Which Amp would you recommend?
Hi, I'm trying to improve my setup a bit at a time I currently have an Onkyo A 9010 integrated amp with a Michelle Gyrodec through a Musical fidelity phono stage into Monitor audio GX gold 200's.I'm now looking to upgrade my amp to get the best I can from the Monitor speakers.
I only have around a £1000 to spend on a used amp.
Also while i'm asking, what is the advantage (if any) of valve amps? Although I know there is not a lot of choice in my price range.
Thank you in advance for any help received it will be very much appreciated.
Carole Valve amps are simply a choice for how they sound which can be somewhat different from solid state. It may be a signature that you will like or you will not find it to your taste. They are really no better or worse than solid state, just different. £1000 is a healthy budget if looking in the classifieds, if I were you I would identify a couple and come back and ask questions about them. I like valve amps myself. It's an interesting hobby tube swapping, but it can get expensive.
Most valve amps south of 1k will be Chinese (not that they're all bad mind). Yaqin are generally up there as being one of the better brands within your budget. I'd suggest that you can't buy a bad SS amp for £1k new, never mind used. So I'd be more inclined to look at features. The Onkyo A-9010 Amp is quite a bit below the Michelle Gyrodec and the Monitor Audio Gold speakers.
Onkyo | A-9010 (UK) Integrated Stereo Amplifier The latest addition to our Pure Hi-Fi lineup, the affordable A-9010 Integrated Stereo Amplifier was tuned in the UK with specially /proxy.php?image=https://www.uk.onkyo.com/img/favico.ico&hash=50dcc272b152f9645571bd45da545ccc&return_error=1 www.uk.onkyo.com
https://www.uk.onkyo.com/downloads/2/7/9/0/0/ONKYO_A-9010_datasheet_UK_Version.pdf
The A-9010 is a pretty straight forward 44w/ch general consumer amp.
There are actually several NEW Amps in the roughly £1000 that are certainly worth considering.
The first thing you need to do is consider what Features you want from the amp. Do you want a very minimalist basic amp with just Source Select and Volume? Do you want an amp with Tone Controls? With a DAC built-in? With Network Streaming? With a Phono In? Sub-Out? Other?
It doesn't matter what you want, what matter is that you know what you want in terms of features.
Here is a relatively full featured amp within your price range -
Rotel A14, 80w/ch, DAC, Tone, Phono, ... - £895 -
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/1/a14_black_1.jpg&hash=c004d5de3bfe555d7362cfe433daea7a&return_error=1 Rotel A14 Integrated Amplifier /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
Though you don't mention CD, the combined A14 amp and CD14 CD Player is about £1350/set -
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/a/ca145.png&hash=7e57606b69cfcd2977cf5354e64699bc&return_error=1 Rotel A14 CD14 Package Free Chord C-Line RCA Interconnect /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
There is no denying that Tube/Valve Amp can sound very good ..but.. in my opinion... they are more of a hobby in and of themselves than a practical everyday amp. But again, they do sound good, but equally they are very expensive relative to what else you get. Even the low-cost Chinese Tube Amps are expensive.But... that is your decision to make.
