I have owned a Nakamichi PA7 amp. How would you


compare it to B&Ks sound or Parasound like the HCA 2200II. I have Kef 104/2 speakers and I would not describe them as bright. I would like a little more forward sound than I had with the Nak amp powering the Kefs. What amp would match up well with these used under a grand? Amp and then what affordable used preamp with remote control? Thanks.
tide

Showing 2 responses by jedinite24

Hi Tide

I can't comment on the B&K or Parasound HCA 2200 II. Sorry. Now for under a grand if you can find it I'd try a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe. I have a pair of KEF 104/2s and for a bit I had a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe powering them and in addition to the wide/vast soundstage the music was more forward. Since I had a smaller room it was a bit too forward for me and I moved to the smaller McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe and it was just enough for my 104/2s at the time.

Later I scored a deal on a Kavent S33 preamp (aka Vincent Audio SA93) and a Kavent P-3300 amp (aka Vincent Audio SP993) and this became my set-up for my KEF 104/2s. The S33/SA93 has remote capabilities and the P-3300 is a strong amp IMO that more than handles the KEF 104/2 speakers with ease. The P3300/SP993 if you can find them used should be under a grand. I've seen the S33(SA93) preamp used go for under $700 and that was a couple of years ago. It is probably cheaper now.

Best of luck with your search.
+1 to Digepix suggestions.

I took a look at classified listings right now on A'gon and at $800 I'd look at the Aragon 4004 or the Marsh A400S. They more than match your criteria. Support for the Aragon is still available but for the Marsh no.

If you are thinking new I would say really take a look at the Emotiva XPA-2. Emotiva has a storefront on Amazon and are also having a warehouse sale so give them a call.