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Integrated amp for Eggleston Andra II


Currently I'm using a Sonic Frontier Power 3SE+, SF Line 3SE+ and Modwright Transporter with my Andra IIs. For the summer, I'm looking for a SS integrated amp that could drive my Andra IIs. All the tubes in my system can get too hot in the summer to enjoy the music.

Can someone recommend a SS integrated that can drive the Andra? I'm thinking Pass INT-150, Gamut DI-150, Rowland Continuum 500 and McIntosh MA7000.

Thanks!
knghifi
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Check out the big MF integrateds. I use a Nuvista M3 which runs quite cool, I leave it on all the time. The TriVista, 500 and 550 are even more powerful but mine is rated at 275 and actually does above 300. Because of MFs bizarre marketing strategy the amps are available at very good prices.
knghifi OP
1,668 posts
 

I had a Krell FPB600 and it was excellent with the Andra. I decided to keep only 1 amp and sold it. In hindsight it was a big mistake.

To get the best sound from the Krell, I had to leave it on 24/7 so it gets very hot just in idle. ... and yes the SF Line 3 gets very hot too with 12 tubes. I guess my problem is I don't want to sacrifice anything going to a SS integrated so maybe I should just crank up the AC in the summer :-)

My biggest concern using an integrated is the lack of current to drive the Andra so I will expand my search to SS mono amps too.

I don't like the sound of Class D amps either ... but will check out MF.

Thanks for all the imputs.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
I think you are on the right track, by not going with the integrated. First off, like you said , you will lose all the magic not having at least your tube line stage in the chain. Secondly, the Andra 2's IMO like alot of power. For that reason, I know longer own them. That said, thay are a very good speaker IMO. I bet one of the Accuphase amps may sound quite good w/ them. I thought the A50V had alot of power too, and can be had for around 6K used. I did not try the A50 on the Andra's though. The Pass XA100.5 may be a great match, but expensive. You didn't mention a price range, so there are alot of options.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I wouldn't worry about power. My M3 is rated at 275. does about 325 at 8 ohms and about 850 at 2 ohms with one channel driven and it is the lowest powered of the amps I mentioned.
knghifi OP
1,668 posts
 
Fjn04,

My budget for an integrated is ~5K and for mono SS amp is ~10K.

I read several reviews on the Bryston 28B SST and I think it might be just what I'm looking for. It doesn't required to be continuous on 24/7 and it takes ~1 hour of warm up to achieve maximum performance.

I plan to include the Parasound JC-1 mono and Pass X600.5 in my list of amps.
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