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Integrated amp for Quad 22L?

I am looking for an integrated amp, preferably used, to drive the Quad 22L speakers. I listen primarily to rock(70%) - classic, alternative, modern & some classical - instrumental, indian fusion(20%) & vocal(10%). I prefer a warm sound, with a good, tight bass, nice mids and smooth highs. The speakers will be in a small room(15'x12') placed along the width.

Budget is 1K & I am fine with either SS or tube but have never owned a tube product, so I am unsure about maintenance. Since I have a limited budget for now, I plan to use a Roku soundbridge playing my cd's ripped to FLAC/WAV from htpc.

- The 22L is rated 89dB at 6 ohms. What is the minimum power requirements for the amp? I don't play music at rock-the-house levels but need something which delivers impact on music like Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc.
- I would like to use the optical out on the Roku. Are there any integrated amps which have digital input(coax or optical)?
- If I wanted to add a subwoofer in the future, can an integrated amp provide the necessary pre-out?

I should add that the dealer was driving them with a Quad cd player & pre-pro. He suggested that Arcam would also be a good match. How about NAD, Rotel & the Outlaw receiver(RR2150)?
srinivos

Showing 3 responses by sonicbeauty

sonicbeauty
324 posts
 
I owned these great speakers.
I second the Cayin T-30 (Paul's TAD-30)for an amazing tube amp, and actually a tube roller's dream with the extended bias option ( kt-88, 6550, el-34, and more).

HOWEVER the Arcam A85 is THE match for the 22L's. They have smart microprocessor-controlled toned controls that actually work. It will get rid of some of the slight box colorations the L22 may have at lower frequencies. a divine match for a great budget system!

Good luck !
sonicbeauty
324 posts
 
What a great paper on the 22L2 Quads.

By the way, of course the Cayin TA-30 has been discontinued by Paul (thanks to Kevin Deal and his purchasing clout...). I was referring to being a bit patient in finding a used one, and contrary to what was said by someone else here MANY if not most, have the extended bias option.

I heard the TAD-60 only once, but in my opinion - sorry - the TA-30 beats it, and on build quality and looks, the small Cayin still has it in my humble opinion. But the TAD-60 IS a nice amp nevertheless, and IS a good buy.

I was told they sold many more Cayin TA-30's than TAD-60's, yet you often find anywhere from 1 to 3 TAD-60 units available here for sale on the 'Gon. The Cayin TA-30 is a harder find, and usuallly gets sold very quickly - proof is in the pudding. I was just saying that this amp is so good that it's worth the wait. I personnaly now have the Cayin A 88-T. Just as big a bargain, it's a stunner.
sonicbeauty
324 posts
 
I owned these fine speakers for 1 year. The Arcam A-85 integrated was a great match, with its subtle tone controls. Also had the small Cayin amp - great match - but the Arcam was more adequate.

Good luck!
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