Best intergrated amp. for US$800

Creek 4330R with volume remote, $595.00 list, or the 4330 without the remote, $495.00 list. These are giant killers. One reveiwer compared it favorably to the $1,600 Bryston B60. Happy auditioning!

For $800 new if sound quality is prime goal, Musical Fidelity new X-A2 is top dog, however no remote control. Just a notch below but with remotes we have NAD C370, Roksan Kandy, Creek 4330SE, Marantz PM6010, Cyrus 5

Huijames: If you want to buy the best integrated amplifier for around $800.00?? Then I have only have three suggestions: (01). The Musical Fidelity X-A2 -- $695.00 @ Audio Advisors, but like "Megasam" has said, if you want remote control though, you're going to be short. Or you can probably buy an older X-A1 at a closeout price also from Audio Advisors. But this amp (the newer X-A2) is the top dog in the $800.00 and under amplifier arena right now. (02). The Creek 4330(R).... $595.00 with remote, and $495.00 without remote (dubbed the 4330). Doesn't have much power, but it sounds awfully great. It has also been compared to other amplifiers that are 2X or 3X its price. So, it's a giant killer too (compare this thing to the Bryston B-60 ($1,600.00, more than three times the price of the Creeks), you'll know what I'm talking about). (03). The NAD C370. Nice sound, plenty of power and a remote control, all for under $600.00. And versatile too. And if you don't mind doing even a little more research, there are even alternatives from Cambridge Audio (I think that's what it is) and from Audio Refinement. Well, that ought to be enough to get you started. Good Luck..... --Charles--

Chaskelljr: Hello, have you listened to both the X-A1 and X-A2 amps? I own the X-A1 and am wondering how different the sound of the X-A2 is. I for some reason suspect that it may sound a little less warm, as this has been MF's trend with their newer products.

Dekay: I have listened to a Musical Fidelity X-A2, but not the X-A1, so I cannot comment on the X-A1. But I do hear (read seems like a better word here) that the X-A1 exhibits a less warm and more upfront sound than does the X-A2, but I cannot say that for certain. But the X-A1 is still a great amplifier. Because the X-A2 is the newer model and is replacing the X-A1, you may be able to get an X-A1 at a closeout price now at Audio Advisors. --Charles--