[JazzCat]

I need to purchase an integrated amp to provide sound for a living room area that is approximately 22" L x 13" W x 8" H, hardwood floors, and is open to other areas.  Listening levels will be mostly low-to-moderate, mostly while dining or lounging.  For now the speakers will be monitors or bookshelf variety, however in the future I would like to connect additional speakers, which will be outside on the deck.  I would like the amp to have a remote with a mute button if possible.  Budget is $2K or under, preferably way under if possible.

I have come up with the following choices:

Plinius 9200
Bryston B-60
Unison Reseach Unico[/list:u]

I like the sound of live music, playing mostly jazz, classical, blues, and world music.  Warmth and listenability (non-fatiguing) are pluses.

What is the best choice and why?

[Carlman]

Low to moderate volume while dining doesn't really sound much like you need something for critical listening.  So, I'm making suggestions based on that.... and that maybe you'll do a little bit of critical listening here and there.

I'd suggest a used Arcam Alpha, Diva, or even a model 10 integrated because it can power 4 speakers, has a remote, and is easy on the budget.  These will all sound very good at low to moderate volume and have everything you want.  Plus, they're nice looking and easy to use.

I'd also consider a NAD integrated for the dining/lounging system.

Also, see the other integrated amp threads here on AC for more ideas.

For speakers you have a million choices but so far I've enjoyed the Usher 718's for low volume listening more than most.  They have a nice, rich tone that is very pleasing.

[Hantra]

Welcome Jazz!

Here's a great thread started a couple days ago on some integrateds. . .

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=12420

[JazzCat]

Yes, that's right, not for critical listening, but it is a second system designed to fit in (i.e., hide) the living room and a produce a sound that may expand to other areas as well.

So far I get that Hantra likes Plinius a lot, and Perreaux a whole lot more, and does not think too much of Musical Fidelity at all.  The Plinius may be overkill for what I need.  I believe the Perreaux is way over the budget here.

Bryston appears to be a "classic" choice, but may not have enough power for what I ultimately need.

The Unico is attractive and well-reviewed, but may not have the resilency of the others.

How about the sound - does each have a characteristic sound?  What words describe it?

[JackD]

Jazzcat

Try to find one of the older Classe' CAP series. They meet your stated requirements, non fatiguing sound and flexibility.

[WEEZ]

just my opinion...

...but based on your needs, I would suggest the Bryston. First of all, it's good enough for serious listening (once you get hooked in this crazy hobby) but for background listening has a smooth sound; is extreemly quiet; and is small enough to be unobtrusive.

(Not to mention the 20 year warranty; dac or phono options; ability to separate the pre/power sections for future multi-channel or multi-amp use, etc.,etc.)

You might even find a used one with remaining warranty on audiogon or e-bay at a reasonable savings over new.

The Bryston B60 I heard at Audio Emporium was driven by a Naim CD5i and in turn, drove B&W 705 & 805 speakers to great effect.

good luck,

WEEZ

[thayerg]

The new ASL tube integrated with 1003 in the model number would be an excellent choice I think--this new model has a remote. thirty or so tube watts,  mids and above are just saweet, and bass is no slouch either. sub outs are a great feature, especiallly in the room you describe.  I have an older one and it is simply amazing for the money. All point-to-point, big transformers, and a simple biasing meter for the el34s.

For solid state Rotel is wayyy underrated by audio snobs, especially their more recent models.  That would be my choice for the deck.

Two cheapo integrateds will sound far better for four speakers than one good one.  I think it would be a mistake to hook up four speakers to a plinius or a bryston.

[enzo]

"Allizze2" at Audiogon preferred the Vecteur I4.2 or I6.2 over all this stuff:

mf 3.2 kit
moon nova and i5
Arcam A85 and cd 72-cd 92
Bryston b60
Rotel amp and pre amp (forgot the model number)
Linn ikemi and lk 140
Sugden masterclass
yba gear

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1062005075&read&keyw&zzvecteur

UHF mag raves about every Vecteur they hear, and the I4 integrated can be had for about $1000 used... supposedly great sound at lower volumes also. Check out the reviews at mutine.com

[AphileEarlyAdopter]

I have not heard these but I have done lot of research and had shortlisted the following two -

1) BV Audio A300S (totally neutral)
2) Primare A30II (may be a little more smoother than neutral)

The criteria used - were 1) ofcourse quality of sound as reported by users 2) Power supply 3) transparent volume control mechanism (no more potentiometers for me).  4) Build quality/robustness.

I have not bought these yet, as I am a little 'distracted' by the $250 Panasonic XR50 I am using now instead of my Audio Refinement Complete.

[doug s.]

you should get a revox b251 integrated amp, for sure!  why?  cuz i need to sell mine!  

seriously, these are excellent sounding units.  the only reason mine is for sale, is cuz the pass-thru processor loop cannot be used as true preamp out/amp input, which i need for my set-up.  this is competitive sonically w/anything presently being sold today, & full parts/service is still awailable - can't say that about most hi-end gear...

here's two that recently sold on ebay w/o remotes.  

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=73369&item=5715007774&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3280&item=5715098114&rd=1

i will include my remote, which cost me ~$100 on ebay.de.  mine is also 220v, which means a step-up transformer is needed.  (anything over 750w is fine; these are awailable for ~$20-$30.  i have a mondo 2kw unit that i can sell for $50 +shipping.)  mine also has the optional mc fono stage.   i have detailed pics if yure interested.  make me an offer.

thanks,

doug s.

[ieales]

We're very satisfied with our Rotel RX-1050

http://www.ielogical.com/audio.html