I asked a similar question a month or so ago but I want to rephrase since things are more concrete now.
I have inherited a pair of Aerial Acoustic 6T speakers along with Transparent Super cables.
They will be used in my living room at home. I already have another primary system in my listening room/den.
The living room is pretty much my wife’s room and is relatively formal in a 90 year old home. She is allowing the speakers but would not be happy with a big rack of components and cables and that is perfectly fair.
The speakers will be used mostly for casual listening. Usually via Sonos. I know that is beneath those speakers but that’s just the reality of the situation.
So, I need something to drive them that will be small, discrete and affordable. Sadly my budget is no more than $700. The less the better for domestic tranquility and I’m already pushing the envelope in that regard.
I am drawn to the Sonos Amp. $650. Simple small all-in-one package. Discrete and out of sight.
However, I do have a Sonos Connect that I could plug into any small discrete integrated. And that is my question. Are there any small, discrete integrateds worthy of these speakers for less than $700 that would be a better choice than the Sonos Amp?
Ditto the Sprout100 as it has a defeat-able loudness feature that should come in handy with low volume listening (your speakers do low level well, but added help won't hurt).
There’s a NuPrime IDA-8 integrated on US Audio Mart for $650 that at least won’t insult the Aerials. There’s also the PS Audio Sprout 100 for $699 new that offers a very small footprint, wood veneer, and an onboard DAC and phono pre. I’m guessing the wife would prefer the Sprout. Best of luck in your search.
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