Integrated amp reccomendations


Hey all,
I want to upgrade my amplifier. I would like to stay in the integrated solid state world. I don't want the hassle or worrying about tubes, and a preamp-amp combo is probably out of my price range. My system is a Cambridge Audio Azur 640C CD player, an NAD C370 integrated amp, Sonus Faber Concerto Home speakers, and a REL Stadium III subwoofer. I use Cardas Cross Speaker cables, and Monster M550 Interconnects. OH! I also have a Musical FIdelity X10-V3 tube buffer between the CD player and integrated. I would like to buy a(new or used) integrated that will take a little of the hardness/edginess away from the sound. Give it a more fluid, life-like quality. It has to have enough power to run the Concerto's in a medium to large sized room with vaulted ceilings. The bass is handled by the REL, but I still want that midbass presence out of the Concertos. Lastly, I don't want to break the bank. I listen to everything from hard rock/metal to classical and acoustic music. Progressive rock/metal is my favorite, but of course, being progressive, it has a little of everything in it.

I know this is a tall order, but I need help.
My NAD always received good write-ups. Should I stick with it, or is there something reasonable in price that would be a real improvement?

Thanks in advance!
phoenix469

Showing 3 responses by foster_9

I also recommend the Dussun V8i. Nothing hard sounding there. It'smooth and powerful. As Erider says-what do you have to lose with the 30 day money back guarantee? It's a lot more amp than it should be for $1600. Just change out the stock preamp jumpers and give it several hundred hours of break in.
I don't know why you eliminated the Dussun V8i from consideration. It's 1600 new, with a 30 day money back. It is warm and full sounding. I had the NAD M3- it also has a warm quality and smooth sound and offers great flexibility. (has tone controls- balance, and plenty of features that other integrateds lack)-read the recent stereophile review as well as the TAS review.

I had the Plinius 9200 not the 9100- great integrated- lovely midrange- nice highs--a bit lean in presentation.

No experience with Mu Fi.
Yes, I highly recommend the V8i. It is a great bargain offering substantial build quality and smooth sonics top to bottom. Referring to the Plinius, i'm referring to a somewhat lean bass. A little lacking in fullness.