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.
Best $500-$700 amp/preamp or integrated
Opinions please.
I will soon be looking for an amp/preamp combo, or intetgrated amplifier for $500-$700 (new or used). The preamp must have a remote that controls volume and source. The solid state amp should have about 70-150 watts/channel. The amp will be driving relatively easy-to-drive 8 ohm speakers. If I go with an integrated design I would like it to have pre-outs for later expansion.
I prefer a somewhat warmer sound, but a transistor amp, not tubes. I may consider a tube preamp. The Bryston B-60r has sounded a little harsh to me when I have listened. I very much liked my Magnum-Dynalab MD-308 that I regretfully must sell. It has a high current design that makes a huge difference in the music. For music I like, see my post here:
forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1093182447&read&3&4&
Has anyone heard the Parasound P/HP-850 preamp --- HCA-750A power amp combination?
I will soon be looking for an amp/preamp combo, or intetgrated amplifier for $500-$700 (new or used). The preamp must have a remote that controls volume and source. The solid state amp should have about 70-150 watts/channel. The amp will be driving relatively easy-to-drive 8 ohm speakers. If I go with an integrated design I would like it to have pre-outs for later expansion.
I prefer a somewhat warmer sound, but a transistor amp, not tubes. I may consider a tube preamp. The Bryston B-60r has sounded a little harsh to me when I have listened. I very much liked my Magnum-Dynalab MD-308 that I regretfully must sell. It has a high current design that makes a huge difference in the music. For music I like, see my post here:
forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1093182447&read&3&4&
Has anyone heard the Parasound P/HP-850 preamp --- HCA-750A power amp combination?