2. amps-preamps
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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 5 responses by srinivos

srinivos OP
5 posts
 
Metman,

This will be first dedicated 2-channel system, so I don't know the first thing about biasing or replacing tubes. I read a little of the TAD-60 review & discussion and the technical details seem to be complicated.

How often do you need to do this & how difficult is it? Should I just stick to SS or hybrid components for now?
srinivos OP
5 posts
 
sonicbeauty,

I am trying to find something used to stay below 1K. I see a few Arcam A80s on audiogon but not A85. Are they similar? I assume tube rolling is swapping out replacement tubes to find the best match & sound you like. Right now its a starter system so I'll keep it simple. For tube amps, I have been suggested Primaluna Prologue One/Two because it is self-biasing. Is it comparable to the TAD-30?

Thanks
srinivos OP
5 posts
 
Draganm,

That is really a coincidence. Thanks for the warning on the Onix amp. I had considered it as one of the sub-1K tube amps for the Quad 22L.

I have received an equal number of recommendations for tube & ss amps. Some of them like the Cayin, Pathos Classic etc. are more than $1000 used on Audiogon. I want something which I can use for at least an year before I feel the need to upgrade. Something like the NAD C352 is a safe bet as a cheap but good quality integrated. At the same time, it seems to me that for around $800, I have a few more choices which are sonically in a different class.
srinivos OP
5 posts
 
I just found out that Quad has released newer models of their L-series speakers. So its 22L2 now.

A white paper regarding the changes:
http://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/downloads/L2%20Series%20Moving.pdf
srinivos OP
5 posts
 
That's a coincidence. I just checked this thread after more than a month & there's a new post.

Cytocycle,

I went with the Audio Refinement Complete Integrated based on multiple recommendations. I bought it used on audiogon & it has been a great match so far. I moved it from the hall to a spare room & am experimenting with speaker position right now. How far from the side & back walls do you have your Quads?

I also bought an USB DAC on ebay made by MHDT Labs, a mfr in Taiwan. So I can use the Roku & Oppo DVD player along with a laptop as source components.
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