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June 16, 2011 - 6:58am
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Suggestions for an amplifier to match my speakers
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PSB and NAD are part of the Lenbrook Group. There's good synergy there. You might go with the NAD C 316BEE integrated amplifier and PP 3 phono preamplifier, which would provide a powerful, detailed, musical sound, and put you right around your $500 limit. The amp has a front-panel iPod input and the remote is nice and small, too.
You can read my July issue column for a bit more on the C 316BEE. I also use the PP 3 phono preamplifier, reviewed by Bob Reina. My speakers are PSB Alpha B1s. I haven't heard Cambridge's Topaz products, but I have used earlier Cambridge integrateds.
Would you suggest the NAD PP2/3 over the Pro-Ject Phono Box II? I have a Pro-ject Debut III so I was thinking that it might be a better match for my turntable.
I would be more interested in matching the amplifier to the phono preamplifier, but I have absolutely no technical or scientific reason to support that interest. It's just what I would do. (I haven't made any direct comparisons between Pro-Ject and NAD components.)
I bought an NAD PP2i phono preamp to use in the meantime before I buy the C316BEE next month. So far though, the PP2i is a massive improvement over the garbage $40 Audio Technica pre I bought a few years ago.
The reviews of the NAD 316 are nothing short of amazing, and I don't need the extra power of the 326, so I think it's a very safe purchase. I'm really excited about getting it all set up.
Next step - upgrade the hell out of my turntable! Acrilic platter, better stylus/cartridge, speed box, the list goes on!
Hi,
Is there any real need to have subwoofers with PSB Image B6 speakers + C 316BEE setup?