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Integrated Amp recommendation

I have a 2 channel setup in my home office that I am considering upgrading. It consists of a vintage Yamaha CR-2020 (bought new back in the 70's-but getting a little long in the tooth), a pair of Polk Lsi9's, and a Velodyne sub (which is off most of the time). This setup works very well for me. Although I listen primarily to jazz, (CD, vinyl and some digital) I enjoy many types of music. I am currently considering the following integrateds to replace my aging Yamaha:
NAD M3 (used), NAD C375BEE, Anthem 225, Yamaha A-S2000, McIntosh MA6500 (used), and Cambridge 840A v2.
I am leaning toward new vs used as I don't plan to upgrade anytime in the near future. My problem is that I live in an area that I can't audition ANY of the above.
I would appreciate any recommendations.
lotsabs
mezzanine
129 posts
 
Another suggestion is to look into the new Yamaha A-S500 and A-S700 integrated amps. They have everything you are looking for. Tone controls and variable loudness. They have been getting good reviews in the British press.
listenerjk's avatar
listenerjk
7 posts
 
I have a Yamaha AX 900U Integrated amp-Black, 160wpc, lightly used, cosmetically excellent, orig. owner. This is the bomb. I was asked to leave a McIntosh clinic beause it blew their machines away(super low distortion, have readouts)It is rarely used now in a 2nd system, never loud. This machine would more than do the trick for you.
bikeman819
1 posts
 
I have a naim 5i that I just love. Detailed, fast, smooth...Lots of juice. They go for about 1000$ used or 1750$ new.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
You might check out the Harman Kardon HK 990. This is a very different animal than anything else out there. It basically takes all of the audio features of an AVR, but none of the video and includes just two channels of high quality power amplification. It includes a phono amp, but it's really designed to optimize digital sources thru its internal DAC. It also offers full bass management for your subwoofer and digital room correction. They turn up on eBay at $1500 new from time to time.

Good luck

Marty
darkkeys
99 posts
 
I use the NAD M3 with the Polk Lsi15s with complete satisfaction. Prior to that I used the same speakers with the NAD C372 with complete satisfaction.

I'm my opinion your best option is the NAD C375, which is the upgrade to the C372. Save your money. The M3 although a good upgrade may not be worth the extra money over the C375. Plus the M3 display seems to have a problem with fading out.

Using either amp with the Polk Lsi9s would be a no brainer for me.

The only reason I put the M3 in this system is due to upgrading from this amp in another system.
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