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Best $600 integrated for Monitor Audio RX-2?

Hello everyone,
I just acquired a pair of Monitor Audio RX-2 from a fellow Audiogoner and now I'm looking for an integrated amp to drive them. I have a budget of ~$600 for a used unit.

My room is about 16 x 13 ft and I listen mainly to rock, jazz, blues, pop and electronic. I listen at moderate volume, however sometimes I "fill the room" with music.

I did some research and found that the following integrated amps may be suitable for these speakers, room size, and my music preferences

Rega Brio-R
Rega Mira-3
Arcam FMJ-A18
Music Hall A35.2
NAD C356 BEE
Marantz PM6004/8004
Roksan Kandy KA-1 MKIII

Which one you'd get? Am I missing great integrated amplifiers that are a great match for these speakers at this price? Any advise will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
ALoha

Luciano
128x128luciano33
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I've heard most of the amps you mention above. I would add a Creek 5350 to your list. You may be able to find a used one in your price range. I can't say for sure because I haven't listened to all the amps above, but the Creek should easily beat them for sound quality (at least for my taste's). I had mine driving a pair of Monitor Audio speakers for a while and the combo was great.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Look for an integrated that provides ample power (sufficient headroom for transients) and one that supplies generous amounts of current in that power rating. This generally results in a "fuller" and "ballsier" sound that doesn't fall flat on its face when pushed hard.

-RW-
luciano33's avatar
luciano33 OP
63 posts
 
Thank you guys for the suggestions. Zd542, which MA speakers did you have paired with the Creek?

RW, is there any integrated on that list that may meet your suggested criteria? How much would "ample power" be for me, considering room dimensions? Also, how do I know an integrated is high current or not?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I had the Silver S8's. Similar to yours, but floor standing. Unless you have a large room or high volume requirements, the amps you list above should work OK. I list the Creek mainly for sound quality and that it was a great match with MA.
luciano33's avatar
luciano33 OP
63 posts
 
Hi all,
I think I narrowed it down to:

1. Brio-R
2. Arcam FMJ-A18

Does any of you have experience with pairing any of those amps with MA RX speakers? I am undecided which one I should get, since both have are similar in power, features, and price.
Any feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance!

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