Integrated amp reccomendations


Hey all,
I want to upgrade my amplifier. I would like to stay in the integrated solid state world. I don't want the hassle or worrying about tubes, and a preamp-amp combo is probably out of my price range. My system is a Cambridge Audio Azur 640C CD player, an NAD C370 integrated amp, Sonus Faber Concerto Home speakers, and a REL Stadium III subwoofer. I use Cardas Cross Speaker cables, and Monster M550 Interconnects. OH! I also have a Musical FIdelity X10-V3 tube buffer between the CD player and integrated. I would like to buy a(new or used) integrated that will take a little of the hardness/edginess away from the sound. Give it a more fluid, life-like quality. It has to have enough power to run the Concerto's in a medium to large sized room with vaulted ceilings. The bass is handled by the REL, but I still want that midbass presence out of the Concertos. Lastly, I don't want to break the bank. I listen to everything from hard rock/metal to classical and acoustic music. Progressive rock/metal is my favorite, but of course, being progressive, it has a little of everything in it.

I know this is a tall order, but I need help.
My NAD always received good write-ups. Should I stick with it, or is there something reasonable in price that would be a real improvement?

Thanks in advance!
phoenix469
Creek 5350se with phono stage. Resale should be around the same thing you pay for it 900-1000 inc case you dont like. Bryston b- 60 is another one costing about the same . Class A Stereophile. Excellant unit
Consider the Dussun V8i. 250w/CH for $1600. Great reviews and 30 day money back guarantee from AAA-Audio. What do you have to lose ?
Hi, how a bout adding a tube preamp to your Nad amplifier section, and loose the buffer. Maybe a tube pre w/ dac like the Monarchy, $980. new direct. That should smooth things out in both the amp and cd player. I've used a tube pre with Nad amp section with excellent results. Also i might try some different ICs like Cardas, Audience AU24, Harmonic tech copper, Anti ICs, etc. The Nad is a nice amp, works well with you speakers, keep it and try a tube pre/cables/DAC. Just a thought, good luck, Alan
I also recommend the Dussun V8i. Nothing hard sounding there. It'smooth and powerful. As Erider says-what do you have to lose with the 30 day money back guarantee? It's a lot more amp than it should be for $1600. Just change out the stock preamp jumpers and give it several hundred hours of break in.
I tend to agree with Alan. Tubes in the preamp section are virtually hassle and heat free. Tara Labs and Cardas offer some nice and smooth cables and ICs that can help take the edge off of the digital/solid state nasties.

Ok, I just have to toss this in...I can't help myself. Tubes are nothing to lose sleep over and sound heavenly. Take the plunge.