Why aren't you looking at Peachtree? That's a great little amp with an unbeatable DAC all in one!
Small System Rebuild. Need Integrated Amp
Do to circumstances beyond my control (but not beyond my ex-wife's control) I am re-building with a very small budget minded system. I have found a very nice deal on a new pair of Focal Chorus 714V speakers so I am set on that end. I am going to need almost everything else from cabling to integrated amp to DAC. The first order of business is the integrated amp.
I have been considering a couple of locally available options.
1. Cambridge Audio Azur 651A Integrated amp with 75 watts per channel and about $800. Trusted standby as I owned both a 650 and 851 at different times
2. NAD D7050 Direct Digital Network Amplifier for $1000. 50 watts per channel and I like the feature rich aspects that really meets my computer based system needs and the sleek design. It has a built in USB DAC which me I don't have to add a DAC and the additional digital inputs meets a need for connecting satellite TV. It also has a cool iPad remote control app. But, the sound I question some. It was airy and open but somewhat, well, digital.
3. NAD C356BEE Integrated Amp. At 80 watts per channel this has a more natural sound I think I would like. This can been gotten for $800 or add the DAC module for $900. I guess I have a little concern over all these built in DACs with regards to quality and perform a cover buy a separate DAC in the $300 to $500 range. Being a traditional integrated amp it has lots more inputs than I am going to need.
Other thoughts are appreciated. I also have to consider cabling (probably Kimber speaker) and interconnects.
I have been considering a couple of locally available options.
1. Cambridge Audio Azur 651A Integrated amp with 75 watts per channel and about $800. Trusted standby as I owned both a 650 and 851 at different times
2. NAD D7050 Direct Digital Network Amplifier for $1000. 50 watts per channel and I like the feature rich aspects that really meets my computer based system needs and the sleek design. It has a built in USB DAC which me I don't have to add a DAC and the additional digital inputs meets a need for connecting satellite TV. It also has a cool iPad remote control app. But, the sound I question some. It was airy and open but somewhat, well, digital.
3. NAD C356BEE Integrated Amp. At 80 watts per channel this has a more natural sound I think I would like. This can been gotten for $800 or add the DAC module for $900. I guess I have a little concern over all these built in DACs with regards to quality and perform a cover buy a separate DAC in the $300 to $500 range. Being a traditional integrated amp it has lots more inputs than I am going to need.
Other thoughts are appreciated. I also have to consider cabling (probably Kimber speaker) and interconnects.
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- 11 posts total
Music Direct has the Marantz 6004 integrated for $400, reduced from $600. Hard to go wrong at this price. Rich |
I would recommend a Classe CAP-151 for that price-range. I had one and absolutely loved it (before moving to a Pass INT-30A). The previous owner felt the same way... just a really great piece of gear. Seems like they come up here at a decent clip. http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/classe-cap151_e.html Also, probably out of your price range, but there's a Hegel integrated with an integrated DAC currently listed at $1699 (H100). I've really liked the sound of Hegel too... |
- 11 posts total