2. amps-preamps
  3. 172680-34747

A decent integrated amp under 2K ...

I'm looking for an INTEGRATED AMP. My speakers are Altec 620A (100 db efficiency) and my listening room is 14 x 21. I mainly listen to digital files from my DAC (Metrum) but sometimes I feel less lazy and put on a vinyl on my Garrard. I don't need a phono stage, I use the one from another integrated amplifier (Spendor D40). Here's my shortlist:

1) Belles Aria Integrated (slightly powerful for my needs)

2) Croft phono integrated (since I don't need a phono stage, I think it's a shame to burn tubes for nothing)

3) Rogue Sphinx V3 (too powerful for my needs)

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS: I can live with tubes but only in the PREAMP section and I try to avoid Class A due to the heat. I'm open to Class D (proof: the Rogue) but the choice is limited and these devices come with a bunch of stuff I don't need. I rather spend my $ where it will make a difference.

regards

128x128alaindexe
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 

@ditusa : Wow! these are amazing speakers you have ... a friend who has a recording studio has 4430 and they are awesome ... never heard the 4435 but I guess the extra 15 inch gives it better response in the bass ... Do you use them for monitoring or hi-fi listening? It seems that I learned something new today ... I always thought that efficiency was expressed in db but now I see that sensitivity and efficiency are different ... sorry for the mistake .. AL

ball-wheel
70 posts
 

A nice Jolida 302 tube amp would be good. Raven nighthawk or blackhawk would be winners.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
letitbe1306
14 posts
 

Exposure 2010 version

blancpain1
9 posts
 

In your small room with highly efficient 620A's and generally listening to streaming, I would look at NAD, it would be very enjoyable. In my years of listening I've had and still have many Amps, PreAmps, Intergrated, Tubes, SS and for the money NAD is good sounding equipment. I prefer McIntosh tube gear, but that's not what you are looking for. 

jasonsim
111 posts
 

I can recommend the Cambridge Audio CXA80 or CXA81.

It has wonderful amounts of power and is super quiet. Plus I found a used one for $500. 
 

The built in DAC is not all that great, so I use a PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC. 
 

More to discover