Integrated amp recommendations with A/B speaker

There are (new) models from Yamaha, NAD, and Marantz in your price range that offer A/B speaker selection.

Thank you for the ideas, I will have a look. I actually have a Marantz PL 6004 which is nice. The next model up in the Marantz line also has a/b outputs.

After my original post I remembered that some Creeks have a/b outputs.

Any other ideas?

I went with a Creek 5350SE, primarily for it's high quality and the A &/or B speaker selector.

Highly recommend.

You will need to pay special attention to the amp's user manual because the 4 ohm load created by the Ninkas could present a problem if you intend to drive both sets of speakers simultaneously.

I have a NAD C375BEE which is a very capable integrated that has the A/B speaker settings. Even if purchased new, it is within your budget. NAD, however, does not recommend using both speaker settings simultaneously UNLESS ALL speakers being driven are 8 ohms or higher.

I can't speak for other manufacturers, but conceptually, it would make sense that a single amp capable of driving four separate 4 ohm loads would have to be a beast.

I'm interested to learn what else is recommended.

I'm pretty sure that the Harman Kardon HK-990 has two zones. It's a very unusual design with extensive DSP options and a robust Matti Otala derived high output power amp section that should (I'd think, but double check anyway) be stable into difficult loads. Probably worth checking out IMO.

Heard the new Rotel integrated at Audio Connection in NJ yesterday. Was really caught off guard. I was in shock as to how good it sounded for an affordable integrated. It even has balance inputs and the A/B that you are looking for. I think it's in your range and if so, it's a must listen to. I know Johnny from AC is on this board and you can tell him you are a member and he'll make sure it goes with your system. Good luck.

The HK990 occurred to me also, but it was recently discontinued so there may not be any new stock left. One possible exception: IF you're a CitiBank customer, the CitiDeals website (their 'rewards points' website) still lists new HK990s for $1299 + 700 rewards points. I can easily imagine though that they're out of stock even though the website shows them as in stock.

Vintage Accuphase E202.

Thanks for all of the responses!

pgawan2b: Thanks for the caution, I plan to only use one or the other set of speakers, but not both at the same time.

I will have a look at the HK-990 and new Rotel.

I agree with Czarivey's recommendation for the Accuphse E202. I have one and it is great if you want to even A/B/C speaker sets. A potential issue is the screw terminals at the rear of the E202. One would need to find adapters to accommodate newer speaker cables.

Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle has a Linn Majik Integrated (Black Square Version) for under $600 that would work with the Ninkas & Katans. Hawthorne also has a Rega Brio integrated that would also work.

The owner of Hawthorne likes to steer people towards Naim. In that regard, I don't think a Nait 5i pushes out enough power for the Ninkas, but it would work with Katans.

If you're a devout Linnie and able to flex a bit, have you considered getting a Linn Kairn or Wakonda Pre and matching it with a Linn LK140? They are not the easiest separates to find, but they are out there within your price-point.

I'd also avoid the Linn Klout due to the age factor. They tend to run hot and would likely need to be re-capped in short order.

Exposure

Why limit yourself ? All you have to do is get an outboard speaker A/B switch. There are many of them made for the application you need.

Bmdduck, if you aren't going to use the speakers simultaneously, then the NAD C375BEEE is hard to top for the money. Lots of power for the Ninkas and lots of bang for your buck.

Yogiboy, I've looked at a few outboard switches in the past. The best designs (with minimal intrusions on the signal path) don't resolve the issue of potentially overloading the amp.

Pgawan2b,I've been using switches for years. How would you overload an amp if you are using one set of speakers at a time? A switch is a switch ,internal or external.

I agree that switches shouldn't cause an overloading problem when only one set of speakers are being used. However, some switches allow you to send the signal to both sets of speakers at the same time.

Pgawan2B,just like a built in switch,always use caution.

I am selling my NAD 326BEE that did a great job in my second system. I can see the larger one working well, however when I heard the NEW Rotel vs the NAD as well as that Linn that was talked about above, I felt the Rotel was much more dynamic and open. It wasn't harsh on top like some of the older Rotel's I had heard at some stores. I fell in love with the new line they have for the money I don't' see it being beaten by much, even the used gear. Guys/gals, if you haven't heard it go check it out at your local dealer. I think you'll be very impressed. Neutral enough to use with even the Vandy 2ce's. Plenty of power to drive them to realistic levels. I have no dog in this fight and think that there are a few here I'd personally stay away from and about three that sound like strong choices. JMHO

I did consider using an external a/b switch but I've heard that they can degrade sound quality unless it's a very good one. Any recommendations for a switch that won't degrade SQ?

I've heard the Bryston switches are good but they are a little pricey.

Ctsooner: what is the a rotel model you are recommending?

Bmdduck, check out the Niles SS-4,it goes for $129.99. Also Parts Express sells Speaker switches. The Niles will not degrade the sound any less than a built in switch that comes with an amp. A switch is a switch!

If you have ever put a switch into any system and listened and then taken it out, there is a world of difference even in lower resolution systems. Even the Bryston changes the sound for the worst. They just don't work well even in the high end stores. Just my take.

I"ll ask JOhn at Audio Connections which one it was. My cousin just bought one from him. It lists for 1599 so it will be in your range. It's a powerhouse at 120W and high current. It will drive most speakers out there. As close to high end as anything under 2K is goign to be. I was in shock as it's the first Rotel unit I've liked in years. (funny as I'm now selling my Rotel table with Vdh MM1 cart). They have a smaller unit with a much smaller price. John sells the NAD as well as Rotel. The Rotel has much more dynamics and isn't harsh on top like it was just a couple of years ago. This is a special product from them for the price. Most of the integrateds we all see in this range aren't a real 120W with high current. It's a beautifully made piece to. You should call John to see if he can help you. Not sure if Rotel has protected territories. He sells Creek and Rogue etc... and this Rotel is kind of fun. We were using the Rotel separates with the Vandy 2's as I said and for not too much, it was very much high end and made your feet move. We also ran the new desktop Maggies with two subs with it and it drove the heck out of them, which isn't easy to do. That surprised me.

Exemplar Audio Exception Integrated is stunning good.

At 5,500 list it should be. If they are selling used for 1500, there is a reason and I'd personally stay far away, lol. That's like me saying my Ayre integrated is the way to go. I love it, but it's leagues out of his price range based on his original post.