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Integrated Amp for Dynaudio Special 40

I have recently picked up a great pair of Special 40s - unfortunately I am currently powering them with a Marantz sr5014 AV receiver and I am looking to upgrade to a dedicated integrated amp.  I have read quite a bit about it already and have narrowed it down a bit.  My source, for now, will primarily be a Linn Axis I inherited with a new Adikt cartridge.  I may do some streaming as well but it is less important.  I am open to either used or new and leaning towards used so I can get the most bang for my buck.  The list I considering is below:

  • Ayre ex8
  • Moon 340i /i3.3
  • Plinius Hautonga
  • Roksan Blak
  • Belles Aria
Unfortunately I've not been able to listen to any since my local shop is sort of only half open during these times.  I know there's a big price swing but on the use market most of these I can find for under 3k (apart from the Ayre).  I'm very much on a budget but want something I could live with for the long haul.  Any ideas out there - many thanks in advance!!
terracebk21
smrex13
645 posts
 
I had the Aria with a vinyl system (phono preamp), and I found it to sound distant and lacking in dynamics.  At the time, I couldn't figure out why - everyone raves about the Aria, but I wasn't hearing it.  After selling it, I found a site that listed the input sensitivity as 1.2V, which is extremely low for an integrated amp.  Assuming that this spec is correct, it explained why the Aria didn't sound good in my system, as my phono preamp couldn't really drive it well.  Just something to consider.
jafant
18,896 posts
 
Octave is a sonic match if one wants a tubed Integrated.

Happy Listening!
ianrmack
227 posts
 
These dave and troy dudes are shamekess shills. OP sats budget is $3k. These tools 
Move into selling mode at 6000. foook off

IDrive special 40s with an area signature and it is outstanding truly
bluorion
440 posts
 
Hi @terracebk21 I just saw this thread today and was wondering what you decided on for your integrated? I have Special 40s and drive them with a Luxman 505UXII and they sound awesome. I hope you're happy with whatever you decided to get. 
terracebk21 OP
7 posts
 
Hi bluorion,

I decided to hold off until I could get a worthy integrated - can't swing the likes of a Luxman currently - even used!  I'm just doing some minor tweaks to get the best out of what I have for a couple of years (phono pre-amp, stands, etc.).  Thanks for the advise on the Luxman!
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