In need of assistance: integrated amp selection

I wouldn't mind having that combo, Matty. ;-]

Gunbei,

I think you are doing well enough with the Blue Circle gear. I am getting a Unico tomorrow to compare to the Creek, should be interesting. Add to the mix a CD25 just modded by Dan Wright (got it last week) and i'm ready to have some fun.

Regards,

Jb3-

I had Europa's for awhile, and a couple of amp/source combo's that were ~$1500. Depending on whether you like tubes or solid state, I would recommend the following:

Source -- I used a Jolida JD-100A with all of the amps below, and found it to be a wonderful CD player. I had previously used a Philips SACD 1000, and in many respects found the Jolida to be a more musical unit. I think for ~$550 used/stock, it's a great deal. For slightly less, the Cambridge (recommended above) and Music Hall units are about $300 used, and are well regarded.

Tubes -- My favorite amp with the Europa's was the all tube Jolida 502A integrated. I was using KT-88 power tubes. The midrange was just right with the 502A, and it really made the Europa's sing. I believe the 502a can be found for ~$600 used.

Tube/Hybrid -- Per Gunbei's suggestion, the Unison Research Unico has gotten very good reviews. I've never heard it myself. I did use a Jolida 1501RC with the Europa's, and while it sounded okay, it was definitely a step below the 502a. The midrange sounded muddy and congested in comparison. But, you don't have to worry about power tubes, and the 1501RC is about $500 used.

Solid State -- I used an Audio Analogue Puccini SE and the Audio Refinement Complete with the Europa's too. I think both of these units are among the best integrated's under $1000. With the Europa's, I preferred the Complete. It had better bass control (actually, the best bass of all the amps I mention), and a more dynamic sound. The Puccini is a smooth operator, but it sounded a little too laid back for me. Pete Whitley, who also has experience with the Europa's, mentioned that he had a problem with the Complete not having enough power for the Europa's. I never had this problem, but I never play music very loudly either. Something you might want to keep in mind.

Other than that, I think the Plinius is a great recommendation too. Never heard the Plinius with the Europa's, but I'm sure it would sound great. The 8200 might be stretching your budget, especially if you spring for a nice source like the Jolida (which you should!). Maybe look at the 8100 or 8150? I think those can be found for ~$1000 used.

Thanks for the compiment Matty!

I'd definitely like to hear what you think of the Unico and how it compares to what you already own. I had a chance to hear the Unico powering Triangle Antals at this past CES in Vegas. Very lively!

I didn't realize the Music Hall CD25 was such a bargain. What kind of mods did Dan do for you? Should be a fun listening session for you for quite some time!

The CD upgrade is the RAM CD mod created by Response Audio/Dan Wright. Tube output stage with 0 feedback, no op-amps, Jena labs wiring. Uses 2 Tungsol 5687's. It really is a beautiful job.

Regards,