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Integrated Amp for Klipsch RP-600Ms

Rames

Rames

New Member
Hi everyone – I’m looking for some advice on an integrated amp to pair with my Klipsch RP-600Ms. I’m new to the scene and this will be my first setup so please excuse any ignorance.

For context, I live in a small apartment in NYC, so I won’t be cranking the 600M’s too high. I plan to play mostly vinyl records (am eyeing the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon), so something with a built-in phono pre-amp would be excellent.

Amp ideally has ample power for bookshelves now and maybe upgrades (a sub?) in the future. I love the look of tubes but haven’t had much luck in my price range. Would like to have a "name brand" that's easily serviced / researched if something should go wrong (knock on wood). I would prefer a smaller footprint / minimalist amp if possible as my setup will be space constrained.

It would be great to find something <$800, but if people think getting separate components vs. Integrated is best and it goes a bit over, I'd still like to hear those thoughts.

Some integrated amps I’ve seen people suggest are the Outlaw RR2160, NAD D 3045 (3020?) and NAD C16BEE, and the PS Audio Sprout100. My dad is a big vintage guy and suggested the Pioneer SX1250, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to find one of those as easily.

Again - am open to separates if they are well built and will be "future proof" for me.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts – and happy to provide more detail as helpful.
 
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I like the Musical Paradise MP-301 with it which leaves you money for a phono stage. Tubes are not a requirement they even sound good with class D.

Some other amps mostly a bit beyond the budget that I would be curious about:

Kingko KA101Pro tube integrated
Rega Brio
Audiolab 6000A
Schiit Freya + Aegir
Schiit Ragnarok
Rogue Sphinx V3
Heed Elixir
 
Mortsnets said:
I like the Musical Paradise MP-301 with it which leaves you money for a phono stage. Tubes are not a requirement they even sound good with class D.

Some other amps mostly a bit beyond the budget that I would be curious about:

Kingko KA101Pro tube integrated
Rega Brio
Audiolab 6000A
Schiit Freya + Aegir
Schiit Ragnarok
Rogue Sphinx V3
Heed Elixir
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Thank you! Out of curiosity, what tubes would you recommend with the MP-301? They are offering a few options/upgrades on their site.

Appreciate the list of others, I'll take a look at these -- at first glance that Rega looks really nice. And yes, I've been admiring the Schiit collection as well, particularly the Freya + Aegir combo. Maybe if I sit on the decision long enough I'll collect a few more paychecks and can just go that route :rolleyes:
 
Those speakers are rated at 96dB efficiency, so you won't likely need a lot of power, such as what the SX--1250 provides. Besides, they have gotten ridiculously expensive in the past few years, to me. If you want to go vintage, I wonder how a Marantz 1060 integrated amp with 30 watts / channel would do. They are classy, sound nice, are relatively inexpensive, and are of a really simple, basic design that's easy to work on or have repaired. I just finished a partial recap of one, and it always impresses me, keeping the power output in mind. It's got pre-main jacks, so adding a more powerful power amp later and using the 1060 as a preamp is simple, if needed.
(the pic below is one I grabbed of the 'net; for some reason, I can't find pics of mine)
1060 - Wood Case 2 1.JPG
 
David_NC said:
If you want to go vintage, I wonder how a Marantz 1060 integrated amp with 30 watts / channel would do. They are classy, sound nice, are relatively inexpensive, and are of a really simple, basic design that's easy to work on or have repaired.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the insight on the Pioneer - makes sense, I agree I won't need that much power now. I really like the look of that Marantz! Mind me asking what you paid for yours, and then put into it in work? My only hold-up is trusting whatever used ones I find online, since I can't go to a store to try anything out right now or have it serviced if needed. But I'm definitely looking into this line.

Mortsnets said:
I would go for the warmer sound of the 6L6 for the Klipsch. But very tempting to save up for the Schiit seperates. Herb Reichert likes the Aegir/RP600m combo:
Click to expand...

If I wanted to go the Schiit route, but not all the way (yet), would it be wiser to grab the power amp now and pre-amp later? Any suggestions for cheaper pre-amps in the meantime? And is the Class-A Aegier going to be much different from the Class-AB Vidar?

Art K. said:
That Heed Elixir is a great sounding amp.
Click to expand...

Thanks Art! It does fit my form factor and performance criteria, but IMO it its aesthetics look a little "cheap" considering the price tag... I'm shallow like that :crazy:

I really appreciate everyone's feedback!
 
As far as cheap preamps as you save up: I have a Schiit Sys passive two input and super inexpensive FX Audio 6j1 that I like.
I would go for the Vidar as well but if I'm spending your money...

I notice there is a Heed Elixir on Audiogon for $700.
 
Another one with a good reputation that can be had used for about your budget is the Bel Canto C5i.
 
Just slightly over your budget is the Yamaha A-S801. It does everything you need and includes an internal DAC. Also has a vintage silver face look.
 
Rames said:
If I wanted to go the Schiit route, but not all the way (yet), would it be wiser to grab the power amp now and pre-amp later? Any suggestions for cheaper pre-amps in the meantime? And is the Class-A Aegier going to be much different from the Class-AB Vidar?
Click to expand...

As for Schiit, Mani + Magni + Aegir should be a very nice setup plus you get a decent headphone amp. IMO Vidar has too much power for the RP-600Ms and a small NYC apartment, Aegir should be a tad cleaner than the Vidar and should have just enough power for your purposes. The set will run a bit more than $800 but they stand behind their products should anything go wrong, and there is the 5-year warranty on the amp.

Or just get a Yamaha WXA-50 and a phono-stage of your choice, your digital/streaming needs, if any, will be covered too.
 
Thanks everyone! I ended up finding a really nice, completely restored Marantz 2230 that I couldn't pass up. Same components as the 1060 suggested above plus the addition of a tuner. Going to post some pics once I get it all set up.
 
I had a 1060 in...hmmm...1974 or 1975 I think. Cool amp. Before that I had a 2220B. Marantz make lovely gear, enjoy!
 
Rames said:
Thanks everyone! I ended up finding a really nice, completely restored Marantz 2230 that I couldn't pass up. Same components as the 1060 suggested above plus the addition of a tuner. Going to post some pics once I get it all set up.
Click to expand...
How did the Marantz work?
Pictures?
 
Old Guy8 said:
How did the Marantz work?
Pictures?
Click to expand...
Hey! Sorry for disappearing. I really like it! I haven't been able to test its full potential as I have awful placement (please don't shame me) until August when I move apartments.

Here's my setup as it is right now, sadly still running on AUX from my laptop. I'm in the market for a turntable but waiting for some of the shops in NYC to open post-quarantine so I can do some in-person shopping.

https://imgur.com/a/ReCAAho
 
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