2. amps-preamps
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speaker/amp combo for 1300?

Hi there,

I originally had an opportunity to purchase a vintage audio system (+25years) but decided to pass on the offer and explore other gears that are suitable for my musical tastes (within the constraints of my budget).

First, a brief introduction of myself: As a recent college grad I have lived with roommates during the last 5 years and as a result I have been listening to music primarily through headphones (e4c, ER4-S, and HD580). Finally I have the opportunity to invest in a very modest audio system. I am hoping to build a 2-channel system and will require a preamp/amp combo (or integrated) with a set of speakers, costing no more than 1300.

I listen mostly to intimate classical pieces (sonatas, quartets and concertos), female jazz vocals and folk/bluegrass (Dylan, Joni, Krauss, etc). I would love to have sweet sounding mids without sacrificing the highs. In terms of earphones, I sold the E4C’s and replaced it with the ER4-S because I couldn’t stand the recessed highs of the E4Cs.

With such a modest budget, I am seriously thinking of purchasing an integrated amp. The Portal Panache comes to mind, but within my budget constraints it may be more suitable to spend more on the speakers first. My source is a laptop containing my FLAC files that is connected to my Squeezebox.

Thank you in advance for your responses. Greatly appreciated!
agent_kang
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,758 posts
 

I've had a number of moderately priced integrateds and I would completely agree with S7horton on the recommendation of the Audio Refinement Complete. Another fine choice would be any of the Creek integrateds, like the 4330.

Then spend all the rest of your money on speakers. Ones I've enjoyed in your price range are the Meadowlark Kestrel and the Soliloquy 5.0. Harder to find but wonderful for the money are any of the speakers built by Ruark or Castle.
audiokinesis
2,737 posts
 
The Maggie MMG is a lovely little speaker, $550 mail order only, and can be driven by a number of solid state integrated amps in that price range.

Omega makes some superb low-priced single-driver speakers, suitable for driving with budget tube gear.

Duke
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
Tvad, I traded many times trying to find an integrated amp I liked better in that price range. Tubes, solid state, and hybrid and just kept going back to the audio refinement. I have one now and plan to keep it when I upgrade.
saki70
907 posts
 
I have had very good luck with an Audio Aero Prima integrated amp driving Soliloquy 6.2i speakers . The AA amp is a hybrid , a tubed pre section into a mosfet amp .
The Soliloquy's are a 2-way floorstander that are quite smooth and on the warm side , very good synergy together .
Purchased carefully , this combo can be had within your budget .
agent_kang OP
5 posts
 
Tvad: I have never heard of Prima Luna Prologue 2 and Klipsch Forte II but I did read various discussions regarding the Totem Arro. I've been told that they have great soundstage and that they can be slightly on the bright side with wrong component matchup. This may be a great fit for me since I have always preferred bright to a dark sound. I've heard that tubes go well with Totems and that these Arros require a lot of power. Also, is it true that a tube amplifier will cost more than a SS amplifier of similar performance?

S7horton: ARC is one of the amps I am considering. In your opinion, how would you characterize the sound of this amp? Is there any weakness to this amp? I'll be sure to check out the B&W CDM 1NT. Thank you for your suggestions.

Sfar: Creek integrated (4330) vs ARC. What are they main differences in terms of sound signature between the two?

Meadowlark Kestrel and the Soliloquy 5.0. I'll definitely check both of these out. I know there is not set rule regarding this matter but within a certain budget, what is the rule-of-thumb regarding the percertage that should be spent on speakers/power/cables? Thanks!

Audiokinesis: Maggie MMG for $550 new? That's a great price. I'm definitely going to buy all my gear used from this site. If these become available here I'll be sure to consider them. What kind of sound would you ascribe to these speakers? Thanks.

Saki70: Audio Aero Prima integrated amp driving Soliloquy 6.2i speakers. I'll be sure to read more about them. Thanks.

I can live with something that's slightly bass shy since I'm so used to it but I absolutely need excellent treble extensions . I love the sound violin and anything that compromises the sound of instruments is something I would like to avoid. This is a great site for a newbie. Thanks for the advice everyone. Please keep them coming! :)
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