Musical Fidelity M5si. Right at $2K and has a lot of power.
Another "Best" amplifier Question.
Hope I'm not beating on the old horse too hard. I had originally intended to buy The now discontinued KEF r3s but ended up with the new Meta instead. Very pleased so far but still in burn-in mode on days wife not working from home.
Given my age, I intend for this to be my end game system (yea right). As per my previous post, system is the new R3 Metas, Bluesond Node, Technics SL-1200 MK2 with Ortofon Red, Sony UBP-X800M2 Blueray/CD and a Sony 55" XBR. No home theater set-up just seeking better audio from TV. Also Have an HSU VT1 sub. All feeding from a Yamaha R-N500 Receiver. System is hooked up to gigabit internet sevice and I listen mainly to Amazon Ultra HD music. All in all, not a high end system but somewhat better than box store IMHO.
I feel I need to replace the receiver as it not the best power choice for the KEFs. In researching, I've hit that deer in the headlights point where I'm frozen and overwhelmed by choices. Right up front I need to establish that my budget is around $2k. Only local dealer I consider audiophile carries Lyngdorf, Atoll, Marantz, NAD and Boulder. He is really pushing The Atoll IN-100 but says the Lyngforf doesn't have enough grunt. Did not even discuss Marantz or NAD and Boulder is in another universe. Atoll lacks phono but can be added at extra cost.
Online choices that intrigue me most: Emotive BASX A2/PT2 combo. Lots of features and power. Can be had (w/ first time buyer discount) for about $1100. Yamaha A-S1200 or Marantz 30 are available open box or refurb for my price range as is a JBLSA750. The JBL has a strong amp and interesting feature set including room correction. I'm probably missing many choices but I'm interested in a high currebt and from communicating with KEF, best to have something thats comfortable driving up to 150 watts into 4 ohms.
Lots of knowledge laden people so I'm looking forward to some solid advice. Thanks in advance.
- ...
- 66 posts total
Separates!
nice 2 ch amp 300WPC / min. good preamp. keep checking the Gon! You can get a great amp and pre for just a smidge over your max, get a 2 ch,amp, you will be happier, receivers don’t have the hang bag or musicality one of my Best Buy’s was n Onkyo p-308 and a p-304 preamps, both silent, and add. Wee bit of depth in the lower frequencies, not much, but enough to take any high pitch glare away. if your set on a receiver, then forget what you’ve read, and go shopping. |
At your price point the best option would be an integrated amplifier. The Music Fidelity M5si mentioned by russ69 would be one choice. Another would be the Rogue Sphinx V3 which delivers 100wpc into 8ohms and 200wpc into 40hms and has a good Phonostage based on the report in Stereophile. I own one however don't use a TT with it so can't say from personal experience on the phonostage. They sell for $1700 or $1800 depending on remote. Audio Advisor sells them, sometimes have an open box one discounted. |
No interest in a receiver. I am intrigued by the Emotiva combo. 160 into 8ohms and 250 into 4. The JBL is class G and pumps 200 watts into 4ohms. Don’t know about reliability. I am also strongly drawn to the Yamaha A-S1200. I have a long history with them going back to 1978 when I acquired my monster CR2020 receiver. The AS-1200 is only rated at 90@8 and 140@4 but it has a 624va transformer and built like a tank (48lbs). It also is Crutchfield’s pick when I talked to them. Priced at 3K but I can find it open box or refurbed for what I am willing to spend. I’m a little leery of used unless from a reputable dealer with return policy. |
- 66 posts total