best int amp under $1600

rob_b · « **on:** 28 Apr 2005, 03:16 pm »

hi guys, I'm in the process of downsizing due to the birth of our new child. currently i have a 2 channel setup with onix ref1's and a squeezebox feeding an MSB link III DAC with apple lossless. My wife has requested the need for a remote with input selection and volume control. I want to keep sonic fidelity as high as possible given these requirements. Right now I'm auditioning a krell kav 300i and although the sound is a tad bright, I am enjoyig the dynamics and soundstage. I know there are better out there, but what other integrated amps should I be considering in this price range? We listen to a large variety of genres ranging from jazz to r&b at relatively low levels.
Thanks for any suggestions.
rob

CJ Paul · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Apr 2005, 03:24 pm »

Check out the Arcam line. Either a new DiVa or a used FMJ line. The bonus is they should sound pretty dang good and would be easy to get an audition.

JoshK · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Apr 2005, 03:49 pm »

New or used?

rob_b · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Apr 2005, 03:51 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

New or used?

I can do used and actually preferred used since I feel like I get more bang for the buck.

rmihai0 · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 Apr 2005, 04:09 pm »

Coda Unison

JoshK · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 Apr 2005, 04:24 pm »

Quote from: rmihai0

Coda Unison

I was just thinking the same thing. Haven't heard it but it would be on my list to try out.

rob_b · « **Reply #6 on:** 28 Apr 2005, 04:39 pm »

how about the simaudio i5. has anyone heard this unit?

Loftprojection · « **Reply #7 on:** 29 Apr 2005, 09:42 pm »

One I really liked in my recent shopping is the Unison Unico, very nice warm sound, no aggressive highs and it can be tweaked a bit to your taste by changing the tubes.

Scott F. · « **Reply #8 on:** 29 Apr 2005, 10:29 pm »

Not trying to shill for Bill at Response Audio but, I take a serious look at his modified Jolida's. Bill will tweak a stock unit that will fit well under your budget right down to the remote for the volume control. To keep costs in line I'd suggest using the AudioCap Thetas rather than the V-Caps (although the V-Caps flat smoke the Thetas sonically). Bill builds (and tweaks) some darned fine sounding affordable gear.

The SE-3205 and the Signature 3205 both fit in your price range. And as an added bonus you get tubes

Trust me on this one, once you hear tubes (done right) in your system, you'll never go back to solid state (that statement should get a few responses

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #9 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 12:34 am »

JVC F-10 for $229.00 delivered from J&R. Spend the other $1300.00 on power conditioning and it'll improve the front end, too. If you already have good power conditioning, consider a 529 college plan for Junior startng with $1300

It should be purr-fect for driving small monitors at mostly low levels...JVC refers to the unit as a 100 watter, but it sounds more like a very well endowed 40 watter.

Remote everything...beware, the tuner is truly garbage tho. But the amplification is worth several times it's $229.00 cost.

Paradigm shift Rob....I kid you not.

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #10 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 12:58 am »

Nait 5i

BeeBop · « **Reply #11 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 09:56 am »

Bryston B100

rosconey · « **Reply #12 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 10:43 am »

what about a odyssey cyclops

Songforyou · « **Reply #13 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 01:49 pm »

I like my vintage Scott modded by Mapleshade. Tubes, phone stage but no remote though. The only reason I'm chiming in is that I owned the Simaudio I-5. It was fine, but I much prefer what I have now.

Good luck.

Hantra · « **Reply #14 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 05:14 pm »

OMG! Plinius 8200 MkII. The perfect integrated for your price range.

I don't think a day has gone by when I didn't think about mine. I've never been happier with my system, ever, than when I had that amp. I've been searching for the magic ever since I made the stupid decision to get rid of it and try other things.

tvad4 · « **Reply #15 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 05:19 pm »

If you're patient and can wait a few months (maybe less), I'll bet a used DK VS1 MkII will be in that price range once DK releases their new Signature VS1 Mk II. Already several DK VS1 MkII integrateds have sold on Audiogon below $1900.

Hantra · « **Reply #16 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 05:23 pm »

Quote from: tvad4

If you're patient and can wait a few months (maybe less), I'll bet a used DK VS1 MkII will be in that price range once DK releases their new Signature VS1 Mk II. Already several DK VS1 MkII integrateds have sold on Audiogon below $1900.

Owned it for 6 weeks. Does many things very well, but I prefer the 8200.

dave_c · « **Reply #17 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 05:39 pm »

Electrocomaniet ECI-3 or ECI-4

tvad4 · « **Reply #18 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 06:36 pm »

Hantra, I was simply offering the DK based on price and possible availability.

budyog · « **Reply #19 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 06:55 pm »

Any Van Alstine amp. Check them out. Built like tanks, super service (if ever needed). Made in USA!
Oops!, sorry, I didn't notice you are looking for integrated.