What improvements and sound characteristics are you looking for over and above what your I5 is giving you, what’s your budget, and are you looking for new or used? Big JA speaker fan here BTW!
Class A integrated amp recommendations
Greetings 'goners after a prolonged absence from posting here but eavesdropping on your conversations in the interim! I was hoping to get some feedback on your experiences with class A integrated amps. My audio journey thus far provides some context.
The core of my system, Sim Audio Moon I5 integrated, Joseph Audio RM7si Signature on 20” Sound Anchor stands has remained unchanged for about 20 years. Sources are Sim Audio Moon Nova and Rega Jupiter2000 CD players, Sim Audio Moon LP3 phono for my AR ES-1 turntable with Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH cartridge. Cables are Zu Audio.
Primary music interests are acoustic jazz, small scale classical, classical/crossover, some orchestral; but I can, and do, veer all over the map when a bout of nostalgia hits: classic and prog rock, punk, grunge, reggae, singer/songwriter. For me, it’s always been about the music. The stereo is only a tool. It is not the work. During that time I’ve not felt the need or urge to chase gear. I enjoy music.
Until about 6 months ago when I acquired a new turntable: Technics SL-1210GR with Audio Technica AT33PTG/II and Ortofon 2M Black cartridges. Then a PS Audio Stellar phono. And now, as I’m about to retire, I feel like a kid! Those Blue Note reissues have awakened some kind of Mr. Hyde in me that wants to try new stuff!
Hence this post. Your experiences with Class A integrateds feeding speakers similar to mine would be greatly appreciated. I'm intrigued by, but have not heard, gear from Pass Labs, Sugden, and Luxman. Of course, cost is a concern as the law of diminishing returns keeps me away from the insanity of uber-pricing.
Kind Regards
Showing 6 responses by soix
I hear ya on the Perspectives, but used Pulsars can be had for around $3500 that’d surely be a very nice upgrade, and you’ve already got the stands. Anyway, you did yourself a big favor picking JAs over B&Ws IMHO, and I’m very familiar with both. Here’s a very nice hybrid integrated with tubed preamp stage and MOSFET solid state output stage with plenty of power, is in your price range, and could yield a best of both worlds situation with your wonderful speakers. I’d be shocked if this amp didn’t offer just more of everything, and you can also play with tubes to custom tailor the sound to your liking if you desire. Just another option to chew on FWIW, and best of luck. |
I’’m guessing those are Pulsar 2s at $5k, and my impression is the upgrade from the initial version of the Pulsars isn’t as significant as it is with the Perspectives. You already have a very good integrated, and if I’m you I’d absolutely wait for an original pair of Pulsars to come available — and they do occasionally show up for $3k-$3.5k — as I think that’d make for a MUCH bigger upgrade in absolute terms than upgrading the amp for your RM7s. This one’s a no brainer to me. Again, FWIW. |
I respectfully disagree with this. I think adding two small subs could be revelatory to your listening experience. An example would be a pair of SVS SB1000 Pro subs that measure only about 13” square yet still get down to an honest 20Hz (-3dB) and include DSP integration software that makes them relatively easy to seamlessly blend them with your speakers and room, and a pair will only set you back $1150. Plus, and very importantly, subs are not only about bass — not by a long shot. Properly integrated subs will greatly enhance both 3D imaging and greatly expand the soundstage in addition to providing more dynamics and better bass overall. SVS offers a 45-day, risk-free trial period (including shipping both ways) and I’d highly recommend checking them out. Even if you upgrade to something like Pulsars in the future you’ll wanna keep the subs. Just something else to chew on FWIW. |
They all can work, but given your space/placement constraints I’d lean toward sealed subs that tend to be smaller (and potentially quicker) and that include DSP to help with integration. I’ll reiterate my prior suggestion for the SVS SB1000 Pro subs with a completely risk-free trial period. Why not??? At the very least you’ll come away with valuable experience and maybe even a new perspective. That said, I’d still strongly consider waiting for a nice pair of original Pulsars to come up for sale although that doesn’t preclude you from trying subs in the meantime. |