2. speakers
  3. 1121225337

totem arro or rainmaker or von schweikert vr1

I am a college student getting into my first real audiophile system, i have a budget of only about 1500 for amp and speaker, and that is sort of pushing it. I am considering a set of totem arros or rainmakers or possibly a set of von schweikert VR1. Each of which i can find for around 700 or so on audiogon. as far as amplification im leaning towards a musical fidelity x-150 or maybe saving some money and getting an NAD c320bee or c352 or Cambridge Audio 640A. IF anyone has experience with any of these combinations or if you have any suggestions considering my budget i would apreciate all feedback good bad and ugly
Thank you
robferg

Showing 4 responses by beheme

beheme
231 posts
 
Unless you want to rock the dorm and play at huge SPL, Arros better than Rainmaker based on my audition with a MF 3.2 integrated. And they completely disappear which is really coool! VR1 probably very good but Arros would be my known choice. Arros would do a good job with a 50wpc tube integrated as well (in a small/medium room)and that should fit into your price range $700-$750 (Jolida, Antique Sound Lab, Prima Luna if you find a used one). Do not waste your money on expensive cables, get Paul Speltz anti-cables here on Agon, they are the real deal. Good luck.
beheme
231 posts
 
I had great sucess with 22wpc triode with Arros in a room 11*13, so much that I almost popped the woofer out! As a rule of thumb, tube power is as efficient as solid state power divided 2 to 2.5 (this is not universal but pretty close). So, if I were you, given the outstanding ability of Arros to pass the quality (and defetcs) of upstream components, I would go quality watts vs. quantity. Find a strong clean 30wpc tube integrated and you will be set.
beheme
231 posts
 
the synergy Arros and tube is tough to match with a SS amp, the transparency combined with holographic image is unbelievable. I would buy a tube integrated - fully "new-to-used" depreciated and then see by myself. Check Radii's products from the Tuner Guy, not well known but DAMN GOOD FOR THE PRICE. Or, a Dynaco ST70 amp if you have variable output on your CDP or if you can find a cheap volume control or preamp (check Creek OBH, some older Rotel pre, older Quad).
beheme
231 posts
 
Another great match with Arros is Monarchy Audio SM-70. You can start with one (25wpc Class A). I had one with my Arros and loved it, plenty of juice and power. If needed, you can buy a second one and go mono for less than $600 both but I seriously doubt you will need two. One SM-70 and a sub-$300 preamp will give you plenty of upgrade flexibility, tube-like sound and SS convenience.
More to discover