Compact Integrated Amplifier

[peterock]

Hi all, I’m new here, in a new home, rolled over 40 a few years ago, and am feeling the itch for something more satisfying in my music system. I remember growing up with my dad’s system and liking it so much...turntable, reel-to-reel, big floor speakers and a big, glowing, silver receiver with an analog tuner all the way across the front.

My wife says I’ve got to keep it small and I can appreciate that. Here’s what I have so far:
-Technics SL-QL1 that a roommate left behind years ago
- Airport Express for the digital connection
- pair of Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary

I think I want to tie it all together with a good sounding, vintage, silver-front, integrated amplifier, preferably something smallish but with enough power to drive the Denton’s (6 ohms, 20-100wrms recommend) in a 250 square foot great room.

I’m considering a Pioneer SA-6500II or a Yamaha CA-410II. What do you all think? Either of those a good fit? Anything else out there you think would fit the bill, especially anything even smaller than the Pioneer? I don’t mind pulling out the soldering iron and replacing caps, etc. but I’d rather get something that will hopefully just work.

 

[mhardy6647]

take a look at this...
Not vintage, but available in silver (or black)... and small.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NUDDA120

 

[peterock]

take a look at this...
Not vintage, but available in silver (or black)... and small.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NUDDA120

Hmmm...that is interesting. Not at all what I had in mind but I like the look and the specs. Interesting idea keeping the signal digital all the way through the power amp. The Airport Express has an optical out, so the one analog input on the NuForce could go to the turntable. I guess I’d need to get a phono preamp. The specs say the analog input is converted to digital...that feels a little “wrong” somehow, like it’s missing the point of even having a turntable. But then again, I’m no golden ears, so I maybe couldn’t really hear the difference.

 

[opnly bafld]

Yamaha makes silver integrated amps with a phono preamp and dac.

 

[stillspin'n]

How about a Pioneer SA-5200 or Marantz 1060, ect. These may be a little low on output power for your needs, but smaller footprint. Similar to the size of your turntable in width.

 

[SoCal Sam]

Denon makes a lot of high end mini systems. Some of them are very expensive and rival boutique build quality. Vintage such as Toshiba Aurex System 10 might fit the bill.

 

[ChicagoTom]

take a look at this...
Not vintage, but available in silver (or black)... and small.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NUDDA120

Um, looks like this does not have a phono stage, so you'd need a separate phono preamp for this one.

 

[StuartB]

The Marantz PM line is really nice. Black, but classic looking. They have phono stages and some have a dac. I have the PM-8005 and am really pleased with the sound, power, look and overall quality. If you want something really nice and understated, look at the Exposure integrateds. I use a 3010s2D in my main system and it is wonderful. AN integrated is a great way to go if you are looking for simplicity and still not compromise on quality. Good luck, and take your time.

 

[peterock]

Denon makes a lot of high end mini systems. Some of them are very expensive and rival boutique build quality. Vintage such as Toshiba Aurex System 10 might fit the bill.

Oooh...that Toshiba Aurex line - now that’s what I’m talking about! I found a Toshiba Aurex SB-A10 and a ST-T10 and the price is right, even with shipping across the pond. Does anyone know if the power supplies on these are switchable to 110V 60Hz or would I have to do a mod?

 

[peterock]

Ok, I'm following StuartB's advice and taking my time. In the mean time I'm connecting through an SMSL AD18 integrated amp with an ART DJPRE II phono preamp. I am not impressed with the SMSL AD18. It has a harshness that is maybe archetypal digital sound (the speakers are supposed to be "vintage warm" so I'm assuming it is the amp). Airplay over the Airport Express is unbearable - I keep turning it down. Things are a little better with the record player, but still not the warm sound I'm looking for. Guess I get what I pay for.

I'm considering a Marantz PM6005 or a Yamaha A-S301 or A-S501 which have both an optical digital input and a built in phono preamp so I could eliminate the external preamp. But these are all bigger than I'd like - I'll have to wait on some furniture to see if they would fit. I'm also considering a Yamaha WXA-50 or a Monitor Audio Airstream A100, both of which have integrated Airplay so I could eliminate the Airport Express. I think the Yamaha is still a class D amp, but surely it is better sounding than the SMSL. The Monitor Audio is a class A/B amp but in a form factor almost as small as a class D amp. I'm also still considering a vintage amp...or maybe I should take a look at tube amps (I know, different forum).