Paraneer-I have read two many blogs claiming Creek amps don't like being pushed hard. I think there are many better choices(quality) then Music Hall. The VA Bach and Magnepan MMG are clearly(IMO) the best entry level HEA floorstanders out there. Don't let the price of the speaker determine what amp is used.
Opinions on 4 Integrateds
I have a dual purpose 2 Channel/HT system using an HT bypass feature in my preamp. I like this kind of configuration. My listening preferences are 80% Music (LP's & CD's) and 20% HT (Movies & TV). Lately I have been thinking about how to up the 2 channel performance to the next level. I have a pair of Vienna Acoustics Bach Grands that I love and have no interest in replacing them with another speaker. So I thought of swapping my Parasound New Classic preamp & power amp with a good Integrated Amp. It must have an HT bypass feature. I have a separate phono preamp so this is not a requirement. Here is the short list I have come up with and would like opinions on each of these amps from folks you know them well.
Marantz PM15S2LE - top of my list as I have heard it and am very impressed. I do not question its performance. My concern is that its MSRP is more than the MSRP of my speakers. Guess I am old school and believe the speakers should cost more that the amp driving them. I am worried that if I purchased this amp, it would force an upgrade spiral with my speakers. Something I would like to avoid. Any thoughts on this?
Arcam A38 - same concern as the Marantz; it costs more than the speakers. Also, I cannot find published specs into 4 Ohms across the full bandwidth. Only 1kHz. Anyone know if its power output would be sufficient for my speakers?
Creek Evolution 5350 SE - price OK. Same concern about power as the Arcam. Any comments?
Music Hall a70.2 - this is the lowest priced amp at $1500 and a real dark horse. It appears to be a true dual mono design and looks like a beast at 125 wpc into 8; 180 wpc into 4. I have no doubt this amp will get the jop done. But I cannot seem to find a single review, critical or otherwise, about it. Does anyone have anything to share about this amp? It looks like a real sleeper.
Again, improved 2 channel sound is the goal. Or am I better off sticking with my Parasound 2100 pre and 5125 theater amp? Thanks in advance.
Marantz PM15S2LE - top of my list as I have heard it and am very impressed. I do not question its performance. My concern is that its MSRP is more than the MSRP of my speakers. Guess I am old school and believe the speakers should cost more that the amp driving them. I am worried that if I purchased this amp, it would force an upgrade spiral with my speakers. Something I would like to avoid. Any thoughts on this?
Arcam A38 - same concern as the Marantz; it costs more than the speakers. Also, I cannot find published specs into 4 Ohms across the full bandwidth. Only 1kHz. Anyone know if its power output would be sufficient for my speakers?
Creek Evolution 5350 SE - price OK. Same concern about power as the Arcam. Any comments?
Music Hall a70.2 - this is the lowest priced amp at $1500 and a real dark horse. It appears to be a true dual mono design and looks like a beast at 125 wpc into 8; 180 wpc into 4. I have no doubt this amp will get the jop done. But I cannot seem to find a single review, critical or otherwise, about it. Does anyone have anything to share about this amp? It looks like a real sleeper.
Again, improved 2 channel sound is the goal. Or am I better off sticking with my Parasound 2100 pre and 5125 theater amp? Thanks in advance.
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- 8 posts total
- 8 posts total