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Integrated amp recommendation

I recently bought a used pair of Swiss-made Piega p4L MKII floor-standing speakers. I am looking for a two-channel integrated amp to pair with them. Budget: $1,000.

Among the stated speaker specs: applied power rating 20-200 watts, sensitivity 89 db, 4 ohms impedance and frequency response 38 Hz-50 kHz. To me, the speakers’ sound can be described as natural, detailed and transparent, not aggressive and maybe slightly lacking in bass. The room is 12 x 20, carpeted but relatively bare. I listen primarily to classic rock, classic jazz and classical. I use a Bluesound Node 2i music streamer and CDs. Bluetooth would be nice but not essential.

Thank you for any assistance.

phil59
mbmi's avatar
mbmi
457 posts
 

Selling my Belles Aria . Moving to separates.

axeis1
278 posts
 

I think someone mentioned the Plinius I owned an 8200 , 8200mkll, 9200apl sound powerful and musical 

leemaze
329 posts
 

Used for $1500 you can go higher up the Rega line to a Elex-r or Elicit-r. Highly recommend both. 

mofojo
2,197 posts
 

Probably not a lot of people here have heard a Piega. I demoed one twice and it was really fast because of the ribbon mid. It looked pretty much like the one you have but had I think 1 more woofer/mid. It also had very little warmth or body. I would be looking for something with a darkish extra mid bass quality to it. Sorry I don’t really have a suggestion at 1k. Maybe an Nad? Not sure how they would do with tubes but could look at a tube integrated if it was a fit. Cayin and Jolida make some that would be in that price range used and I’m sure some others. 

dcyyz
2 posts
 

@phil59 - some good suggestions made here, but I'm with you on the 'stick to budget' approach. Especially buying used as you can turn things over and try different things to make that budget work for you before stretching it. Also stay focused on the character you're after - you noted warm for a modest room, and not all the suggestions go along with that. What's 'best' for one room and speaker may not be for yours, and reviews can help figure out prospects and eliminate others.

You asked about buying vintage used and I don't know if you got a response. Audiogon, US Audio Mart (and Canuck Audio Mart, too, as others mentioned the $ makes it worth it if you're in the US) and a handful of other sites rank sellers and provide feedback that can increase confidence. 

Buying used and buying vintage are different things, too. People will swear by 70s-80s stuff, but a lot can change in a device over 40 years, so buying used items built in the past 10-20 years by brands known to last is a generally safe bet.

Re suggestions around a DAC. In your price point, the Node DAC delivers nicely. I've tried a few DACs with my Node 2i and only one was truly 'better' across the board, the Denafrips Ares ii, but only just a bit better given my modest amps, so the jury is still out on whether the value is there, given it cost almost double the price of the Node itself.

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