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Integrated to audition for my new speakers?

crouse

crouse

Poorly known member
I recently got some Spendor SP/1's. I had Klipsch La Scalas and the Spendors are much more to my liking. I am finding that recordings that were harsh sounding on the La Scalas sound great on the Spendors. So, now I am beginning my search for an integrated. Presently, I have a fully restored Marantz 2230 and an Outlaw RR2150. I can't really complain about the sound of either except in the area of soundstaging. By that, I mean I am looking for something that will give me a good sense of width and depth. When I first heard the Spendors, they were hooked up to an ARC integrated. I think it was a VSi60. The vocals were floating in the room. Unfortunately, the ARC is way outside my price range. I am looking for something $2k or under, new or used. I have no preference for SS or tubes. I listen to acoustic jazz, rock, folk and some classical. Room is 12 x 21 ft. The Marantz @ 30 wpc seems to have plenty of power so I don't think I'm limited by needing a lot power. So, what should I try to audition?
Thanks
 
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Your Spendor SP/1 are 88dB, not sure how efficient they are. I have two pair of speakers and both are 90dB. If yours are considered efficient, you could go with low or high watts. It all depends on what you like and what you want.

As of today one of my speakers are connected to a McIntosh MA5100 integrated amp that is 48 years old and putting out 58wpc. I recently purchased a new tube integrated amplifier that puts out 20 or 25wpc, and either one of these is enough for my needs. Room size is 11ft wide x 14ft long.

If you want to consider new solid state, I recommend you to check out Emotiva. For new components you will not a better bang for the buck. Thirty day home trial, five year warranty and free shipping. If I was in the market for new solid state, Emotiva would get my business. If you want new tube gear, I would recommend Jolida. They are made in USA and based out of Maryland. You will get more for your money going with Jolida. I hope this helps and good luck on your journey. Let us know your decision and include pics. :music:
 
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4Play said:
If you want new tube gear, I would recommend Jolida. They are made in USA and based out of Maryland.
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Jolida is made in China. I believe they are checked for quality control in Maryland before going to the customer. I could be wrong about that but I'm sure they are built in China. The other thing with Jolida is to make sure you deal with the Maryland Jolida not the China Jolida. And again I'm unsure about the current status of that whole mess but buyers need to be aware just in case.

cubdog
 
moejr said:
I have not. But that series of Amps has gotten great reviews on here so that is why I threw them out there for you.
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Thanks. There is a refurbed A-S2000 on agon right now. Very tempting, but I'm trying to do the right thing and listen before buying.
 
First, congratulations on your Spendors.
Don't know about the other recommendations but the
Rega-Brio-R is a big favorite with British speaker owners.
50 watts,remote control and MM phono stage.
And-------Made in England!
And-------less than half your budget.
Search the British Audio forums.
Good luck and happy listening.
 
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If you can audition them with a NAD D3020 I definitely would. You may very well find you don't need to spend any more than $500.

I've also owned the Brio R and I think the NAD might be a bit better
 
crouse said:
Thanks for all the replies. Keep 'em coming!:thmbsp:
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It sounds like your leaning toward SS rather than tubes. If so you might want to consider Bel Canto or other Class D amps. My Bel Canto mono blocks are a great value and sound terrific. Rather, I sound say they have no sound at all which is what I like out of amplifiers. A pair like my M300s can be had for $1000 or maybe even a little less.

cubdog
 
Used choices to consider:
Marantz
Musical Fidelity (in the $2k USD range you could look for an A308 or A5)

There is a Cambridge Audio 850A int amp on audiogon now for a fair price.
 
Well, I said I wasn't going to do this...I bought an amp without hearing it! It's the Yamaha A-S2000 that was on BT. The price was just too good to pass up. I figure if it's not "the one", I'll be able to get most of my money back. It should be here in a few days. I won't be able to do much listening until X-mas week, but I'll let you folks know how I like it when I get some time with it.
 
crouse said:
Well, I said I wasn't going to do this...I bought an amp without hearing it! It's the Yamaha A-S2000 that was on BT. The price was just too good to pass up. I figure if it's not "the one", I'll be able to get most of my money back. It should be here in a few days. I won't be able to do much listening until X-mas week, but I'll let you folks know how I like it when I get some time with it.
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Congratulations. I hope you love it. Merry Christmas!

cubdog
 
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