shels
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amp/pre-amp or integrated?
jackfish
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Joined: Dec 19 2005 - 2:42pm

I am fond of the Jolida JD 1501A hybrid integrated amplifier. The preamp section is driven by 12AX7A input tubes and has a MOSFET power amp section. 100 watts per channel (8 Ohms) and as good of sound as you will hear for $600.

Other integrated amps to listen to include:
Cambridge Audio 840A $1500
NAD C372 $1000
Shanling A3000 $1695, worth the extra $195
Creek Classic 5350SE $1695
Creek Evolution $1000
Music Hall Maven receiver $1000

Preamp/Poweramp combos to listen to:
Emotiva RSP-1 preamp and XPA-2 power amp $1428
NAD C162 preamp and C272 power amp $1398
NAD C162 preamp, Wired4Sound ST-250 power amp $1598
Rotel RC 1070 preamp, Wired4Sound ST250 power amp $1499
Rotel RC 1070 preamp and RB 1080 power amp $1500

After listening to the Emotiva stuff myself recently I would recommend it as did these reviewers:
http://www.affordableaudio.org/aa2008-08.pdf
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_14...007-part-1.html

shels
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Joined: Oct 7 2008 - 7:22pm

Thank you for your help. That certainly opens up my options. After searching reviews and posts, I was thinking going with something like Onkyo A-9555 or Outlaw RR2150. I am now reconsidering my approach (and budget) to be less integrated.

I am also trying to solve the digital input situation. An external DAC may be overkill, but using a Benchmark DAC pre as a preamp and a dedicated 2Ch amp may be a solution.

I want to compliment the speakers as best I can.

jackfish
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Joined: Dec 19 2005 - 2:42pm

The Music Hall Maven receiver has an internal DAC. If you research the products I cited you may find that some others will accomodate your digital source.

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