2. amps-preamps
  3. 1362469315

Valve amplifier choice


Hi Guys
I am considering making a switch from a Musical Fidelity Kw 500 to a lower powered all valve integrated or possibly a pre - power combination , i am due to move into a new house that has a smallish listening room 20ft x 12Ft , my speakers are Triangle Lyrr current model floor standing rated at 92db. Rega Dac as digital source , really fond of the smooth sound as in the past i have found cd sterile.
Although i enjoy the Kw 500 i was able to Listen to a Icon Audio integrated that really sounded nice , i also have had a crush on Macintosh amplifiers for some time now although not had a chance to audition due to living in Tasmania- Australia , there are very little in the way of local hifi outlets as it is a rural environment , i would like to get some suggestions for Icon Audio or macintosh valve integrated that would suit for a room of the above dimensions , I am a newbie valve amps with the Kw 500 being the closest i have come to with valves in the pre stage.

Thanks everyone.
steam3642
steam3642 OP
124 posts
 

Hi Phaelon

Yes the Macintosh is very tempting as the backup seems second
to none and the reputation gives real confidence , at this stage i have a few pieces collected over the years in the hobby , at this time now i want just one nice system , i have moved on from experimenting and have found i have 3 of each component , The problem with living in Tasmania is that all the distributors are located in Melbourne or Sydney , any suggestions on Mac models up to say $7000 Australian. I also have a Wadia 302 cdp in storage but find the Rega Dac wonderful despite its budget price its "outstanding". I use Transparent Audio Reference speaker cable and Kimber Ks 1011 interconnect from dac to amp , i have come to realise a smoother sound i enjoy rather than high detail in your face which i find in most systems i have heard at retailers. I like Dire Straits , Neil Young , Gordon Lightfoot , Eric Clapton , not much into hard rock .
gopher
499 posts
 
Check out Melody's offerings locally if possible. My understanding is they're based in Australia but assembled in China. Great gear at fair prices. I love their stuff.
steam3642 OP
124 posts
 
Thanks for the advise so far , i think i will investigate the McIntosh models and see what they will set me back , i want to get an amp to keep for a long time as i have had enough of chopping and changing , the reason i heard the Icon Audio amp
was that one of only two Hifi retailers in the state had one in store , it was hooked up to a Cambridge Audio cd player and Dynaudio small floor standing speakers , Icon appear to be very nicely made and i believe being a smaller company they can save the consumer a little due to small advertising budgets. Cheers.
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