Powerful Integrated Amp for Inefficient Speakers

I previously had an Arcam Alpha 10 Integrated and while it was a "nice" amp, it didn't have the shear grunt power of my subsequent amps (Plinius 8200 integrated, Monarchy SM-70 monobloack amps). Even though the Arcam was rated at 110 per channel, the Arcam didn't seem to have the grunt of the Monarchy's @70 watt or not nearly as much as the Plinius @175/channel.

Not to say the Arcam won't work, but you can get a lot more control of those isobaric drivers with a more hefty power supply.

If you plan to use the Arcam integrated, you may want to buy the matching power amp and Bi-amp if the speakers support that option.

Enjoy,

TIC

Just to clarify, the Musical Fidelity A300 is Stereophile Class B rated, the M3 Nu-Vista is Class A rated and is $4995.

Legacy makes a 200 watt per channel integrated for about $2400

Redgum RGi120, SS integrated from Australia, very musical with enough power to drive almost anything. Redgum makes what they call their ENR "signature series" which is a higher current model designed for inefficient speakers. Mine is the regular RGi120s and it has never disappointed. I will warn you though, the face plate is wood and very love it/hate it styling. Personally I wasn't crazy about it from pictures and the website, but after seeing it in person it is quite stunning. Highly reccommended.

I'm going to assume that you are looking for an integrated because of $$ and not because of space.

There are a few amps out there that are sonically pretty fantastic and not expensive. Check out Odyssey Stratos at http://odysseyaudio.com and read the reviews section. A fantastic, fast, and powerful amp at $995 or $2000 for a monoblock pair. The raves and reviews don't stop. I know several people that own the monoblock paired version's and just love 'em. You can have them custom made to your liking and they even come with a 20 year warranty. I've never actually listened to the Odyssey Stratos, but you will never hear anything negative about them from those that review or own them.

You could then pick up the Odyssey Tempest pre-amp for $995 which is also supposed to be pretty good. For $2k - $3k, you simply could not do better. IMO.