Which amplifier would you go for ?

Halcyon · 21-03-2008, 00:04

I'm in the middle of choosing a new amplifier.
This will be to replace my average pioneer amp and old speakers with something that provides a bit more clarity and depth.
We are talking a simple stereo setup here, not AV.

I've been hunting around and would quite like a pair of these speakers:
http://www.mordauntshort.com/summary.php?PID=66

Now for the amplifier, I am looking at these possibilities and wondered what you thought and if at all you recommended anything else, please do.
I'm open to suggestions.

I know a listening session is needed and I will test them thoroughly but for the moment I quite like these:

- http://www.avland.co.uk/denon/pma1500ae/pma1500ae.htm

or:

- http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...lass=Amplifier

What do you think ? Which one would you go for?
I appreciate your views.

Many thanks for your help,

halcyon.

Uncle Peter · 21-03-2008, 03:19

This is what I have together with the (kind of) matching A3 CD player which is a bit older

http://www.bartlettshifi.co.uk/produ...20A3.5&sku=657

beautifully revealing and pure sound and well worth a listen. Also now out of production which means that you may be able to pick one up for a bargain price.

**David F** · 21-03-2008, 07:57

Go to a Richer sounds and book a session in there room . There prices are normally pretty good too

Scrub that they dont have either amp you want lol

Flange · 21-03-2008, 08:44

I'd go for a pair of floor standing Mission speakers myself.

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2085

Halcyon · 21-03-2008, 10:10

Thanks for the replies.
I'l check those links out.

**David F** · 21-03-2008, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flange

I'd go for a pair of floor standing Mission speakers myself.

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2085

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/3512 im a Kef fan myself

although my passives are mission

Halcyon · 21-03-2008, 21:00

Thanks, I'l check those out too.

Hom3r · 21-03-2008, 21:51

If you can afford them go for these

http://www.linn.co.uk/music_systems_power_amplifiers

Yes you could get a luxury car (Â£20k+) instead but the sound is the best you can get

Halcyon · 21-03-2008, 22:55

I wish !
Unfortunately, Â£400-Â£500 is my top spend for this amplifier.

Uncle Peter · 22-03-2008, 01:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

I wish !
Unfortunately, Â£400-Â£500 is my top spend for this amplifier.

Easy choice then

Arcam Diva A70

http://www.hifigear.co.uk/site/scrip...roduct_id=4230

Should be able to pick it up for around 500 notes

Halcyon · 22-03-2008, 10:06

Looks good. I'll read up on it. Thanks.

As for the floor standing speakers people have suggested, they do look good, but at the moment I think I'll be sticking with bookshelf due to space, and then add a pair of floorstanders once I move out into a bigger place and can setup all of this properly.

Clarkvcr · 24-03-2008, 11:15

Buy a copy of What Hi-Fi sound & vision and take it from there.
Rotel RA-05 amplifier is well quoted at Â£350.
Also, Marantz CD 6002 is a class leading CD player at Â£270.
As it says in the mags - leave money for stands and cables etc.
Spoilt for choice I'd say.
Cheers

Halcyon · 24-03-2008, 12:14

Thanks, ClarkVCR, I think I'll go and pick up a copy of that magazine this afternoon and have a read through.

I was once told that Marantz amps were great for classical but not that great on more bass sounding music or electronica. Maybe that has changed ?

I've been checking out the Rotel amps too. Will go for a listen.

Thanks