New (2nd hand) integrated amp advice

Discussion in 'Hi-Fi and General Audio' started by wolf larson, Feb 4, 2008.

  1. wolf larson

    wolf larson

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    Hi all, I'm conisdering a replacement amp for my impending 30th and I'd appreciate you thoughts and advice.

    My main criteria are: my main source is my TT (MM cart at the mo), although I also use CD, radio and a digi box). It will be used to drive a pair of Rega R3's which I have no plans on swapping for a long time.

    It must look good. It must work well at low (as well as high volumes) - i have kids - and live in a large solid wood floored flat. Not that bothered about a remote and although i would prefer headphone socket, the type of amp i'm looking at won't include this.

    So far i'm considering:

    Sugden A21a (not the current one) or a Stemfoort if one pops up
    John Shearne phase II
    Alchemist forsetti, or Nemesis if I can find one

    thanks in advance.

    ps. anyone selling one of these?
     
    wolf larson, Feb 4, 2008
    #1
  2. wolf larson

    Jimbo

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    You could try a Rega amp, should match well with the speakers.
     
    Jimbo, Feb 4, 2008
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  3. wolf larson

    Nomoretweaks Tourist on tilt

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    How about a basic Lavardin IS - it works very well at low levels and shows all the qualities of their more expensive amps. You can get it on ebay for £500-600 if prepared to wait.
     
    Nomoretweaks, Feb 4, 2008
    #3
  4. wolf larson

    la toilette Downright stupid

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    I'm very happy with the Unison Research Unico that I have now (I picked up mine for £400 2nd hand). I'd previously owned an A21a and had been looking for another, but bought the Unico instead, and now I no longer want an A21a ;).
     
    la toilette, Feb 4, 2008
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  5. wolf larson

    Gromit Buffet-blower

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    Cambridge Audio 840A v2 (new) plus a 640P phono amp

    Exposure XV/Super XV which has a superb phonostage (MM or MC, but not both). Would work very well with the R3's.

    Aforementioned Rega amp (Mira 3).
     
    Gromit, Feb 4, 2008
    #5
  6. wolf larson

    wolf larson

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    thanks all for this. i like the look of those Lavardin, never heard of them before. will investigate further...
     
    wolf larson, Feb 4, 2008
    #6
  7. wolf larson

    AndyMack

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    I have for sale...

    an Audio Analogue Puccini Settata if you're interested? it has a phono stage, certainly ticks the box on looks. see classifieds for info. cheers!
     
    AndyMack, Feb 8, 2008
    #7
  8. wolf larson

    DavidF

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    Thats valves isn't it?

    I am nowadays a fan of valves...

    ...good sound stage!!



    ;)
     
    DavidF, Feb 9, 2008
    #8
  9. wolf larson

    la toilette Downright stupid

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    It's a hybrid; valve pre and mosfet power. I was missing some bottom end welly from my previous all-valve setups and was getting a bit tired of failing output valves, so went half and half! It's very nice especially since I swapped out the stock ecc82's for some nos mullards, smooth treble and powerful bass......happy days :)
     
    la toilette, Feb 9, 2008
    #9
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