In more Minimalist Amp, AudioLab, Creek, and Rega are very well regarded for sound quality, but generally short on features -
AudioLab 8300A, 75w/ch, Phono - £895 -
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/3/5/35352_audiolab_8300a_amplifier__black_.jpg&hash=20268d828a6170c64fede2f550caa386&return_error=1 Audiolab 8300A Integrated Amplifier /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
Creek Evolution 50A, 55w/ch, Phono - £899 -
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/r/creek-evolution-50a-integrated-amplifier-angle_2_1.jpg&hash=fd53dec3835cd7d519c10347e28529ff&return_error=1 Creek Evolution 50A Integrated Amplifier /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
Rega Elex-R, 72.5w/ch - £949 -
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/img-gallery-amps-elex-r-front.jpg&hash=e78856551344619219bc160f5163a46b&return_error=1 Rega Elex-R Integrated Amplifier /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
Are you absolutely locked with a ceiling of £1000, or is there some Flex in that budget? -
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/a/marantz-pm8006-front.jpg&hash=3b4d9ec1089bc3620823932efac0e27b&return_error=1 Marantz PM-8006 Stereo Amplifier Now comes with a 5-year warranty! /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/e/l/el_pma1600ne_e2_fr.png&hash=0352a5dc8a87dec9137e48eccafca18d&return_error=1 Denon PMA-1600NE Integrated Amplifier /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/r/o/rotel_ra1572_black_1_1.jpg&hash=0a625d3804a64039abac3b9f3451895f&return_error=1 Rotel RA-1572 Integrated Amplifier /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
Most Tube/Value Amps are going to be Power Amps, though there are a few Integrated Tube/Valve Amps -
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/a/va-one_6_.jpg&hash=6bcab20fb0e4afe8169adf03f3754bc7&return_error=1 Quad VA-One Valve Integrated Amplifier /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/i/simply_italy_1.jpg&hash=fdbc0de66a425dd0204bd9f6e30db95d&return_error=1 Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated Valve Amplifier /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
Also keep in mind there are Tube/Solid-State Hybrid Amps available -
/proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/r/crtop.jpg&hash=d3614e8a4c13b083a565f648663c5a22&return_error=1 Pathos Classic Remix Hybrid Integrated Amplifier /proxy.php?image=https://www.hifigear.co.uk/media/favicon/default/Favicon.png&hash=8dc1e77d635ce71a816aa1ac1387cb70&return_error=1 www.hifigear.co.uk
The Grand Daddy of Tube Amps is probably McIntosh, and you should be able to find used models.
Vincent is another brand of Tube/SS Hybrid, but I haven't seem many of them in the UK.
So, my underlying point is, you can do very very well in NEW Amps in the £1000 range.
Just a thought.
Steve/bluewizard If you can stretch the budget a little then the Yamaha AS1100 is worth an audition. But it is big so you may need to measure your shelf.
Yamaha A-S1100 The Yamaha A-S1100 is a complete inheritance of the superior qualities of Yamaha’s Emotional & Dynamic sound.Dedicated single-ended high-grade integrated amplifier design that faithfully draws out all the intrinsic value of your favourite player or D/A. /proxy.php?image=https://petertyson.co.uk/media/favicon/default/icon_6.jpg&hash=7b9ff3f2362fbf11a6e981bd0da2c574&return_error=1 petertyson.co.uk
@BlueWizard mentioned the Marantz PM8006, here is its big brother second hand -
/proxy.php?image=https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/8kcAAOSwqLFdOtCp/s-l400.jpg&hash=d87c04a02f104e19b389c57f75ad0bf3&return_error=1 Marantz PM-15S1 Reference Series High End Amplifier, Amp. New Condition. | eBay Marantz PM-15S1 top of the range Reference Series High End integrated stereo amplifier for sale. This amplifier looks stunning and is very highly rated by many audiophiles across the globe. www.ebay.co.uk
Worth keeping an eye on - Hegel H90
/proxy.php?image=https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yl8AAOSwgeZdrYCV/s-l400.jpg&hash=1f1547d6b98059d5e5d86d0611d5f5d9&return_error=1 HEGEL H90 Integrated Amplifier| eBay I would describe as in mint condition. Only upgrading to HEGEL H190 because financial circumstances allow. There is an Ethernet RJ45 connection for networking. www.ebay.co.uk
An outsider worth looking into, hypex core amps - (need to add vat)
