Downsizing-Need Integrated Amp Advice


HI. I am downsizing my speakers (buying Green Mountain Europas) and would also like to downsize my amp/preamp to an integrated setup. I am moving soon and space will be an issue-my amp is pretty big, and I doubt I will need 200 watts to run the Europas. I am currently running a C-J PV10A and MF-2200, and would like an integrated that performs as well or better on all types of music. Tube pre is not required, nor is phono board, but I do like the slightly airy sound of a tube pre-I don't want something too harsh or heavy in the low-end. I have about $1000 to spend, and would like to pick up a used model if possible. On my initial list are the Arcam FMJ-22 or Alpha 10, Musical Fidelity A3.2 or A300, A306, Classe CP-101, Creek 5350SE.

Any opinions on these? Will they give me the same quality sound I am getting right now? I have heard that the answer is "yes" but it seem hard to believe, given that most of these units are probably 30lbs total, while a good amp alone weighs twice that.

Thanks in advance for the advice!
chiho
Is there a reason that you're downsizing? I'm asking because you may be going backwards when you may be fine with what you have. If the c-j's are paid for, you might audition these integrateds against them before jumping into something.

Like S7horton, I have not the B&W Signature 805's, but their father, the Silver Signatures. So we're basically on the same playing field.

I had a c-j DA3 DAC that I really, really liked. I traded it in on a Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 21, which I think blows it out of the water. However, while I was waiting for it to come in, I took my c-j to the dealer and compared it against the MF Tri-Vista SACD. In 'CD' mode, I would not have chosen the Tri-Vista SACD over the c-j.

I did end up after that comparision or audition, trading in my Krell pre-amp and amp for the MF A308cr Pre-amp and Amp. They had to ordered them too, just like the Tri-Vista 21. In the meantime, my dealer loaned me an A3.2 Integrated. For the next four days, I was sick to my stomach thinking that I had made the biggest mistake of my life. I had the A3.2 running 24 a day thinking that it needed to burn in, but it didn't help. The A3.2 literally turned my stomach. I took it back and listened to nothing until the A308's arrived rather than listening to the A3.2. I even talked to my dealer and called another stereophile friend who assured me that once the A308's arrived, everything would be alright.

I've never regretted trading in the Krell KRC-3 and KSA-50S for the MF A308's, but the A3.2 couldn't even hold a candle to the A308 combo. My next upgrade though is to replace the A308 Pre-Amp with the c-j Premier 17LS2. Another out of state dealer told me NOT to replace the A308 amp, because with the c-j Pre-Amp, the A308 Amp will sing like I've never heard it sing.

All I'm saying is that I really like the MF higher end equipment, but I think the c-j equipment is something special that you may not want to give up without a good reason and side-by-side comparision.
Good things already on your list. You might want to compare the Naim Nait 5i integrated if it is available in your area. Inexpensive, high value, somewhat tuby in its presentation, very compact, especially if paired with the matching 5i CD player.
I am downsizing because I need to save space-moving to a smaller room and can't have a huge stereo rack out.

I have been pretty happy with my system so far, although the preamp hasn't been as impressive as hoped. I have A/B'd it against some cheaper (retail $600) SS designs, and while vocals are a little better and bass a little tighter, it isn't a stunning difference. Maybe I need new tubes.

The amp is different-it is very, very good. Tight, accurate bass, and great midrange.

I'm a tube system owner (Cat pre, Cary monoblocks), but recently I had the new Music Hall Mambo integrated for about a week. It's class A, mosfet, no phono, about $1200 new. I could live with it, and at a fraction the price of my set-up, it was not a huge step down. I'd say the main thing I missed was the 'air' that the tubes give, but it's a very sweet - yet powerful - amp.