Amp for match to Spendor A2 floorstanders

madfiddler

hi all

jusr wondering if anyone has these floorstanders (or heard them) and for opinions as to what might might be a good amp match

I understand that whilst not difficult to drive they aren’t necessarily the easiest so would they benefit frI’m something with a fair bit of power? how much is enough?

so far on the amp side of things I’ve been looking for integrateds, with phono stage, multiple optical inputs, and Streaming options including airplay

i gather the spendors are a little warm and relaxed, so would it be a bad idea to pair with something like NAD C368 (or C388 with a bit more power)? What about Audiolab 6000A or Marantaz PM7000N? any other ideas?

i know someone will ask about budget. The answer to that is really whatever is reasonable for the particular speaker. Don’t want to go mad, I was assuming  the 600-800 range would get me “enough” but if you think taking a step up from there would be worth considering please say.

thanks
MF

Nico72

I am in a similar situations as I just bought a used pair of proac studio 140, so I’ll be looking for an integrated amp.
I took to proac in Brackley to replace a damaged tweeter. When I asked what amp goes well with them they said to look for something with a good power supply, not necessarily a powerhouse.
I’d go second hand as it’s better value anyway. There’s a rotel RA 12 going for £299 on eBay right now. It seems good value. It has digital inputs but not sure about phono.
What sensitivity and impedance are your speakers?
For streaming, look for a chrome cast audio or even a used Logitech squeezebox (they still work brilliantly) an plug into a digital input on the integrated.
That will leave more choice for a simpler amplifier.

Paul7777x

This should certainly be considered.

More than enough current and it has a good phono stage.

And the Spendors are certainly worth a very good amp.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Musical Fidelity M3si Integrated Amplifier RRP £1150  | eBay                                                                                                        With its strong 85 watts per channel, the M3si will drive a huge variety of appropriate loudspeakers. It has inputs for phono (MM), 4 line inputs and USB ‘B’ up to 24bit 96 kHz. The M3si’s sound is effortless, clear and sweet.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk                                                                               
As for streaming and optical inputs, one of these,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Musical Fidelity V90 DAC  | eBay                                                                                                        Musical Fidelity V90 DAC. Condition is Used. Dispatched with Other 48h Courier.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk                                                                               
2 optical, 1 usb and one phono digital inputs.

And one of these as a streamer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Google Chromecast Audio Media Music WIFI Wireless Streamer IOS Android New UK  | eBay                                                                                                        IOs 7.0 and higher. Hear anything playing on your Android phone or tablet on your speakers. - Android 4.1 and higher. 3.5 mm jack with analogue and optical digital audio output. Higher quality sound.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk                                                                               
All told, £50 over your budget.

But the amp is mighty important and it’s a fine one indeed. The dac is also very well respected and the CCA is the hifi bargain of forever.

madfiddler

@Paul7777x understand where you are coming from, but I’d prefer to cut down on the number of boxes if I can. At the mo I have cassette deck (soon to be moth-balled), CA av receiver setup in two channel mode with an ancient Technics class A stereo amp, plus old technics CD player only as transport currently, an Apple airport, CA phono preamp, project turntable and speedbox. Would love to get down to amp and Cd and turntable only

also a bit wary of SH, particularly EBAY if stating “no returns”

speakers will be new too btw

Paul7777x

I understand the point sir

The only problem as I see it is getting everything you want in one box, with the amp section being good enough for the A2s.

Mighty fine speakers.

madfiddler

well for my room I’ve been toying with spendor a2 or pmc gb1i.....looking for something diminutive in size but not sound, will likely sort the speakers first before touching anything else, but the PMCs are hard to come by and of course would be second hand. At least with the spendor I can audition them from a dealer.

what defines ”good enough” for the amp to match speakers though? that’s the bit I’m struggling with I think. I know it’s not just about the watts

RBZ5416

It's largely meaningless as goods have to be as described. If not Ebay will ensure that you're refunded.

madfiddler

Just noticed Arcam SA20 and CDS50 streamer on sale at audio affair. Any thoughts of this match up? Thanks