Parasound is a little bright for my taste, except the new halo series, which I think is incredible. I usually recommend the audio refinement complete in your price range. It is exactly as you describe, a warm transistor sound. However, I'm a little hesitant, not knowing what speakers you are driving. It would be worth a listen and falls at the lower end of your price range. |
although only 50 Watts, the Audio Refinement Complete is a great integrated in your price range. It pushes my 89 Db speakers with ease and sounds wonderful to me and many others. it is a worthy consideration.
good luck, Paul |
Thanks for the advice! You are right on with part of the Audio Refinement recommendation. I heard some Audio Refinement separates while auditioning speakers. Imaging, soundstaging and warmth were some of the best I have heard. The sound was just incredible, except for the bass. The lower end lacked substance/slam which is very important to me. Hooking up my MD-308 to the same speakers made a huge difference in the slam and control in the lower registers
Has anyone heard the Jolida JD-1501RC? This looks interesting.
www.jolida.com/catalogue/jd1501rc.html
Additional info:
I have not liked the sound of any NAD equipment. Some Rotel has sounded good, but I don't know about their latest offerings. My favorite (lets face it, it's a dream on my budget) amp that I have heard lately is the Macintosh MA-6900. |
A great way to get a remote preamp would be an "obsolete" Harman Kardon receiver - like a pro logic model. These - AVR20 - AVR80 - have preouts, and are very neutral stereo preamps, with many inputs. Just ignore the prologic aspect of it. They sell for between $100 - $200. The larger HK units - AVR70 and 80 - would have the minimum wattage you need - 70 wpc. This may be the unexpected all in one answer.
But, if you feel the need for another amp, a guarantted mellow sounding unit comes from the DENON POA series of the mid 80's. I highly recommend the POA1500 - 150 wpc - usually on EBAY for $200 - 300 range. That amp in combo with an HK preamp will give detailed, yet slightly warm music.
JR |
Don't miss the Roksan Caspian. More power than its 70 watts imply, and terrific sonics, more American cojones than British PRAT, to my ears. The piece worked great with a variety of gear, small, effective remote, standby function, low profile and understated even elegant apprearance. Their is also an Anthem 2 int. up for sale here, 90/145W, headphone jack [tube-derived?], remote, tubes and SF build quality. Good luck, Trip |
Creek passive preamp used with Nikko Alpha 400 amplifier also used on ebay.
Not bright and killer for the budget... |
The new Rotel RA 1072 is supposed to be a great piece for the money. A great option used is the Primare A20MKI or i20 as it is now called.
BTW: If the Bryston B60 sounded harsh I'd look at what else was in the system as it is a very refined sounding amp in the highs.
The AR Complete isn't as tight sounding in the bass as the Primare or Bryston. The Roksan Caspian has about the best bass I have heard in an integrated at the price but it is not as transparent as the Primare or Bryston. Maybe the new Caspian M1 is. |
Mcfavre4, I believe the model number from Rotel is the RA-1062. The now famous cd player is the RCD-1072. Or, do I have it confused? |
Tripper and/or Mcfavre4:
How does the Roksan Kandy compare to the Roksan Caspian? |
Thank you for the correction, you are right it's the 1062, sorry. I am expecting a 1072 cd player tomorrow to play with as my potential replacement player. My confusion.
I haven't heard the Roksan Kandy but the British hi fi mags just did a test with several decent integrateds including the Kandy and the Rotel 1062 won hands down. This was when tested amongst several listeners. I'd try to give it a shot. I bought the Rotel RA01 for my Dad to replace his Denon 3302. It is superb. |
I have a Jolida 1501A hybrid integrated which sounds amazing. I bought it new through Galen at gcaudio.com for a good price, I think it was around $600 or less. He may have even offered a two week "demo".
Definetly worth an audition. |
I would recommend to take a look at the Jolida 302B all tube amp (I know you wanted solid state, just could not resist). My first tube integrated and I am very impressed. Extremly quiet, not quite a solid state bass but more dynamic and better timeing than my Linns. Looks like I have to sell $2600 worth of Linn solid state equipment now. The 50 W on the Jolida tube amp feel like more power than the 85 W from the Linn LK85. |
Key--I believe the Kandy gear is of lesser construction, i.e. parts refinement, simpler power supplies, and lighter chassis. Still fine values but they offer two lines for a reason. At least they don't make 17 levels of cables! The Kandy CD for $295 should be a fine value if that interests you, and a good match, natch. Good luck in your search. |
Used Mccormack Dna-1 or Dna.5 |
