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Integrated Amplifier Choices for LSA-1 Signature

A few weeks ago, I started out by asking for recommendations for an amplifier to drive my LSA-1 Signature speakers. Several agon members were kind enough to provide valuable advice.

My current setup is: LSA-1 Signature front left/right, LSA-1 Center, Onkyo RC-180 AVR (110 wpc, 2 channel driven), Apple TV connected to the Onkyo via HDMI (use it for both netflix and wifi streaming apple lossless music from itunes on a different computer). And finally, a DefTech SuperCube 1 for sub.

The setup is in my living room - about 25 X 30 with no back wall (opens into the kitchen). The setup is going to be for music mostly (2.1). Mostly listen to jazz, blues, classical, opera with occasional pop/rock at moderate volumes.

To make a long story short, I am not happy with the sound of the Onkyo, it just not driving the speakers well. Clarity is compromised, base has no punch and is a bit muddied, not much detail or resolution. Also, the LSA sound is a bit more smooth and laid back which works great for jazz but sometimes I wish I can get a bit more oomph and feel the base - not earth shattering but enough to 'feel' it.

So I started out thinking that I can buy a used amplifier (around $1200 - 1500) and use the pre-outs from my Onkyo. But several members (notably brownsfan and manoterror) suggested that I am better off using a better source and either buy an integrated with a nice built-in dac (e.g. Harman Kardon HK990) or get a nice player like Oppo-105.

Like everything else in life there are different ways to skin this cat. Just wanted to get some advice on which would be the best way going forward on a limited budget (around $1500 this year, with potential of adding another $1200 next year):

1. Harman Kardon HK990 - built-in DAC, room correction, good power. But honestly, I am not too crazy about the way it looks. If I'm paying $1500 (used), it better look like one which it does not.

2. Yamaha AS2000 (can get a used one) and a decent used DAC. I have heard good things about this integrated. Built like a tank and looks damn good too. I have had a Yamaha receiver in the past and I liked the sound.

3. Peachtree Audio Nova 125 - this seems to be the best choice. Heard great things about the DAC and now with 125 wpc, it seems to have more power than the outgoing Nova. But I keep reading on forums that this set is more suitable for a smaller office type setting and might be anemic in a larger living room. Also, since I'll be streaming my music from Apple TV, this looks like a great choice.

Which route would you guys recommend? I am also open to other suggestions. Want to get something in a couple of weeks.
128x128arafiq
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,662 posts
 
After seriously looking at the Yamaha, I have decide to give Peachtree a try. Just like telescope_trade, the dealer who sold me the LSA's also advised that they are a particulary good match for my speakers because they extend the top end considerably.
In the end, I think I would have been equally happy with the Yamaha but the fact that with the nova I won't have to buy a separate DAC - less money, smaller footprint, more efficient due to class D design.
Also, I was thinking of buying the Oppo 105 in the future, now with a really great DAC built into the nova, I can probably get the Oppo BD-95 and save myself several hundred $$$.
Dealer also mentioned that the built-in DAC significantly improves the sound of internet radio (I use Apple TV for this), so that's another plus as I listen to internet radio quite often.
Will order the unit sometime next week. I hope I won't regret not buying the Yamaha as it has received nothing but rave reviews.
want to thank everyone for the wonderful advice. and telescope_trade, you have a week, if you get bored with your nova just let me know :)
jwglista
206 posts
 
I think it's hard to simply say that an amp would be "on par" with another amp without actually hearing it. I have not heard the HK, so I would never even venture such a guess. Nor have I heard the Peachtree, so I can't comment there either. Class D has indeed come a long way, but right now, the sound of this Yamaha coming from the LSA-1 is very good. I do suggest that you try to demo it before making a final decision, unless of course you demo something else first and are completely satisfied.
telescope_trade
555 posts
 
JWglista,

No,I agree a demo would be the best (for anything)but
am only offering suggestions based on what I have heard. The HK & Yammie (when I said on par) are both SS amps and not Class D, and may or may not sound more similiar to each other than the Peachtree.
I think the energy that the Peachtree has is awesome and really brings my speakers alive compared to my HK. I'm really awestruck what the Peachtree is doing now. Bass I have never heard from my 8871's (ever) and a energy & clarity that are unheard of for the price. IMO.
The Yamaha looks like a sweet integrated and would like to hear it one day.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,662 posts
 
jwglista, that has been my issue. I cannot find any dealer in my city who can demo that specific model of Yamaha. I did find a dealer who can demo the Peachtree next weekend. Like I said earlier, the Yammie looks much better than the Peachtree (at least to me) but I can't demo it and would need to spend more money on a separate DAC as most of my music will be streamed via Apple TV.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Glad you made a decision! Good luck!
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