amp for Dynaudio Contour 1.1

He might be happy with McCormack electronics, solid-state but a very rich, sweet sound and incredible value. A TLC-1 preamp and DNA-0.5 or DNA-1 amp would be well within his budget. The deluxe versions are even more refined. There seems to be a good selection of used McCormack stuff here on Audiogon and on ebay right now.

Wirehead, Kthomas, and Sfar, Thanks a lot for the advices. I will definitely tell my friend. A local dealer has Sim Moon I5 and Plinius 8150 integrated. Are they also good candidates to match the dyns too? Any suggestions on the CD player?
Thanks again.

I was going to suggest the Sim Moon, but wasn't sure about the price of that unit. It not only is well reviewed, it's said to mate well with Dynaudios. I think to get it <$3K, you'll have to buy used.

The Sim is only 60 watts and I don't believe enough to drive the Dynaudios. I think the Plinius might be an excellent choice. I had an 8200.

Ruo: The cdp is something your friend should wait on because of the SACD v. DVD-A wars. I'm waiting to see what happens. I think SACD will prevail and then watch the prices drop and other manufacturers get involved. In the meantime, and only as a stop gap, I'm telling my friends to buy a DVD player that plays CDs. Pioneer seems to be ahead in the chip race and their lower end models play CD and CDR. And you can watch movies! I bought the lowest model they make and it gave my CD trans and DAC a real run for the money, I couldn't believe how good a cheap DVD could play CDs. I'm waiting another year because I've heard SACD and it is good. I think your friend should concentrate on the amp. BTW there is another thread in here about Odessey amps. They have a twenty year warranty like Bryston. Cheers.