Recommendations on a Integrated Amplifier -

chip · « **on:** 3 Feb 2006, 05:12 pm »

Looking at some of the following:
Cambridge Azur 540A integrated
Marantz PM7200 integrated
Onix A-60 MKII integrated
Jolida 1301a or maybe 1501rc
NAD - C320BEE

Any recommendations on any of the above......

Would like to keep the price $500 or less if possible...

ctviggen · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Feb 2006, 07:00 pm »

You may want to add Creek to that list. Like this one:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1142743558

WEEZ · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Feb 2006, 08:11 pm »

At the risk of being flamed by the crowd- of the amps listed I would choose the Marantz.

WEEZ

Loftprojection · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Feb 2006, 09:57 pm »

Quote from: chip

Looking at some of the following:
Cambridge Azur 540A integrated
Marantz PM7200 integrated
Onix A-60 MKII integrated
Jolida 1301a or maybe 1501rc
NAD - C320BEE

Any recommendations on any of the above......

Would like to keep the price $500 or less if possible...

I've heard some of those and both Jolida sound pretty good for their price, definitely more my cup of tea then the Cambridge, NAD or Marantz. Never heard the Onix.

JLM · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Feb 2006, 11:20 pm »

chip,

Here's one listed below:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=25328

Parnelli777 · « **Reply #5 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 12:39 am »

Definitely, the Jolida 1501. At $500-600 used, it's a steal. At $750 new, it's still a no brainer- out of the choices given.

I wish these kinds of integrated tube/mosfet hybrids were around 20 years ago; I wouldn't have wasted $2000 on a bunch of NAD and Adcom junk.

chip · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 02:57 am »

The Jolida is the one I am leaning toward right now but will have to save up some cash to get it even if I find it used........

mysticaldodo · « **Reply #7 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 03:01 am »

I'm enjoying my Cambridge Audio 640 A V2. I paid USD 474 for it. Smooth sound and good soundtaging.

sjh500 · « **Reply #8 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 03:13 am »

I would absolutely add a Cayin ta-30 to your list for about 600-700$ used. I think it would take apart anything on that list. 35 watt tube integrated, the chicago audio society said it beat a 3000$ dollar conrad johnson integrated

Bob Reynolds · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 06:04 am »

I've owned both the Jolida 1501 and the NAD C320BEE. The Jolida has the edge in power, is quite musical, but not, as expected at this price, the last word in resolution. The NAD is just a fine component -- fights way above its weight. Depending on the speakers and other components, I'd save the $$$ and go with the NAD.

One thing going for the NAD and is essential for me, is the ability to separate the preamp and amp sections. This provides maximum flexibility for future system enhancements. If you ever want to add a subwoofer to your system, you'll want to use a bass management controller and you have to have either separates or an integrated like the NAD.

Cacophonix · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 06:25 am »

I've used NAD 320BEE and can vouch for its performance. For most speakers this integrated should be sufficient. I was able to drive my maggies with these without any major problem. Bass was a little shy, but maggies are pretty hard to drive.
I sold them early last year, and have been kicking myself ever since.

Rocket · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 09:39 am »

Hi,

Don't mean to sound too negative but the nad gear is okay for the money but imo it really isn't audiophile sounding. I've had a couple of nad amps and they are okay for the money but if you want good fidelity you have to spend a little more.

I would suggest the odyssey cyclops which is a little above your budget. My opinion is to save a little more to get a better amp.

Best wishes

Rod

JLM · « **Reply #12 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 11:55 am »

Chip,

What is the rest of your system like? Several of us run without a pre-amp as we use a $300 Squeeze Box for internet audio streaming, digital volume control, remote, and DAC connected to your PC that holds all my ripped CDs (one losslessly compressed CD takes 400K of space). So all I need is power amplification.

I've heard the modded Jolida 1301 with 92 dB/w/m speakers and was very disappointed. I've owned NAD (15 years ago) and while the sound was good and the power substantial compared to its rating, build quality was quite average. I currently own Rotel and would characterize it as NAD sound quality, but well built, a work horse not an audiophile throughbred.

Some speakers are "friendlier" to tube amps and some sources need a touch of tubes. BTW I've never owned tubes. If your speakers are efficient, or your room small and you don't listen at high volume there are several variations of the Sonic Impact digital amp (and other similar DIY variants) available ($40 - 1000 USD). Decware builds a one source 2 wpc integrated (Model C) for around $500.

At this price range the best you can do new is a peak into audiophile grade stuff if you need more than 10 wpc. Used or DIY would be your best hope.

fredgarvin · « **Reply #13 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 05:40 pm »

I heartily recommend the Onix 120mkII. A well designed amp with dual power supplies, lots of power. It replaced the Marantz that you mentioned in my system. A far superior amp in all respects, lively, detailed with great bass impact. It brought much better performance from my speakers. I have heard the Jolida at a friends house and it sounded muffled and reticent in comparison. I feel NAD is also a step down. Haven't heard the others.

chip · « **Reply #14 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 11:54 pm »

Well for now I have the following:
Squeezebox 3
Rocket RS250s
Kenwood receiver - old

Looking to try something new and fun but not put a hole in my pocket.

Cacophonix · « **Reply #15 on:** 5 Feb 2006, 04:04 pm »

I too am in the lookout for a decent integrated. I badly wanted to get tube monos and pre, but the prices that i've been quoted are kinda on the higher side. If i'm not able to get that, i'll have to settle for an integrated.
Some of the ones i'm looking at are -

Audio refinement complete
mistral LE
Electrocompaniet
Jolida 302B/502B
Prologue Two
Portal Panache
Sim Audio I-5

I've come up with that list based only on reviews. I haven't personally heard any of the above .. which is kinda sad really. Thats one of the reason why i'd like to buy them used. I can always sell them if i don't like it and take minimal hit.

sjh500 · « **Reply #16 on:** 5 Feb 2006, 08:03 pm »

Look at the Cayin ta-30 I'm telling you it is a stellar performer!

earlmarc · « **Reply #17 on:** 5 Feb 2006, 10:27 pm »

Don't overlook the Qinpu A-1.0X integated at $650.00. Will compete with integrated 3x its cost and better most. www.charismaaudio.com

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #18 on:** 5 Feb 2006, 11:43 pm »

I like the idea of running the Squeezebox directly into an amp and then the speakers. If you have just one source being the Squeezebox. Most one source systems are going that way, no preamp.

If I was to purchase an amp, it would be a DNA or a Belles 150, they are affrodable and especially the DNAs, they have high gain to do this well.

audiophile39 · « **Reply #19 on:** 6 Feb 2006, 12:07 am »

The dual mono integrated amp from BV Audio is intriguing...
http://www.bvaudio.com/