2. amps-preamps
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High WAF, simple, integrated amplifier

I am in search of an integrated amplifier for my girlfriend who enjoys my high(er) end toys but doesn't want to deal with the sheer size of such parts. It has gotten me thinking about what integrated amps exist that are small and at least mildly attractive; a sort of iPod of integrateds. I have not come up with many since it seems that even basic integrated amplifiers suffer from mission creep.

Ideally an amplifier for her (and I suspect many people just outside the hifi community) is simple to operate with just a few input devices. No need for playing with setups, just good sound into the one pair of speakers. Can anyone point out an integrated amp that only has 2-3 line level inputs, NO phono stage, NO tape loops, minimal if any tone control? A remote for volume would be good but not required. A front mini jack for iPod/computer input would also be great but not required so long as a 3rd line input is available. The ability to select between two pairs of speakers could be nice if we are going to get really crazy but is certainly not required.

The box should be less than 12" wide since rack width is unnecessary for an amp with such limited features and low power. I would assume 40-50W into 8 ohm is fine, but with such a simple box, the entire space can be dedicated to the amplification stages so I could see it being quite happy with a wide range of impedances. The current goal is to power some decent stand mounted bookshelf speakers like Paradigm Atoms.

Cost is up in the air I suppose, but to make it appealing to those just outside the hifi community I assume that entry level hifi price is in order, maybe $300?

Does such a thing exist? I know there are probably some amazing high end parts like this, possibly tubed, but that is not the goal here.
antistrange

Showing 1 response by johnnyb53

johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
The 9.5" wide Parasound Z Series.
The Parasound Z Series is cute as a button, compact (9.5"w x 2"h), well-built, simple to use, good-sounding, and reasonably priced. The only downside is that they don't offer an integrated. BUT, the line level preamp (ZPre) is just what you're looking for as a control center: 4 inputs, no tape loop, volume, bass, treble, balance, and a remote that repeats those controls including input select, plus mute. The volume control is motorized, so remote volume adjustment is simple and linear.

The long-discontinued oval-shaped Musical Fidelity integrateds would also fit your description, but they didn't have remote. I owned one, and frankly, the Parasound Z-series is much easier on the ears with better tonal balance and bass delivery. The matching Zamp puts out an honest high-current 45 wpc into 8 ohms, 60 into 4, and 90w in bridged mono mode. In other words, room to grow if occasion calls for it. The amps can be daisy-chained for bi-amping or multi-room applications.

Normally these Z products list at about $300 each, but I got my ZPre at a pawnshop for $140 and got a demo v3 Zamp from Audio Advisor for under $200.
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