amp for Usher speakers


Im on a budget and looking for an amp to power Usher X718-manuafcturer says 80 wpc rec. Im considering the usuals-nad, cambridge, creek-used of course. Any other suggestions? I would love to have phono too
tbromgard
I've heard the 718's at a local dealer with a variety of amps.I really liked the way that they sounded with several medium powered tube amps(including a 50wpc Raysonic KT-88 integrated,Soundquest SQ-88 integrated and a pair of Granite Audio 30wpc SET monoblocks).
I owned BE-20's and for fun I tried an Ayre integrated on them. I'll tell you that was an excellent combination. If it drove teh BE-20's I'm pretty sure it will have no trouble with 718's.
I'd like to hear ushers on a good Class D amp, like Wyred4sound perhaps.

I've only heard the Ushers on a good tube amp system and they sounded a tad thin and shrill on that in comparison to others. I think SS is a better choice and the Class Ds specifically are known to have an easy top end in general compared to some SS amps.
I heard the Usher 6311's with a Vincent hybrid amp and it was pretty darn good. The one that sells close to $1,000. I'm sure under $1500.00.
Used to own a pair of 6381's. Usher recommends SS amps for their speakers, but many have had success with tubes. FWIW I tried Nuforce Ref 8 Class D (160w/8ohm) which I believe Usher recommends. I also tried Usher's own Class A, A/B Ref 1.5 (150w/8ohm) and finally a tubed Cary Rocket 88R (30w triode/60w ultralinear). I preferred the Cary in UL over all of them. The Nuforce weren't bad however. The tubes just added that 'tube magic' particularly in mids. Presentation seemed more fleshed out and a bit more forward.

Still, despite my above experiment, I would say the higher the power the better. The Ushers aren't terribly sensitive. Impedance curve, I think, isn't too wild, but in 30w triode mode with the Cary there just wasn't enough there.
Based on your post, are you looking for an integrated only? You mention phono
to bad you cant take the time to reply to your own thread or reply to emails....
Im looking for an integrated amp-perferrably with phono but I can always add phono stage later cause i dont have TT right now. Im thinking about PS Auio's integrated class D. Any comments on that? Thanks.
Riley804-what's your advise?

Obviously, you didnt check your email as I gave you some ideas .....