[DougM57]

I used a Denon receiver in my family room for the last couple of years. Used it for a pre and had an Anthem driving ACI Sapphire 111's for music. I got the digital bug and bought the Sony AVD 70 (sold the Anthem)  Put the Denon in the basement and have listened to the Sony for months. Loved it for tv and movies (75% of the use) and have never been sure about the sound for music.

Last week I decided to change and swapped it for my bedroom Harman Kardon receiver (used it because it had Dolby Pro 2). For tv it was fine but for music I hated it. I thought I wanted the warmth, but instead I missed the detail of the digital amp. The Harman sounded like mud. I listened for 3-4 nights, maybe 20 different cd's.

I am back to the Sony now. I am still not happy with my system. I had been thinking about a used integrated, but now I don't know what to try. Between wife and kids I usally listen to music about an hour a night and not very loud. I listen to a wide range of stuff. Love my ACI's, kids love the fuctionality of the Sony.

Any suggestions on inexpensive or used integrated that will work with the Sapphire's? I am afraid tubes will not have enough base for me.

[Zero]

Doug,

I owned the AVD 50 (a little less power, and only had a one disc loading trey).  The detail and total control it had over the cones was incredible.  As I grew more accustom to its sound, I noticed that I just wasnt tapping my foot and keeping interest in the music.  It was just dry and sterile. While I appreciated all the fine naunces, control, and details it brought to the table, I just found it to be musically deadening.

I find myself now, exactly a year later, using the JVC RX-F10.  This piece is a pretty sharp contrast from the  Sony unit.  It wont have every last ounce of detail and control, but it will give you an incredibly beautiful presentation that definately gets your foot tapping to the music. This unit, from what I have heard, does not suffer from the sterile nature most affordable products that sport chip amps do.  

Also, I would not discount tubes.  The Jolida JD-1301 hybrid integrated amplifier (tube pre out stage, dual 12AX7's) had PLENTY of bass.  It was deep, detailed, and had remarkable impact.  This was no doubt thanks to the decent mosfet amplifiers on board the unit. You got the blend of both worlds, that great tube warmth with the solid state impact.  Detail was not sacrificed much at all.  It is limited in power however, and only meant for stereo use, so your satisfaction will largely depend on the demand your speakers put on the amplifier, and the application you would use it for.

Good luck on the hunt, I am sure you will get many suggestions.