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Integrated amp with phono section for Totem Arro

Hello, gang,

I've been doing research on the following topic already, and I beg your indulgence if this topic has been beaten to death! :-)

In about a week, I should be the proud owner of a brand-new pair of Totem Arro speakers! :-)

Most of the rest of my system comes from the mid-1980s. This includes my amplifier, a PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amp, solid-state, of course, with 70 W per channel. I have assurances from PS Audio that this amplifier should, in theory, have no trouble driving the Arro, which presents a load of 4 ohms. What I'm wondering, however, it is since the Arro is, from everything I've heard, a VERY revealing little speaker, I'm concerned in advance what I ought to do for amplification if the Elite Plus turns out to sound harsh when paired with the Arro.

What I need, then, would be a much more modern, integrated amplifier, including a phono stage, because my main analog source is a SOTA Sapphire turntable.

I'd be looking at something that I could pick up for, say, $700 or less. Something used would be okay.

All suggestions welcome! :-)
rebbi
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Rebbi, only consider the NAD when you're certain that you need more power. Moving from PS Audio to NAD at the same power levels is generally NOT considered an upgrade. Going from 70 to 150 watts is significant, but not a big jump. If it becomes apparent that you need more power, then a jump to 250 is likely to be more appropriate and you should be looking to upgrade quality at the same time or at least staying at the same quality level. That puts you looking at a bigger PS or a Bel Canto or something along those lines. Since you've gotten into more revealing speakers, the quality of the integrated amp is way more important than it used to be.

Dave
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Tawaundabomb and Dcstep,

Thank you so much for the good advice. I can't wait to actually get the Totems (and a some sort of component shelving) so I can start breaking in the speakers. (The Arro's are on order, and the dealer is waiting for them to come in... by tomorrow, I hope!)
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Sounds like a formula for a great weekend. Have fun.

Dave
tawaundabomb
38 posts
 
Rebbi,by all means go check out the Peachtree Decco intergratedamp,it combines Scott Nixon's Dac and 50 watt Chip amp,with a tube preamp linestage.The Decco is distributed thru Signal Path,the fine folks who was importing Musical Fidelity in U.S. in their best moments they also are the makers of the Era speaker line just dont listen to the Era's the were voiced with and the setup is the most magical setup I've heard regardless of price.The Decco sales for $799,Scott Nixon's Dac and chipamp sell for $800 by themselves,and you get a great tube amp to,but with a very creadible headphone section,its the best deal in audio right now,and it has stunning buid quality and its a real looker,David Solomon that the Dac section easily best Musical Fidelities X-dac which is 1 of the very best dacs available, the Decco has detail,dynamics,bass grip,and great layering ions,and above all it has amazing sepration and musicallity,its a must audition even for people who dont need a amp.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Tawaundabomb,

Hmmm..... 68 watts @ 4 ohms... I wonder if it would drive the Arro's adequately?
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