2. amps-preamps
  3. 1251956119

I would like some feedback on a int. amp



I need some ideas regarding a smallish sized integrated amp. It needs to be around 100 watts @ 8 ohms and offer a remote control. I say the physical size should not be bigger than 17” wide and 5-6” high. The depth isn’t too critical. I will be looking on the used market and have about $1000-1500 to spend. Phono is nice but not essential. I am interested in the follow brands but have never listened to any of them: Musical Fidelity, Vincent, Sim Audio YBA, Naim, NAD master series, Classe or Creek. I have monitor speakers and listen to jazz, American songbook, classical and some blues. The room is 17 X 30 X 8’ and we don’t blast the volume. I like a smooth sound with tight bass and a nice soundstage with front-to-back imaging. What are some of your favorites that I should check out & thanks in advance.
jihley
jj2468
280 posts
 
I cannot imagine that you need 100+ watts of power with 89db 8 ohm speakers, if that is an accurate measurement.

You did not say you listen to disco, metal or a lot of rock.

I recommend asking goners to recommend a good quality tube integrated of about 50 watts (or less with a good power supply and transformer) ... something like the Rogue series, the Prima Luna, or the VTL it-85.

What led you to give this list of solid state amps big consideration?
rudge
76 posts
 
Just another vote for the Pathos Classic One. I'm using two of them with Sonus Faber speakers. A great combo. They are fine integrateds. Highly recommended.
jihley OP
74 posts
 
tube amps tend to take up more real estate than I have to offer and the 100 watts gives me freedom to select other speakers down the road. I guess 80 watts would do too. What I'm looking for is a musical amp with a big soundstage. I've read good reviews on the amps I listed but I rather get opinions from owners.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
The musical fidelity will drive your monitors. See if yu can swing an old 308 at 150 horsepower feels bigger. I hated it with my analytic speakers but for a PSB it would work well . It is muscular. The 3.2 CR is a smaller versioin with 129=0 watts I thing but has nothing near as muc current. However it can esily hanfle booshelf duties. The classe as my friend says sounds like it suffers from anemia, I don't think it's quite that bad and have n old pre hi end era Classe preamp. The newer stuff sings. I liked the old Plinius 8200 plenty of punch but I hear have quality control issues.
I am obligated to give you it's the amp not the watts lecturwe. I bet you will find more pleasure in a 30 watt pure all class A amp Musical Fidelity makes one that is sellingg with very big discounts into tour range . Than a 200 watt no current, no real substance, radio shOCk amp. I heard 30 wPC tube amps by DeHaviland YestrdaY driving moderately large sized and only Modertely sensitive floorstanding Alons. There was no do difficulty in filling a big room. Send me an email for some specs.
rnm4
308 posts
 
Well maybe I take my recommendation of the Nait5i back, if what you want is smooooth-ness and soundstage. Nait will give you dynamic, propulsive, involving musicality, but Naim are not big on soundatage or smoothness, especially, and seem to be at the other end of the spectrum you are describing.

But I bet you'd like the Nait anyway, if you gave it a chance.
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