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Best integrated for rock music under $1,500?

I'm currently seeking the best integrated amp for playing rock music that I can find for under $1,500 (although I'd really like to find something under $1,000, if at all possible!). The speakers I will be using will likely be PSBs - either the B25 or the M2. The "rock" in question is mostly late '60s/early '70s (e.g. Hendrix, Cream, Byrds, CSNY, Zeppelin, etc.), although I must say I also play some Jazz, Country and Classical as well! In any case, I want an amp that will keep up well with fast-paced stuff and give it some air, vitality and detail in the process.

From everything I've read online so far, I'm considering a Musical Fidelity 3.2 or a Creek 5350SE, although I'm also tempted to go low-budget with the NAD c 352. What do you all think?
suicaine
suicaine OP
9 posts
 
By the way, I've never heard of Sansui before...How do their amps compare to those made by Musical Fidelity, Creek, etc.? Do the Sansui amps sound as detailed, transparent, etc. as more expensive integrateds?
dpac996's avatar
dpac996
676 posts
 
"but surely there's something that would perform like an NAD but is better built? "
That would be the Master's Series components
They are like nothing before from NAD.
jndean
132 posts
 
I power the PSB Stratus Bronzes and Minis with a Marantz Reference Series PM-17 integrated amp and Sm-17 power amp. They have 60 watts per channel each and two SM-17s can be bridged for 200w/c. Marantz 17 series reference amps sound great with PSB and are no longer made but can be found on the used market. A used SM-17 is now for sale on this site for $575. I now use a tubed pre with mine.
tone2222
10 posts
 
(1) Good equipment will sound good at any volume, and you don't need a big amplifier to power your bookshelf speakers, however I would still recommend going with the balanced (XLR)interconnect option. (2) Depending on which amplifier was compared and which combination of source and speakers were used, and what your particular preference was, the only way to tell would be for you to listen for yourself. All that aside I would expect better sonic qualities from higher-end amplifiers and source equipment - this can be bad though because very good equipemnt can also end up revealing weaknesses in the remainder of your system, and, as in my case, you start snowballing into the world of high fidelity equipment.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Yes Sansuis are truly fine amps. They are usually old and could be improved if the caps are replaced etc. However if you have any doubt look at fleabay for the BA 2000 or 3000 these are the straight power amps same vintage as the AU series even the CA preamps fetch some money.
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