New Amp Recomendations

divuk83 · 3 Nov 2007 at 20:59

I'm after a new stereo amp to replace my AV amp. I don't play many DVD's so having extra speakers and a less musical amp is a bit daft.

I currently have a Denon AVR 1602 amp, Arcam CD62, B&W 601s2 fronts, Kef Cresta 1 rears, B&W ASW 500 subwoofer, Project Debut record deck and a Pioneer digi box. I will be getting rid of the amp and the rear speakers though keeping the sub.

Ideal spec: at least 4 line ins (don't need phono stage as I have a separate pre amp)
2 sets of binding posts would be nice as my B&W's are currently Bi-Wired with thick Linn K20 which is quite chunky.
Pre-Outs for the sub/a power amp.
Fairly powerful/dynamic as I like my music loud

Will be demoing the following my local dealer:
Naim Nait 5i (upper limit of my budget!!)
Rega Mira 3
Rotel RA05 and the RA06
Arcam A70

Quite like the look of the Roksan Kandy and the NAD C372, though none of the local dealers stock them.

Has anyone got any other suggestions or recomendations?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

marl · 4 Nov 2007 at 19:07

What is your budget? Try and have a good listen and if possible get a home dem to hear how it works with the rest of your system.

kidloco · 4 Nov 2007 at 23:53

are you planning on upgrading your front speakers any time soon, just that the likes of the Nait 5i is going to be overkill for the 601 s2, the rotel should be a decent match though.

divuk83 · 5 Nov 2007 at 00:53

Budget is about 700 squid tops. Can see your point about the Naim being overkill for the 601's, though I can't stretch to speakers as well.

The practicalities (or lack of) on the Naim are putting me off it, though that may change when I demo one out. From a features point of view the Arcam looks tempting. Hopefully going to demo some on Tuesday if I'm not working.

Cheers

Dave

kidloco · 5 Nov 2007 at 10:16

is second hand not an option, £700 would buy you speakers and amp then.

9designs2 · 5 Nov 2007 at 21:58

kidloco said:
are you planning on upgrading your front speakers any time soon, just that the likes of the Nait 5i is going to be overkill for the 601 s2, the rotel should be a decent match though.

Give me a great amp driving budget speakers any day over a lesser amp unable to control bigger speakers !!!!

Worry about speakers after the amps and source are sorted.

You could get a Linn pre power second hand, Kolektor or Wakonda pre and LK140 power..... Personal don't like the Naim sound much.

divuk83 · 7 Nov 2007 at 03:02

Bough the Naim Nait 5i today. Really impressed by the sound quality compared to the the Rega and the Arcam. Will look at getting some new speakers at some point though I reckon my B&W's will do for now.

Dave