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Help with $600 to $800 integrated amp

I am reducing my home theatre to a 2 channel setup and am looking for a good integrated amp.

Current system
Nakamichi AV8 receiver
Marantz (Ah Thoebs 99') CD
Nordost Blue Heaven interconect
Marantz DV4200 DVD
NHT 1.5 main speakers
Kimber Kable 8TC speaker wire
NHT SA-1 sub amp with NHT 10' sub
NHT AC-1 center channel

I am selling the receiver and center channel for starters and am looking to get an integrated that will be good with a variety of music (jazz and electronica (lounge style) mostly, but also Rock, R&B and classical). I would like to continue using the sub as I enjoy the flexibilty I have over the bass. I like a smooth sound and rarely if ever use high volume. At some point in the future I plan to upgrade my speakers as well, but want to start with the amp.

I am looking for used or new. My consideration list currently has:
Classe Cap-80
Arcam A75 Plus (heard it and was really impressed)
Arcam A65 Plus
Creek 4330SE
Creek 5350R (maybe out of my price range)
Audio Refinement Complete

Any thoughts?
scd112
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,286 posts
 
I sold my YBA Integre (not the DT model) for $625. You don't have this integrated on your list, perhaps because of the price. If you push the envelope, just a tad, you may find, (not on the block often, I wonder why?) an Integre DT.(if you can find the non DT model you're in like flin for the $) There's nothing, on your list that comes close to this baby. You'll be in heaven. 50watts of ss that can't be touched for twice the $$. (take that with a grain of salt, it's only my opinion, of course) good hunting. warren
fineberg
151 posts
 
Aused Musical Fidelity A3 or even A300 if you could find a used one in your range would be a step up from what's on your list now
IMHO.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
why should you look for integrated when you can get even separates for this price range:

McCormack Micro Line Drive/McCormack DNA0.5 wired with canare cables will get you under $800.

For Creek you should upgrade speakers since it's not a great driver and needs efficient speakers although the music in Creeks dominates over the McCormacks.

Having one DNA0.5 if the upgrade bug continues you can get another DNA0.5 and do horizontal bi-amplification if possible.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Now I realize that my previous post missing one main thing due to my non-accurate reading of the real situation in that discussion...

An the main thing is SPEAKERS. with $600...800 if you acquire Vandersteen 1c even new or used for cheaper you will achieve much better results in your situation.

Also consider Totem Arro, Triangle Celius used.
scd112 OP
6 posts
 
I having been tossing the idea of which I should upgrade first for a while (Amp or speakers?). Your point is well taken as I was on that side of the fence for a while...

What do others think in my situation, amp or speakers first?

I finally concluded that my receiver could not generate the sound I was looking for... Even with better speakers. My original plan was to get both the speaker and amp at the same time with a slightly higher budget (maybe creek 4330 with Epos M12). But I thought this combo would leave me itching to upgrade again, sooner rather than later.

What about the Creek 5350R? (not the SE, the SE is out of my price range) I have yet to find one to audition... Is it very close to the SE?

No one commented on the Classe Cap-80... I have heard it is similiar in sound to the bryston b-60 which I think sounds very good... But I have not heard the Classe.
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