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The $10,000 Question

I've upgraded my upstream components, and am in the hunt for a new amp and speakers.  There is a dizzying array of choices, and one could go bankrupt with the buy-try-return method.  I'm looking for some guidance on amp-speaker combinations, either used or new, in the $10,000 range for both.  If I can narrow the search down to two or three amp/speaker choices it would make the buy-try-return plan much more reasonable.

I prefer tubes and space is limited to an integrated amp.  My room is 15'x15', and and I primarily listen to classical music at modest volumes (which would allow conversation if my wife yells at me to turn it down).  I'm replacing 20+ year old Forest Totems and a Prima Luna Dialogue One amp.  My upstream components are a Cambridge CD transport with a Jolida Glass FX III DAC, and a refurbished Sota Star with a Jolida JD-9 phone stage.

Thanks in advance for your insight and guidance.

John Cotner

New Ulm, MN

 

   

jrcotner
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,305 posts
 

Focal Kanta 2 with the right amp in that size room can be a good option. You can upgrade the amp later. 
Or upgrade the anp and keep the forests. They’re not too bad. There is a pass int60 integrated on us audio mart now. 

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,514 posts
 

for low level listening i'd recommend something that is hi sensitivity and efficacy,  most tend to get up ago go at lower volumes much better and earlier.  you can also save money on the power amp section as it opens the door to lower power integrated amps. 

If you like tubes there is a whole world of lower powered amps out there that are very good for reasonable money, if you have the speakers for them, i.e. 95db-8ohm and up. Most horns fit this bill with many other type of designs avails from regular box speakers to open baffles ( OB's maybe a little unfriended to your wife). 

some Klipsch Heresy's mk4's ( maybe the Forte's)and a nice low powered SET tube amp can do some great things for a classical lover in a smaller room and lower listening levels.  there are other similar set ups out there as well. 

jimmyblues1959
115 posts
 

I’d consider the Quicksilver audio integrated built by Mike Sanders. It’s $2495 which leaves you left with a remaining budget of $7500 for speakers. 👍

jrcotner OP
56 posts
 

Thanks for all of the advice.  I've got some speaker and amp pairings to look into.  I'm surprised nobody mentioned Raven and a good matching speaker.

woots's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
woots
284 posts
 

Since you classical I would definitely consider Sonus Faber.  I have a pair of the Lumina Series bookshelf's.  Solid bass for their size and if you pair them with a previously owned McIntosh (space permitting) you may have enough left over for a REL sub.  McIntosh and Sonus Faber play very nice together.  If McIntosh won't work you could try Rotel.  I also have some Rotel equipment and they often have some "scratch n dent" products discounted off of their regular price.  I have some Rotel amps and also integrated.  If you go this route you could spend less than $3K on a decent integrated and have more $ for speakers and definitely room for a sub.  The only missing piece is tubes so if you decide to go solid these are some ideas for you.  

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

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