2. amps-preamps
  3. 1215034627

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
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Okay,

As sensible as everybody's advice here was regarding, "wait to break in the Arro's before you upgrade your amp," I confess that I caved in to a good deal. I got a Unison Unico Hybrid (80 w/channel tube/transistor) integrated amp, mint condition (current street price of around $2500 new) for $800 plus shipping here on Audiogon. I just couldn't resist! :-) So now I have even more to look forward to.
johnbender
29 posts
 
Congratulations. I've heard great things about the Unico. And for $800... nice.
johnbender
29 posts
 
An afterthought: I see an $800 Unico listed (now marked as sold), but it doesn't have the phono stage. If this is the one you purchased, what do you plan to do about your turntable?
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Johnbender,

Yes, that's the next question. I'll need some recommendations there. Anybody?
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
07-23-08: Rebbi
Yes, that's the next question [what to do about a phono stage]. I'll need some recommendations there. Anybody?
Depending on how cheap you want to go, the Cambridge Audio 640p could do it. Price/performance has changed in many areas since the mid-'80s. You've been using an '80s-era PS Audio. I was using a mid-'80s Amber Model 17, and also used a VSP Labs Straightwire II. The Straightwire was incredibly fast and transparent, and retailed around $1500 in the mid-'80s.

The $169 640p easily bettered the phono stage in the Amber (which was highly regarded in its day), and *at least* equalled the performance of the Straightwire as well.

I admit, I haven't A-B'd it against a Lehmann Black Cube, but even that or a Project Tube Box SE is about 3x the price of the Cambridge. And if you decide you want better, most mail order houses that carry the 640p (e.g., Audio Advisor) allow you to return it for refund within 30 days.
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