[DonJoe]

Hi All,

I am new and did search without any luck. If I missed some post discussing this topic, please feel free to redirect me.

My question is what amp you find adds synergy to this speaker and powers it appropriately?  Not being used in my personal setup, I have an old ML 27.5 and BK 200.5 amp but both seem like overkill here.  I was hoping there might be an integrated tube or integrated tube hybrid that might work for up to medium-ish volumes.

Budget- this is a project for my son and I so prefer max value vs. absolute sonic perfection.  Also, integrated seems like a better approach than having my old super hot ML 27.5 Death Star amp and some pre-amp hanging off his dresser....although that would strike all the right notes for me haha.

Thanks!

 

[mlundy57]

I'd suggest checking out the PS Audio Sprout 100  https://www.psaudio.com/products/sprout100-integrated-amplifier/  , one of the intigrated amps from NAD https://nadelectronics.com/products/all-amplifiers/  , and Schiit Audio  https://www.schiit.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwrcH3BRApEiwAxjdPTaEfsJrLTKFJ2psyZQD5LJJBnnwxrDEX_GDLg5hFaFw4fsKWHwJDfxoCEuQQAvD_BwE

These will give you quite a few to consider at different price points.

[HT cOz]

I would get a Nuforce STA200 which is based on a Goldman design.  I would then control volume at the source or add a simple attenuator. 

[BigGTgreek]

I've heard good things about IOTAVX SA3 Integrated Amplifier. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcrxet8wiLw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9jyhZAWezo

[Doublej]

Emotiva?

[HT cOz]

Some good ideas here... I would also check out https://www.usaudiomart.com/classifieds/18-integrated-amplifiers/ When looking for value, letting someone else take the deprecation hit is always a winner.   

[S Clark]

There are thousands of good value used amps out there.  But since this is a father/son project, you might think about putting one of these together. 
It's a bit crazy, but I swear they are just as good or better than any older NAD or vintage Pioneer unit.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-12V-TDA7297-2-15W-Digital-Stereo-Audio-Amplifier-Dual-Channel-AMP-Module/362183542613?hash=item5453d24755:g:42wAAOSwETJaLfjA

Add RCA connectors, some speaker connectors, put it in a box and you have a dozen watts that are much better quality than they have any right to be.  Or find the thread here on TDA7297 amps and upgrade the caps and improve it.  And it cost less than a cheeseburger. 

[RusskySam]

I know, T-Amps are probably out of fashion by now, but I still like and use them.
This is what I used to power my X-LS before I switched to N2X that I currently use.

TRENDS AUDIO TA-10.2 SE class-T stereo amplifier - $225 new, even less if buying used/ebay.



Manufacturer's Site:
https://www.trendsaudio.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=28&lang=en

One of the reviews:
https://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/trends_ta10p_e.html

Amazon (mostly for pictures):
https://www.amazon.com/Trends-TA-10-2-Class-T-Amp-Adaptor/dp/B004BYVX6G/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

[Tyson]

Another vote for the PS Audio Sprout.

[Hobbsmeerkat]

I own a Sprout 100 & absolutely adore it!
Its got a great DAC, and plenty of power for such a small package.

The parts for my X-LS should be arriving tomorrow so I'm excited to see how they sound, but having used it to run powered monitors and modified 90's 3-way "retro" floor standers, it sounds great, even running bluetooth.

So its got another vote from me!

[DonJoe]

Hey All,

Found a well maintained Marantz PM8004 for a super deal and pulled the trigger on it.  I also looked at the Cambridge Audio integrated among others mentioned here but decided to give this a try.  If it does not suit me, I can always sell it as these seem to get scooped up pretty quickly.

Anyone have any experience with this integrated amp?

Thanks!