2. amps-preamps
  3. 128147-2211

Integrated amp upgrade

I'm using a Classé Audio CAP-151 to drive my Thiel CS 3.7s at the moment.
I'm not sure if i should upgrade, anyway if i do so i'm looking for a used integrated amp in the $2K to $3K price range with balanced inputs.
I've seen a Sugden IA4 for $3K and a Musical Fidelity KW 550 for $2,4K but it's not balanced.
If i upgrade it would have to be really worth it otherwise i'd rather keep my CAP-151.
I have someone who would like to buy my CAP-151 for $1,6K.

128x128thieliste
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Musical Fidelity M6si
thieliste's avatar
thieliste OP
322 posts
 
gdhal i was actually looking at the M6-500i but can't find one under $3K used.
carmenc
293 posts
 
As a prior Thiel owner, I recommend a large ss amp with a tube preamp.  I don't think you'll be content in the long run with an integrated, especially with cs3.7.

As mentioned by mani-2, Pass, Krell, Threshold...also CJ, Belles.  Good luck!

beernut's avatar
beernut
276 posts
 
Consider an integrated from Wyred4Sound. Built in the USA, has the balanced inputs and sound great. I bought one to drive my current hungry Maggie .7's with great results. Replaced the highly regarded Parasound Halo(nice amp) and to my ears was an improvement...
mani-2
42 posts
 
If you were intent on getting an integrated amp, there's this ModWright which puts out 200 watts into 8 ohms and 400 into 4 ohms. Always a good sign when an amp can double up its power output when its impedance halves:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-modwright-kwi-200-integrated-2017-01-26-integrateds-98...
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