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Replacement amplifier for Sonus Faber Concertos

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28-11-2019 02:37:48 Mobile | Show all posts |Read mode
Hi Everybody,

First time poster here who would really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and advice.

My amplifier has given up on me so I'm in the process of researching what might be a good replacement. I bought my current amp and speakers new in the late 90s. To be honest, I'm not sure they were ever the best companions but for various reasons I couldn't justify spending money on a new amplifier. The amp I have been using is a Technics SUA900 Mk2.

The speakers, whilst not the hardest to drive are not particularly sensitive (87db) so I think I'll need to look at a replacement with a decent output and good power supply. However, I don't have a huge budget: £500-750 and preferably at the lower end of that spectrum. I'd happily consider 2nd hand and think that might actually give me the best value.

I listen to a wide range of music, but mostly acoustic in style. Listening room is 6 x 4 metres. Source will, for the time being, be a Google Chromecast Audio but with a view to something higher quality in time, as finances allow.

Thanks in advance for any advice! It's been a long time since I've considered new equipment so feel a bit out of step with what's now available and how how it might suit my speakers.
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28-11-2019 02:37:49 Mobile | Show all posts
How about -

Yamaha wxc50 preamp (£250) which will do everything that the Chromecast audio can do.

Plus a power amp -

Quad 606/707/909 -
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                QUAD 606 POWER AMPLIFIER IN EXCELLENT CONDITION SERVICED/UPDATE see description  | eBay                                                                                                        QUAD 606 POWER AMPLIFIER IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.  ALL IN ALL A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk                                                                               
Rotel rb1552 mk2 -

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Rotel RB-1552MK2  | eBay                                                                                                        It is 6 months old and is in excellent condition.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk                                                                               
Or for integrated

Hegel H70 with built in dac, no need to change from Chromecast as you can use the optical output into the h70.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                HEGEL H70 - HIGH-END AMPLIFIER - MINT CONDITION  | eBay                                                                                                        The sound is fantastic. Vocals seem to be real. I've never heard so realistic sound of a vocal, piano, violin, cello, acoustic and classic guitar. I had many hi-fi amplifiers but this one is simply the best in the price range.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk                                                                               
Others to look out for - Arcam FMJ A32 and Musical Fidelity M3 or M6.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Musical Fidelity M3si Integrated Amplifier  | eBay                                                                                                        Very lovely condition. Not a mark on it. It is not the original remote.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Arcam A32  | eBay                                                                                                        Arcam A32 FMJ Integrated Amplifier.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk
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 Author| 28-11-2019 02:37:50 Mobile | Show all posts
Thanks Ugg10. Some great suggestions and I'll look into each of them. Much appreciated. Some I'd not thought of at all.

I've seen an Arcam A39 for £700 (new). Thought that might be worth considering, but have no idea how it would partner with my speakers.
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28-11-2019 02:37:50 Mobile | Show all posts
Not sure about the a39 but the a32 is often put forward as a classic and a sweet spot in that ranges evolution. Similarly in the rotel line up the ra03 is in a similar position compared to it pre/successors.
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28-11-2019 02:37:50 Mobile | Show all posts
Uggs suggestion of the WXC and the Quad power amps is an excellent one.

The SFs are not an easy drive but the Quads of current dumping vintage easily have the current to master them and the Yamaha is a very good streamer, dac and preamp.
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28-11-2019 02:37:50 Mobile | Show all posts
Here’s a couple more you might consider...

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Naim Nait XS Integrated Amplifier  | eBay                                                                                                       

Naim Nait XS Integrated Amplifier.

This is a fantastic sounding amplifier, in full working order.

There are a couple of cosmetic points to note, there is a small light scratch on the volume control (please see picture), and the naim logo has some marks on the back, the logo...                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk                                                                               
An alternative powe amplifier to match with the WXC,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Rotel RB-1552 Power Amplifier  | eBay                                                                                                        POWER CONSUMPTION. STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION. 17" × 5.7" × 13.4". 431 × 144 × 339mm.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk
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 Author| 28-11-2019 02:37:51 Mobile | Show all posts
Thanks for the advice Paul777x. Much appreciated.

That Quad power amp has been serviced etc. Is that something I should look for if considering vintage?
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