[daimbert]

Hello everyone just wanted to get your input. I am in the market for a new Integrated for my GMA Europa's. I am currently using a Nad c320 bee and even though I am pretty happy with it I think it's time for a change and see what the Europas can really do. I understand Roy from GMA really endorses the Blue Circle and Edge gear but I want to see what other gear people out there been using with their GMA speakers. As I understand it the GMA are really nice with tubes and that's a route I kinda like to try as well. My source is a fully modded Bolder Cable SB2 with PS. I eventually plan to get a DAC but not at this moment. The amps I am currently looking at are.

Onix SP3
Blue Circle CS (sometimes can get them for 800)
Cayin TA-30/50

My limit is 800 new or used. Although to be honest am a little concerned in buying a tube amp used especially the cayin ta-30 since it's been discontintued. Wouldn't it be difficult to get repairs on it? I had a friend tell me with tubes always buy new. Let me know your opinion.

[marvda1]

take a look at the onix a120 mk2 integrated.or even the onix a60 mk2.

[rockadanny]

My speakers are similar to yours (87 dB; 8 to 6.5 ohms) and my Opera Audio Consonance a120 Hybrid Integrated Stereo Amp sounds awesome with them. It is a hybrid: tube input stage (Sovtek 6H30) with solid-state output. The sound is great IMO: tube sound with solid-state punch! And they are very reasonably priced on the used market. I also liked that it has two sets of preamp outputs. I used one set for my powered subwoofer. I preferred its sound to others I auditioned: Krell 400xi and Musical Fidelity A5.

[Inscrutable]

Since your budget is somewhat limited, you might consider using the NAD as a preamp, and buying a power amp.  You will get much more for your $, and can get a pretty good tube amp for <$1000.  You can upgrade the pre later.  I think the amp will have much more immediate/noticeable impact than the pre.  I sent you a PM with some additional thoughts.

[booda]

Daimbert,

I have the Europas and have used the following with them:

Portal Panache (integrated)
BC CS demo
Monarchy SM 70Pro (single and mono)
IRD MB100's

Pre:
IRD Purist
QED passive volume control

The amps each had a sonic character, and would depend on what you prefer.  I my setup the BC and Monarchy more veiled sound (more so for the BC), Portal and IRD more in your face sound.