Hello,
I have a pair of Aperiodic 8s (Visaton B200 drivers) on Sklyan stands in a 2-channel basement A/V system. Right now, I am powering them with an Almarro A205 Mk I and the combo sounds
terrific. The room is long and thin with low (just under 7 foot) ceilings.
So if I am happy with the sound, what is the problem, you ask? Two things are missing -- removing exposed glowing bottles from the equation (we will be adopting soon) and convenience (there is no remote, only one set of inputs, etc.). I have my main rig in the living room, and I feel like I am being selfish in putting a "quirky" tube amp in our (secondary) family-oriented system, no matter how good it sounds. Frankly, I think my wife is afraid to use the Almarro.
So my question is: what are some good options for a sub-$1k integrated that would have added convenience (remote, multiple inputs) but without some too much sonic sacrifice vs. the Almarro? Both SS (as long as its a warm presentation) and tubes (as long as it doesn't require many, many tubes) are considerations. Possible options:
1. I have considered looking for a Blue Circle CS used. Drawbacks: no remote, too much power(??). I'm wondering if 50W combined with the A8s would leave me very little use of the volume control in such a small room.
2. Peachtree Audio Decco. This has it all from the convenience standpoint. The digital inputs are a plus. Drawback: again, I'm worried that 50W would be too much power combined with the A8s.
I'm totally open to tubes, but I need them to be: 1) encased to prevent little chubby finger burns, and 2) accessible via remote. Input from any A8 users is especially appreciated.
Thanks in advance for any/all suggestions.
-dB (a unit measure of noise)