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Moderate Priced Integrated Amp

I live in a retirement community and a musician neighbor/friend has requested my assistance in putting together a high value, high performance stereo system to accommodate his tastes in classical (primarily) and jazz music. I am seeking advice since for the past 45 years I have lived in the high-end world. The centerpiece of this system would be a moderately priced solid-state integrated amplifier (or possibly a receiver) at a cost of under $1,000 (and preferably under $700). Purchasing used from a reliable seller is no problem. The listening room is small (as befits a retirement community) and the speakers we select will probably be in the 89db efficiency range. Neutrality, absence of coloration and tonal accuracy are definite requirements, as is reliability. My preliminary research has uncovered such brands as Outlaw Audio, many Cambridge products, Rega, Arcam and Music Hall among others. Further suggestions and bits of wisdom would be most welcome. Thank you for your time and patience.
drtmth58
cdc
1,845 posts
 
Neutrality, absence of coloration and tonal accuracy are definite requirements, as is reliability

I would recommend the Parasound Zamp with a ~$30.00 Alps or Noble volume pot. I love this little amp but beware it does not soften the sound in any way and bipolar's are not as forgiving as MOSFET's or some tube systems.
Since you probably won't want to make your own pre-amp and need more than one input you could try the Parasound Zpre but it will color the sound.

IMHO Naim, Musical Fidelity, Exposure. Naim are all colored and not nuetral.
pryso
1,949 posts
 
I would second the advice to begin by selecting speakers first. Then you will know the impedance and power needs.

For acoustic classical and jazz at moderate levels with near-field listening (you said the room is small), I would begin by looking at Spendor, Harbeth, and any of the LS3-5a variations (used originals or current knock-offs). Depending on his tastes and the set up, a sub may not be needed.

If he chooses a 16 ohm Rogers LS3-5a the amp choice could be quite different from some other model with a 4 ohm rating but higher efficiency.
hifihvn
943 posts
 
The Creek 5350SE is a great amp.
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