2. amps-preamps
  3. 1070906349

Integrated Amp -- $1,500 or less.

I am in the process of downsizing my system. The only thing that I plan to keep is my Tyler Acoustic Taylor Ref. Monitors. I would appreciate suggestions on which integrated amps to audtion in the $1,500 or less category (new or used) to replace my Supratek Chardonnay and Bryston 4BSST (please, no Bryston comments -- I happen to think this was a great match). I realize that I am going to be sacrificing quite a bit as a result of this change, but changing priorities (i.e., WAF) dictate the change. Also, although the Bryston was 300wpc, the Ref. Monitors are pretty easy to drive, so power is not a constraining factor. My next step will be to find a CD player in the $500-$1000 category to match whatever amp I choose, so suggestions for well matched systems are weclome as well.

Thanks.

Tom
boschtb
ellery911
549 posts
 
If you already have had Bryston gear have you thought about a B-60? They can be found used for half of your budget, and with thier 20 year transferrable warranty, what is the point of buying new?

just my 2c

Ellery
jim2
153 posts
 
Tom, keep an eye out for a used Joule Electra VAMP integrated amp. Joule sold these for $3,800 new and Jud (Joule) lost money on every one he sold. I stole mine for $1,000 and I it is a keeper. I actually need to sell it to free up money for a preamp for my main system but I can't bring myself to do it. It's too damn good.

I am very familiar with the Joule products (own a VZN80 OTL amp). The midrange of the VAMP is killer. It works very well with my Merlins VSMs. Think midrange similar to his OTL with control/convenience of solid state. Solid state is not supposed to sound like this. The highs are not as extended as the OTL. (What is?) When I get some time I am going to roll a few tubes in it. It comes with a remote, multiple inputs, etc. etc. I'll put it to you this way. If I were forced to get rid of the VZN80 and run the VAMP I could get by and still experience world class audio.

A classic piece of audio equipment.

Another poster mentioned Aronov. I have owned an Aronov amp and did not like it at all with the Merlins.

Best of luck.

Jim
joeldoss
94 posts
 
I use a Plinius 8150 int. amp with my Tyler Taylo monitors and am quite pleased. My source is a Linn Ikemi. Happy listening.
Joel
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
I stumbled across a used Primare A10 recently, it is one helluva nice integrated and set me back all of $550. Really nice build quality, good remote, and puts out a respectable 50wpc. Not that well know cuz it's Swedish but the ergonomics, component selection, and inputs/outputs are very well thought out. A headphone jack would have been nice, guess you can't have it all. It has a somewhat dark/laid back quality to it that I enjoy; similar to the Audio Refinement with maybe just a touch more mid-range bloom. Certainly worth considering IMHO. Jeff
newbee
4,751 posts
 
There is an EAR 834I for sale now for $1500. If you can put up with tubes, this is one supurb integrated. I use the 834L line stage in a 2d system and love it - tonally it sounds very much like my ARC sp10. If I were to downsize this would be #1 on my list.
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