/proxy.php?image=https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bee373_4490b5d2362f4424b0f5583e1983862d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_500,h_500,q_90/file.png&hash=2e3c04cb845ccf2e7f4e6cfd7ab6f70d&return_error=1 Nord One INT-A NC252MP Integrated Amplifier | nordacoustics Nord One INT-A integrated amplifier that majors on sound quality rather than offering a DAC or phono stage.We use our stand alone PRE-A preamp and combine with Hypex NC252MP module offering performance way above its price point. /proxy.php?image=https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bee373_0fa18b5854d2429a9d058cca48e453ba%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_32%2Ch_32%2Clg_1%2Cusm_0.66_1.00_0.01/bee373_0fa18b5854d2429a9d058cca48e453ba%7Emv2.jpg&hash=fc70d529834267144487fee406a534c2&return_error=1 www.nordacoustics.co.uk
Roksan Kandy K3 ex demo
/proxy.php?image=https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/idwAAOSwrQxbDp2P/s-l400.jpg&hash=fc079e0d7d5e17210b6073d7f5f73026&return_error=1 Roksan Kandy K3 Integrated Amplifier High End Hifi Audio Charcoal -Ex Display| eBay The Hifiexperience distributes branded products at low prices and operates through our Europe based distribution centres.We purchase volume stocks from manufacturers and factories all over the world and are able to provide competitive pricing with massive savings for you.We ensure that our... www.ebay.co.uk
Review with Silver 300 and comparison to Elex-R
/proxy.php?image=https://novo.press/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Roksan-Audio-K3-Integrated-Amplifier-Review-01.jpg&hash=d0c49b235550794fa523537180af2401&return_error=1 Roksan Audio K3 Integrated Amplifier Review Roksan Audio Ltd. was founded over 30 years ago in London, England. The company’s name was derived from ‘Roxana’, the daughter of Persian King Darius, as opposed to “Roxanne”, the catchy song by The Police. I know, I know, you’re /proxy.php?image=https://novo.press/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/favicon-32x32.png&hash=7b56f2f738fb5e5cdefcd35c38e465d6&return_error=1 novo.press
Again @BlueWizard identifieed the Creek Evolution 50, manufacturer refurbished 100A within budget just at a squeeze.
/proxy.php?image=https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kH4AAOSwdX5cnKTR/s-l400.jpg&hash=82c75ccef267a7397dfab4685e4b72de&return_error=1 Creek Evolution 100A (ex-dem unit - RRP £1499)| eBay Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Creek Evolution 100A (ex-dem unit - RRP £1499) at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products! www.ebay.co.uk Thanks to everybody for your thoughts I will look into some of them. although I think i could get something better second hand.
I have thought about what I would like in the way of features, I only have a Cd and a DAB attached at the moment. I would like to connect to my pc that could be an advantage but, in reality I don't even use the CD anymore and spend all my time listening to Vinyl.
I have been looking at a second hand Musical Fidelity and I have seen a M6si that was in my price range (but it is way too far from me to collect) Is there anything to match the M6si and do you think that would be a good amp for me? The M6si is a powerhouse and should certainly be in the running if you can find one in budget. I'm in a similiar situations as the beginner of the topic. I currently own a pair of Focal Aria 948s and driving them with Yamaha aventage 2050. Definitely going to upgrade to a stereo amp since I have no need for the extra channels.
Just hard to decide, going back and forth with Denon PMA 1600, Hegel H90, Naim nait 5si and Rega elex-r. Denon I could get for 1250€, Hegel and Naim would take me closer to 1500€ and Rega I coud get for only 850€ used, mint condition. Listening music digital with Spotify so with Rega and Naim I would need an external streamer/DAC, I'd probably go with Bluesound 2i which would add about 500€. ATM I'm leaning towards Denon. Read a few reviews about PMA 1600 and they seemed favorable. Does anyone have any experience with Denon PMA-1600 driving Focals? Or is any of the amps especially good with the Arias? I know that Focal owns Naim so they must have a good synergy but they also push my budget to the limits. Though technically easy to drive the 948 drop to 2.5ohm so need an amp that can dump current fast. Again I'd have the music fidelity M6si on my list.
You'll notice a big difference over the Yamaha no matter which of the above you choose.
Pages:
[1]
2