2. amps-preamps
  3. 1042924724

'semi-budget' amps for Platinum Audio Solos

I am new to the higher end of audio and am wondering what peoples' suggestions for a nicely-capable and full-sounding integrated amp would be for the Solo's. I stumbled into a fantastic deal on a pair of these wonderful speakers locally, and could not pass them up. But they reveal the shortcomings of my NAD 7600 receiver, which has been raved about for its own strengths. Guess the speakers deserve something in the next league. However my budget is limited. I would like to find something used in the $500-750 range. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've seen some very favorable reviews for integrateds like: Musical Fidelity integrated, Creek, Plinius (out of price range I think), Bryston...but Unison research SR1 REALLY INTRIGUED me. Anyone have experience with that one? The solo's are about 84-86db sensitivity, so take a bit of power. The Unico by Unison looks good too. But are these enough power? And does quality of the watts make up somewhat for less power? Any thoughts? Thanks, Chris.
cnahm

Showing 1 response by platsolos

platsolos
90 posts
 
I have the solos as you can guess from my moniker. For integrateds, forget it! They need a ton of power. I have had the musical fidelity amp running them....I DONT Recommend it! After going through several pieces...I would recommend a PARASOUND HCA-1000a or larger Parasound amp.

I went through several integrateds and several amps in the "inexpensive" price range and the only one to cut it was the HCA-1000a for about $250 used ($600 new)...I think there is one here now on Agon. Run, dont walk to this one. Then get an inexpensive premap to go with it, maybe an ACURUS RL-11 or RL-10 for about $200, or an older CARY preamp. You won't be dissapointed!

By the way, I have kept my solos through my stereo upgrading, now running a Pass X150...oh so magical!

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