and persistence, a Parasound HINT 6 is a nice secondhand buying opportunity at $1500.

Good luck!

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
457 posts
 

Sent back the Rega Brio and upgraded to the Belles Aria....Much...Much more musical. Great integrated at around 12-15 hundred used.

jl35
3,943 posts
 

Also might consider Schiit Vidar amp and one of the Schiit Saga or Freya preamps

oldaudiophile
290 posts
 

Generally speaking, speakers with specs like that are going to thirst for an amplifier with a really robust power source. This doesn't mean lots of watts but, rather, an outstanding ability to deliver current when needed. If you go SS, I personally would not consider anything under a power rating of, at least, 100 watts both channels driven into 8 Ohms (rms) that cannot double that into 4 Ohms. Will your speakers sound good with less? Sure, but they won't be giving you everything they were designed to deliver. It would be like putting regular in a Ferrari Testarossa. On the tube side, there are many good choices. However, look for something with robust power supply. Good luck!

elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 

btw, the reviews of the Cayin are universally quite positive

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1042US1042&sxsrf=AJOqlzVPBvs3vaeUltjNrFmASHWoSbsJ8w:1677176387739&q=cayin+cs-55a+review&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQhsT2oKz9AhUTUzUKHQ0LDfIQ1QJ6BAhgEAE&biw=1620&bih=803&dpr=1.5

I Immediately took the bottom off my Catin, VERY impressive Hand wired construction, organized, spacious. Mine: early model, internal bias, CS-55A safe external meter!

More to discover