Power/integrated amp reccomendations.

[Ian7633]

I've decided to sell off my ampage as I'm tiring of its rather monotone delivery, I listen to a fair amount of scratchy style rock, so need something sweeter. My amps were Naim 72/140/teddycap. I've already put them on Ebay. I've also just bought a Nakamichi ca-5 pre amp, as I heard the phono stage was good. My speakers are Ruark Talisman II, my record deck NAS interspace. I found the naim amps got worse when I introduced the NAS, as it has a more revealing, solid delivery, as the Naim amps exhibit traits of harshness it was not a good match. So I'm now looking for a power amp to match my Nak or an integrated or even pre/power combo and use the Nak only as a phono stage. The Naks matching power amp is quite rare, and I can't hang around months waiting for a decent one to turn up at the right price, I'm not hooked on getting one anyway. My thoughts are Sony ES, early Nait 5's, as I hear they're quite sweet, or small cheap UK brands like NVA, I really don't have a clue! Would rather make at a part informed decision, as buying/selling hifi can be a bit of a chore. I also listen to a cdp, well, not much, but its there. And I'm looking to get into streaming as well. Budget up to around £700. After reading a thread on here about the ALbarry amps, they intrigue me as well, tbh, there's so much out there. I did like parts of the Naim sound, but as I said it was just too grainy/harsh. I don't to go too much the other way. I did read one review of the Nak ca-5 pre that said it had a valve like sweetness to it, don't how how much truth is in that! Grateful for any suggestions.

I've got a CA-5 which I only use for the phono stage running into a Musical Fidelity A3 duel mono integrated. The MF by it's nature produces a really sweet and precise top end and is very well balanced in all areas. If your ever get out this way you're very welcome to pop in for a listen.

[Mikeandvan]

I've got a CA-5 which I only use for the phono stage running into a Musical Fidelity A3 duel mono integrated. The MF by it's nature produces a really sweet and precise top end and is very well balanced in all areas. If your ever get out this way you're very welcome to pop in for a listen.

That sounds promising, thanks. I couldn't make out from your signature which is your power amp? Would you say there are any characteristics to the CA-5?

[Ian7633]

That sounds promising, thanks. I couldn't make out from your signature which is your power amp? Would you say there are any characteristics to the CA-5?

I think the thing with the CA-5 is that it doesn't colour the music, it is very smooth but gets a really good grip on the bass, warm but with perfect punch when needed. The mids and top end are sweet and natural with no shrill or harsh edges. It is a real little gem that is starting get noticed, reflected in rising prices for good used ones.
Amp wise I use the Nak purely as a phono stage run directly into the MF A3 integrated. The MF is a dual mono and I really like it's vibrant, punchy nature. It works very well with the Nak, 5 line inputs and a MM phono stage ( redundant but handy all the same ) and is built like a tank.

[Mikeandvan]

I think the thing with the CA-5 is that it doesn't colour the music, it is very smooth but gets a really good grip on the bass, warm but with perfect punch when needed. The mids and top end are sweet and natural with no shrill or harsh edges. It is a real little gem that is starting get noticed, reflected in rising prices for good used ones.
Amp wise I use the Nak purely as a phono stage run directly into the MF A3 integrated. The MF is a dual mono and I really like it's vibrant, punchy nature. It works very well with the Nak, 5 line inputs and a MM phono stage ( redundant but handy all the same ) and is built like a tank.

Thanks, I've overlooked Musical Fidelity in the past, might give them a try. Any era to look out for? 90s? 00s?

[Ian7633]

I think mine is early/mid 00's. The later 3.2 is good too. As I said if you want to hear the Nak/MF combo you are more than welcome.

[Mikeandvan]

I think mine is early/mid 00's. The later 3.2 is good too. As I said if you want to hear the Nak/MF combo you are more than welcome.

Thanks Ian