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November 20, 2012 - 8:10am
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Help - Music Hall A15.2 vs. Cambridge Audio Topaz AM1
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I think the Music Hall A15.2 is one of the best integrated amplifiers you can get for under $1000. I recommend it most highly!
It is way way better in my opinion than any of the Cambridge amplifiers, until you get up around the $1000 figure. The Topaz is not very good at all IMO. As for receivers, nothing for under $1000 even comes close to sounding as good.
It is also a bit better-sounding, I think, than the NAD C326BEE, which sells for around $550 and has no phono input and half the power.
The Music Hall A15.2 is a huge bargain at $500; I think you will be very impressed.
I also think that the Diamond 10.1 is exceptionally good for its price of $349/pair; far better than any Paradigm unless you spend much more money.
I compares well with a number of good speakers that sell for around $500-600 from PSB and others; another great value.
One caveat with the Diamond 10.1 is that its sensitivity is rather low. This would make amplifiers with less than 50 watts per channel a poor choice to use with it.
I assume that you have read the Stereophile review of it; if not, you should give it your full attention.
Great. Thanks for the advice. Looks like I should be in pretty good shape with the Pro-ject Debut Carbon, the Music Hall A15.2, and a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers. Am I correct that I don't need anything else besides cables?
Also, any reason to go with the Music Hall MMF2.2 turntable over the Pro-ject turntable? The Music Hall is $50 more, and I'm already a bit over budget.
Either one should be fine.
That should put you in good shape.
Thanks for all the help. I really appreciate it.