2. amps-preamps
  3. 159517-149745

Amp to drive Verdant Nightshade 1

On Friday I bought a pair of Verdant Nightshade 1s and am already thinking I need to upgrade my amp.  I currently have a Rega Brio R and like it a lot but know that it is not giving me everything I can get from these speakers.  I demo'd the speakers with my Brio but heard them at the end with a Marantz integrated and it sounded much better but in a short sitting.  

An old bit of advice I received was to spend about 50% of the value of the speakers on amplification.  This means I want to spend $3K-$4K.  The Brio has plenty of power to drive these so I don't need more power, I am just looking for a better amp.  

Because the Rega is warmer, the guy at Verdant suggested that I look at AVM. I had never heard of it but a little research showed me they make some really expensive stuff and some more modest stuff.  He said they are refreshing the line and he doesn't have samples yet but will be getting them.  

Thoughts on AVM?  What about Marantz since I heard that it sounded really good?  Or what about I just upgrade to an Elicit R?  Do the higher end Rega amps sound better, or are they just more powerful?  Any other suggestions?  The integrated does need to have a built in phono stage. 

I am not interested in any tube gear.  I will buy something on a return policy so it is okay if I can't listen to it locally.  
sunujing

Showing 1 response by sunujing

sunujing OP
10 posts
 
@chayro  The speakers were demos from a review.  They are broken in.  

@stereo5 t&a looks awesome but seems to be above my budget.  

@twoleftears Three boxes is annoying.  Looks like nice equipment, but it's three boxes that it looks like you shouldn't stack.  That is a challenge for me simply because of space.  

Also checking out NAD M32 and going to visit a dealer in CT that has Naim.  
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