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speaker/amp combo for 1300?

Hi there,

I originally had an opportunity to purchase a vintage audio system (+25years) but decided to pass on the offer and explore other gears that are suitable for my musical tastes (within the constraints of my budget).

First, a brief introduction of myself: As a recent college grad I have lived with roommates during the last 5 years and as a result I have been listening to music primarily through headphones (e4c, ER4-S, and HD580). Finally I have the opportunity to invest in a very modest audio system. I am hoping to build a 2-channel system and will require a preamp/amp combo (or integrated) with a set of speakers, costing no more than 1300.

I listen mostly to intimate classical pieces (sonatas, quartets and concertos), female jazz vocals and folk/bluegrass (Dylan, Joni, Krauss, etc). I would love to have sweet sounding mids without sacrificing the highs. In terms of earphones, I sold the E4C’s and replaced it with the ER4-S because I couldn’t stand the recessed highs of the E4Cs.

With such a modest budget, I am seriously thinking of purchasing an integrated amp. The Portal Panache comes to mind, but within my budget constraints it may be more suitable to spend more on the speakers first. My source is a laptop containing my FLAC files that is connected to my Squeezebox.

Thank you in advance for your responses. Greatly appreciated!
agent_kang
saki70
853 posts
 
I have had very good luck with an Audio Aero Prima integrated amp driving Soliloquy 6.2i speakers . The AA amp is a hybrid , a tubed pre section into a mosfet amp .
The Soliloquy's are a 2-way floorstander that are quite smooth and on the warm side , very good synergy together .
Purchased carefully , this combo can be had within your budget .
agent_kang OP
5 posts
 
Tvad: I have never heard of Prima Luna Prologue 2 and Klipsch Forte II but I did read various discussions regarding the Totem Arro. I've been told that they have great soundstage and that they can be slightly on the bright side with wrong component matchup. This may be a great fit for me since I have always preferred bright to a dark sound. I've heard that tubes go well with Totems and that these Arros require a lot of power. Also, is it true that a tube amplifier will cost more than a SS amplifier of similar performance?

S7horton: ARC is one of the amps I am considering. In your opinion, how would you characterize the sound of this amp? Is there any weakness to this amp? I'll be sure to check out the B&W CDM 1NT. Thank you for your suggestions.

Sfar: Creek integrated (4330) vs ARC. What are they main differences in terms of sound signature between the two?

Meadowlark Kestrel and the Soliloquy 5.0. I'll definitely check both of these out. I know there is not set rule regarding this matter but within a certain budget, what is the rule-of-thumb regarding the percertage that should be spent on speakers/power/cables? Thanks!

Audiokinesis: Maggie MMG for $550 new? That's a great price. I'm definitely going to buy all my gear used from this site. If these become available here I'll be sure to consider them. What kind of sound would you ascribe to these speakers? Thanks.

Saki70: Audio Aero Prima integrated amp driving Soliloquy 6.2i speakers. I'll be sure to read more about them. Thanks.

I can live with something that's slightly bass shy since I'm so used to it but I absolutely need excellent treble extensions . I love the sound violin and anything that compromises the sound of instruments is something I would like to avoid. This is a great site for a newbie. Thanks for the advice everyone. Please keep them coming! :)
tvad
9,467 posts
 

03-07-07: Agent_kang
...is it true that a tube amplifier will cost more than a SS amplifier of similar performance?
Difficult to answer until you define "similar performance". My short answer is, not necessarily.
s7horton
1,065 posts
 
Of course there is a weakness to an amplifier that listed for $1000 and can be had on the used market for 500. It doesn't have the high end sparkle, it's not extremely powerful, and it can sound, at times, too warm.

But, for the price and the power, it's fantastic. The best I've heard in that price range. I haven't heard it all, but I have had:

Musical Fidelity A3
Musical Fidelity x150
Antique Sounds Labs 1003 DT
Pathos Classic One MkII
Anthem INT 2
Musical Fidelity A308

Musical Fidelity puts out some great integrateds in my opinion, even if they do update their equipment every six months. But, none of those (except the A3) can really be had for 500 or under.
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