2. amps-preamps
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Help with Integrated Amp Choice

I would greatly appreciate it if some experienced audiophiles would give me some advice on component selection. I am in the works to purchase a relatively new set of Martin Logan Ascent i from another Audiogon member and with the plethora of amps/preamps and integrated amps to choose from, it is quite confounding.

The Martin Logans will be the best speakers I've ever had and I want to get gear that will do them justice, but I certainly don't have an unlimited budget. For that reason, I am considering the Krell 400xi integrated amp (will save some bucks not having to buy two pieces of gear) and would like to have some ideas on other integrated amps to consider as well as what cd player to get as well. I've read a review that says the Audio Note DAC 1.1x Signature (tubed) sounded well with it. Here is a link to the reviwew:

http://www.dagogo.com/KrellKAV-400xi.html

So, in a nutshell, I want a minimal system right now, something to play cd's (and perhaps music DVD's although I think that will be way to expensive), the integrated amp and any other necessary pieces including cables/interconnects to make it all work. I've spent a lot of hours lately reading review after review and perusing the Audiogon classifieds and am really not sure what will be a good choice of gear for the Martin Logans.

Thanks in advance for the time and effort in giving me the benefit of your experience.

Regards,
KFK
kfkester
valinar
472 posts
 
Last winter I compared the NAD M3 and the MF A5 at the same dealer, with the possibility of replacing my MF a308 integrated. They were hooked up to Spendor s8e's. I am not familiar with the ML Ascents so I do not know how either the M3 or A5 would sound with them. I have two older NAD receivers and a 320bee in systems scattered around the house. I generally like the warmer sound of NAD, and was looking forward to hearing the M3. To my ears the NAD had less detail than the A5. It seemed to put a veil over the music. The A5 had considerable detail and sounded better than the NAD, but seemed a bit too analytical.
After the listening session I concluded that my a308 was more to my tastes.
Since the Ascents are the best speakers you have had, you are rightly looking forward to hours of enjoying the music that your completed system will bring. If you have to go out of your way to listen to these amps at a dealer it will be worth it.
facten
2,878 posts
 
Sorry that I haven't heard the speakers you are purchasing so I can't say how this would match, but if you don't want a bright sounding amp you might want to try a Plinius 8200. Mine is driving Tyler Acoustic Linbrook System 2s and Audio Analogue Paganini CD . I use Signal Cable IC and SC
kfkester OP
3 posts
 
Thank you all very much for the responses. There are a couple of places in Houston where I could audition some of the amps, but no place with both the amp and the speakers together (grumble). I guess that is the downside of buying used gear, it is kinda hard to do auditions like one would like.

I talked to Dave and The Upgrade Company and he suggested I get the Krell and have him do the upgrade thing. He agreed with some reviewers that the Krell 400xi is a bit bright and "forward" sounding out of the box, but after the upgrade he claimed it would sound far superior to either the NAD or the A5. Based upon the discussion and input from his customers on this forum, I think I believe him.

Funny enough, I like the LOOK of the Krell, but I am supposed to be buying this gear for how it sounds lol... so I guess I need to recalibrate some part of my brain or another.
hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
342 posts
 
I've a Blue Circle NSCS integrated unit. I doubt I'll ever replace it. I'm that happy with the NSCS.
There's a reason why so few are available used.
digsmithd
913 posts
 
If your looking for musicality more than just muscle i5.3 would be worth a look imho!
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