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Integrated Help

I'm looking into purchasing a new integrated amp. Right now I've got a Rotel 1062 with Infinity 3500 (4 ohm) speakers. Source is a VPI Scout/10x5 with EAR 834P. I listen to mostly rock--not classic, more punk, new wave, indie, etc.

I like the sound/idea of tubes, but I'm worried about warm up time. I usually only have an hour or two a day to listen to the stereo, so letting tubes warm up for an hour or something is not convenient. Or should I not be concerned about this?

Second, does anyone have any integrated recommendations in the $1500 range used?

I should also say that I don't plan on keeping these speakers forever, though they do sound great. I would hope to upgrade in the next year or so, but I'd like to do the amp first.
sinisterporpoise68

Showing 3 responses by hens

hens
173 posts
 
A third vote for MF but I would try either the A308 or the A5 with your budget. The additional power over the A3.5 will benefit your 4ohm speakers.
hens
173 posts
 
Sinisterporpoise68, the A5 is a later MF model than the A308. It delivers 250 w/ch into 8 ohms compared to 150 w/ch by the A308 along with higher peak to peak current. On the plus side for the A308, it provides both mm and mc phono input as opposed to just mm on the A5. They are both excellent amps and would have no problems driving most any speakers so won't be a problem when you decide to upgrade speakers.
hens
173 posts
 
Unfortunately, the answer to both questions is "no". There is no balance control, although this not so unusual - this is a very rare feature on integrateds these days. I don't find the power on/off much of an issue - the amp doesn't get hot and doesn't take long to get up to running temp when switched on from cold and sounds excellent from cold anyway.
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