What amp for CM9's

[melomaan]

Hi, the Technics SU VX-700 I used for the last 20 years needs to be replaced.

Its successor, preferably an integrated has to drive a pair of CM9's. A decent quality headphone amp on board for the HD650 would be a bonus.

Last weekend I had a Leema Pulse III on loan. I liked the precision and detail in most chamber and piano music but thought the bass too thin in orchestral work.

Coming weekend I get the Naim NAIT 5i and NAIT XS to check out.

I would appreciate further suggestions for amps in the sub € 2000 region, to listen to classical music.

Hans

[bluenose24]

Croft micro 25r with matching power amp Series 7r but doesn't have a headphone amp

http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk/series7_R.html


Cheers

Nev

[DSJR]

The B&W's are a bit "tight-a*sed" I think from memory, so something like an HK990 may do the job (power) but may not let the music "breathe" enough for them...

The bigger Arcam FMJ integrated may now be refined enough to be considered (the smaller ones drove the smaller CM's well I remember), but the Croft integrated may get pushed too far - and it ain't too nice when pushed I found, unlike the separate pre and 7 power-amp. Not an issue for many speakers, but not yours methinks.

If you can hide the power amp away somewhere, a Quad or Croft preamp with a 606/707/909 power amp would be ideal. All the power you need and with grace in its delivery. Both makers of preamp suggested above are good for two or three metres of interconnect into one of these.

[melomaan]

What I read about the Croft is interesting, but I have found no dealer or importer in The Netherlands. It would love to hear Glenn's products, so maybe on my next visit to Britain.

I think hiding the power amp is no problem, just have to convince the lady of the house. The power amp of the Technics would be fine for that.

Thank you for these suggestions.

[The Black Adder]

The CM9's are a very nice speaker.. much, much better than the CM7's.

[melomaan]

No doubt there. However I was surprised to hear the CM8, it seemed not as good as what I remember from the CM7.

The Naims are not what I am looking for. What do you think of the Sugden Mystro?

Hans

[Elephantears]

I heard the CM9's only once. They were driven by a Creek Destiny 2 and I was very surprised at how deep and lush this combination sounded. Some say that Creek amps sound lean in certain set-ups but this really wasn't the case at all. And the grip and power was excellent. I don't know how efficient they are, but I would guess that powerful solid state might be the best option.

The only other speaker in that range I've heard was the CM7's powered by a Nait 5i - that did nothing for me at all.

There is another solid state integrated I would recommend very highly - the Sonneteer Orton - this is supremely refined and graceful, but whether its the best choice will depend on your speaker efficiency and room size

[DSJR]

Try to locate one of the ATC integrateds - they'll drive ANYTHING :lol: and sound good with it. The AVI LAB series were pretty good powerhouses too and got excellent reviews at the time. Their older S2000 integrated isn't really up to this level now I feel.

[melomaan]

Hello all,

here in Holland we had quite a discussion about the amp to succeed the Technics SU VX-700. I listened to Leema, Pimare, Exposure and a pair of Naim's. In the end I followed up a suggestion on the Dutch forum to look again at the Luxman L-81, that preceded the Technics. With a more technically minded friend I checked the 35 years old amps health and we were pleasantly surprised by the results. It may not have the detail and precision I was hoping for, but has a nice warm sound and reproduces my music surprisingly well. So for the time being I will use this beauty.
http://scholtfv.home.xs4all.nl/linkedimages/20120217_d90_2923.jpg
The cables will go as soon as we have found another place for the home cinema stuff, still under negotiation with the boss.

Thank you all for your input.

Hans

[DSJR]

Some of those old Luxman amps were very good indeed and rather better than the harder toned far eastern competition of the era.

[The Black Adder]

love that amp :)