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August 2, 2006 - 9:20pm
#1
Integrated amps - Simaudio I-5.3, I-7 and Marantz PM-11S1
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Sorry if I cannot speak to those specific integrateds, but that price range has a plethora of well reviewed, great choices on the market. When I was researching integrateds in that range last year, I asked a question similar to yours on another forum. The majority of responses went something like "don't buy a amp X, get a amp Z it will be all you ever need, unless you like a ____ like sound, in that case the amp Y cannot be beat"
I believe I recieved more opinions and extra suggestions for amps the than I had individual respondents.
anyway, I have found most on this site will encourage you to seek out a high-fi dealer, preferably a local brick-&-morter, who will allow you to audition the integrated of your desire. if you already have speakers and a source, then your best bet is trying your top choice at home.*
beyond that, some idea of your associated equipment, room, and listening habits will help the more informed on this site** give you useful replies.
Good luck, hope others have some specific knowledge of your desired amps.
*if your a seasoned audiophile vet, and figure the above advice is par for the course, I apologise
** I am not one of them
Thanks for the quick (and seasoned) response! Per your suggestion, I'll list the following associated gear that will go with the amp:
Dali Helicon 400 speakers
Marantz DV9500 Universal (SACD, DVD-A, DVD-V, etc.)
PSS Quartet Silver Interconnects
(Speaker cables TBD)
Listening habits: Pretty much everything, which made the choice of the Helicons a natural, but an integrated amp a bit more challenging. Jazz, classical, acoustic guitar, hard rock, hip-hop, soul, vocals, world and electronica/lounge. Formats include CDs, SACDs, DVD-As, and discs include DCC & MFSL Gold CDs. I usually listen at low to medium volume levels.
Room: Currently a mid-sized apartment living room - 20' by 16'.
Thanks again for the input...
Bill