[SixCats!]

Hello all,

   I have (recently acquired) a pair of English made (TOTL) circa late 1980's Mission 780 (4 Ohm) "Argonaut" two-way Speakers.

I'm LOVING the "Argonaut" Speakers so much that I have completely re-arranged my Audio Room around these Speakers.

I find that the "Argonauts" sound wonderful (even using my entry level) forty year old Classic NAD 3140 Integrated Amp.

That being said, my old NAD just gave up the Ghost (perhaps due to being so old and driving 4 Ohm Speakers ?) I'm not sure.

So, I installed another (less older) NAD Integrated Amp (the NAD C 326BEE).  While the C326BEE did not sound bad per se, I felt

"something" was just missing from the Music vs. the forty year old NAD Amp.  At this point, I removed the C326BEE and swapped

in it's place another forty'ish year old NAD Amp, this time an old NAD 7130 Receiver.  Well, the old NAD 3140 & the old 7130

sounded MUCH better (at least to my aging Ears) than the newer NAD C326BEE.  Both these old NAD Amps really made

the "Argonauts" COME ALIVE and sound more excitement having fuller "body/weight/richer" sound vs. the C326BEE. 

That being said, I suspect it's only a matter of time before my old (Thrift Shop finds) NAD Amps give out.  I mean, after all

they are forty'ish years old and driving a 4 Ohm load (the "Argonauts" however are rated as being 94.5 db sensitive).

All this being said, I am in the market for a NEW (brand spanking new) Integrated Amp.  I've been OCD researching many Amps.

I was considering the likes of Audia Flight or Unison however, these Companies Amps are VERY expensive.   

Since I am approaching my seventh decade of age (and have Tinnitus) I think it a bit silly for me to over spend on Audio gear. 

I just want/need simple (no frills) GREAT sounding/performing Amp for use with (especially) 4 Ohm Speakers.

So (in a Nutshell) would either the V.A. SET 120 Control Amp or the new CA1 be a good match for use with my "Argonauts" ?

Although I LOVE Tubes, I find my Argonauts SHINE using Solid State.  I VERY much enjoy listening to my other vintage System(s)

such as my English made EMI 529 DLS Speakers matched with my FISHER 400 Tube Receiver.  It's just a lovely/relaxing non

fatiguing sound of beautiful Music.

The "Argonauts" (imho) on the other Hand need Solid State.  Any help/suggestions/information/recommendations etc. on my long

winded rambling would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance so very much.

Ooh,  my living in the "semi-sticks" of Maine, there are no High End Audio dealers.  To say the least, this makes my search for a

great sounding/performing Amp rather challenging.

SixCats! aka Tom in Maine

 

[SixCats!]

Ooh, I forgot to mention.....I do NOT listen too loudly volumes.  In fact, often quite rather low volumes. 

I suspect less than eighty db's (perhaps a bit more on occasion).   I mostly listen to Classic Jazz.  Thanks again.

SixCats! aka Tom in Maine

[avahifi]

Our new CA1 will be by far your best choice.

Frank\

[WGH]

Well, the old NAD 3140 & the old 7130
sounded MUCH better (at least to my aging Ears) than the newer NAD C326BEE.  Both these old NAD Amps really made
the "Argonauts" COME ALIVE and sound more excitement having fuller "body/weight/richer" sound vs. the C326BEE. 

I had the NAD 7155 from 1985, I used it until the preamp section and then the amp section died. I then moved up to Van Alstine. The AVA is so much better by leaps and bounds that a comparison would not be fair at all.

[SixCats!]

Hi WGH,

   Thank you WGH for responding to my thread.  I truly look forward to purchasing a more serious (HIGHER END) Amp for my system after decades of having used "lessor" (Solid State) gear.  On the whole, I feel the early NAD kit performed pretty darn good (especially considering the bargain price) however, I now really need (read WANT to) take a BIG step UP Amp wise.  I suspect (too many) Integrated Amps (the ones mostly made overseas) would be nothing more than a lateral move from the Classic NAD gear, that is,  until one is willing to pay a bit more of a premium price (but not TOO premium).  The likes of "Audia Flight and UNISON" look lovely but, whoa, not INexpensive.  Thanks WGH.

SixCats! aka Tom in Maine, U.S.A. 

[SixCats!]

Our new CA1 will be by far your best choice.

Frank\

Hello Sir!  I believe I am going to take the plunge and (VERY soon) order the new CA1.  However, I first have to do TWO things.

I would like to talk with you (via Phone) personally (if possible).  Secondly, I need to first sell my (recently acquired) BEAUTIFUL

"One owner" Classic MARANTZ 2285B Receiver (Wood case included) so as to purchase the new CA1.

The Marantz 2285B is lovely and works beautifully however (like me) it is old/old'ish lol. 

I'll be in touch soon.  Thank you Sir.

Regards,
SixCats! aka Tom in Maine, U.S.A. 

[charmerci]

Holy crap. Have the Marantz checked out. It'll sell for a great price and should sell fast! (Just take a quick look a eBay.)

[SixCats!]

Holy crap. Have the Marantz checked out. It'll sell for a great price and should sell fast! (Just take a quick look a eBay.)

Hi Char,

    Ooh yes indeed Sir!  This model (a European model) 2285B is considered one of THE best, MOST sort after Marantz Receiver.   The 2285B is a Beast of an Amp and is just a lovely sounding/beautiful looking unit. 

Ooh, I have seen the CRAZY (asking) prices for these Amps, it's unreal.  In fact, I've seen several lessor Watt models selling for a lot more than I plan on selling the 2285B.  I plan to sell the 2285B for a price waaaay more reasonable so as to have a "quick" sale. 

Ugggh, I know I may (yet again) regret selling a Classic Marantz such as this beauty.  Everything appears to be working properly on this Receiver/lights/one owner unit/all original/Wood case etc.)

 I truly love this Marantz which I presently have connected with a recently acquired FREE pair of JBL L-100 Century Monitors) and the combo of the two units sounds so darn good and is ultra RETRO cool! 

The thing is, I can't listen loudly and, I have collected too much gear over the last twenty or so years. 
The sale of this 2285B alone will bring me enough money to fund/allow me to purchase a NEW (brand spanking new) AVA CA1.
 
In other words (by selling this Marantz) MY investment/cost to own/purchase a NEW AVA CA1 Amp will be VERY little (out of pocket) money.

No doubt someone is going to get a darn good deal on this unit considering what I've seen Marantz Receivers being sold for recently.

I figure I should strike while the Iron is hot.  That being said, any potential buyer for this 2285B will have to either live (or travel) to Maine to purchase this beautiful Marantz as I will NOT ship.  No way, no how. 

SixCats! aka Tom in Maine, U.S.A.