[cloudbaseracer]

Curious about an integrated with digital inputs that can be used for my TV living room area.  I don't know if I will add a small sub later but it is a possibility.  I prefer to buy used since there are so many options out there.  Budget would probably be around $600-$900.  I have a main system with Spatial X4 and Lyngdorf 3400 so this is just for watching a screen.  I thought about a soundbar but decided against that since I have the LS50s already.  And a soundbar would cost about what a used integrated would be.  Remote control is a must and also prefer to be able to read the inputs/volume level from the sofa 9' away.  It would be great if I could program the integrateds remote to turn the TV on/off or program the simple remote I have now to change the volume on the integrated.  Getting these low cost universal remotes to work with "audio gear" is not common since they often only have the codes of the big guys like Pioneer, Denon etc.


Considering:

Nuprime IDA-8    https://nuprimeaudio.com/product/ida-8/?v=7516fd43adaa
Peachtree Audio Nova 150  https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/products/nova150
Parasound Newclassic 200 Integrated   https://parasound.com/200_Integrated.php
TEAC AI-301-DA-X         https://teac-usa.com/amplifiers/ai-301-da-x-ampifier
NAD C338  https://nadelectronics.com/product/c-338-classic-digital-dac-amplifier/
PS Audio Sprout  https://www.psaudio.com/products/sprout100-integrated-amplifier/

I believe the LS50s, like a lot of speakers, prefer a lot of power even though they are small.  Maybe that excludes a few of the above choices.

I am keen to hear your thoughts!


Thanks!

   

[Doublej]

You might be able to programming a learning remote to give you control you seek. Perhaps a Sofa Baton.

You could consider a used AVR or a two channel networked receiver such as a Yamaha R-N803 but these are "not for your seasoned audiophile looking to eke out one more extra tiny iota of sound from that hi-res file." They would come with an app you could use to control them. And the units would have built in streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, internet radio, etc.

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/yamaha-r-n803-network-receiver/

Cambridge Audio, Denon and Marantz making streaming amplifiers as well. As you have indicated at your price point the challenge is getting something with enough juice to drive the LS50s. If you find something that lets you high pass filter your signal to the LS50s then you get a lowered powered amplifier and have money for a subwoofer.

You could get an RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII for $450.

YMMV

[Letitroll98]

Sorry guys, none of this is even close to Cheap and Cheerful.  It's a great post, I'll move it over to solid state for you.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I would look at the new Outlaw RR2160MKII

https://outlawaudio.com/shop/stereo-receivers/56-rr2160mkii-stereo-receiver.html

It has bass management and does wifi.

[WGH]

TMR Audio has a selection of integrated amps, here is one:

NAD C 390DD Digital Integrated Amplifier, 150w per channel, on-board DSP - $829. The list price in 2012 was $2600.
https://tmraudio.com/components/integrated-amplifiers/nad-c-390dd-digital-integrated-amplifier-c390dd-dac-remote-usb/

TAS Review
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/nad-c-390dd-direct-digital-integrated-amplifier-tas-224/

"After the C 390DD was fully broken in, there was no mistaking its heritage; it sounded very much like the M2. The C 390DD’s greatest strength was undoubtedly its authoritative bass and startling bottom-end dynamics. This amplifier sounded like a powerhouse, with rock-solid solidity to bass guitar and tremendous impact to kick drum."

[maty]

KEF LS50

True sensitivity: 83-84 dB. Min impedance < 4 Ohms.

=> they need an amplifier with a lot of watts at 4 Ohms. KEF LS50 active, woofer with class D of 200 watts and tweeter with class AB of 30 watts.

To listen to movies, TV... a cheap class D is OK but with watts. Measured at 0.1%-1% and not at 10%.


Many buy those loudspeakers but pair them with underpowered amps -> they sound bad (bright) and put them up for sale, the LS50's. It is what impulsive buying has without being well informed before.

[cloudbaseracer]

Sorry I didn't see understand the parameters for Cheap and Cheerful.  Inflation has me thinking there is a new set point being established.  What is the upper price thershold?

I should have mentioned earlier, I like the smaller form factor of most of the integrateds mentioned. I currently run this system with a Pioneer Elite VSX-01 receiver.  Just doesn't seem to have the grunt I need.  Of course, maybe none of the units I listed have enough true watts to control the LS50?  I am sure a small sub is in the future so being able to relieve the KEFs of everything below 80-90hz may confer the needed umpff.

[Doublej]

You can add a two channel amplifier to your Pioneer to give it more grunt. For example, a 160watt into 8 ohm amplifier from Emotiva sells for $500.

[Letitroll98]

Sorry I didn't see understand the parameters for Cheap and Cheerful.  Inflation has me thinking there is a new set point being established.  What is the upper price thershold?

No apologies needed, I'm happy to put it in the right circle, and it's gotten a lot of attention.  Here's the guidelines:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=71233.0

[I.Greyhound Fan]

That Outlaw receiver that I mentioned is rated at 165 wpc at 4 ohms but Stereophile measured it at 230 wpc.  It is beast.  The stereophile review is of the older version not the MKII which is supposed to be better.  It should drive those KEF with no problem.

I bet the Nova 150 would do a good job as well.  Some people use them to drive Magnepans.

[maty]

PEACHTREE AUDIO Nova 150 V2
[Polish] https://audio.com.pl/testy/stereo/wzmacniacze-stereo/2857-peachtree-audio-nova-150-v2

to English: https://audio-com-pl.translate.goog/testy/stereo/wzmacniacze-stereo/2857-peachtree-audio-nova-150-v2?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=es&_x_tr_pto=wapp

[ In the dual-channel mode, you can see some drops due to the limitations of the power supply used, but still 2 x 131 W at 8 Ω and 2 x 224 W at 4 Ω are excellent results. ]


Inside
[Polish] https://audio.com.pl/testy/stereo/wzmacniacze-stereo/2857-nova-150-v2/2857/48737

to English: https://audio-com-pl.translate.goog/testy/stereo/wzmacniacze-stereo/2857-nova-150-v2/2857/48737?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=es&_x_tr_pto=wapp