I have scaled back my budget for a new two-channel, three-piece system, and have narrowed my choices to the following, which are all rated at least Class B by Stereophile reviewers:
Integrated Amp:
Creek Classic 5350SE
NAD C372
Rega Mira 3
Player:
Marantz SA8001
Cambridge Azur 740C
Music Hall cd25.2
Rega Apollo
Speakers(FS):
Revel Concerta F12
Monitor Audio Silver RS6
Spendor S5E
Any advice/past experience/cautions/etc. you could provide to narrow these choices further prior to auditioning, or knowledge of any combination(s) of units that might work well together, would be most appreciated. My music interests tend to lean toward rock, punk, funk, and jazz, so bass extension/presence and low distortion at high volumes are most important to me, versus depth/width of soundstage or other such criteria. It would also be important that the amp have enough WPC to drive the selected speakers to these levels without strain, overheating, etc. at any low speaker impedance levels. Sorry for my lack of techy vernacular, but I am just a newbie desiring better sound than I currently have. Many thanks to all responders.
I have scaled back my budget for a new two-channel, three-piece system, and have narrowed my choices to the following, which are all rated at least Class B by Stereophile reviewers:
Integrated Amp:
Creek Classic 5350SE
NAD C372
Rega Mira 3
Player:
Marantz SA8001
Cambridge Azur 740C
Music Hall cd25.2
Rega Apollo
Speakers(FS):
Revel Concerta F12
Monitor Audio Silver RS6
Spendor S5E
Any advice/past experience/cautions/etc. you could provide to narrow these choices further prior to auditioning, or knowledge of any combination(s) of units that might work well together, would be most appreciated. My music interests tend to lean toward rock, punk, funk, and jazz, so bass extension/presence and low distortion at high volumes are most important to me, versus depth/width of soundstage or other such criteria. It would also be important that the amp have enough WPC to drive the selected speakers to these levels without strain, overheating, etc. at any low speaker impedance levels. Sorry for my lack of techy vernacular, but I am just a newbie desiring better sound than I currently have. Many thanks to all responders.