Power/integrated amp reccomendations.

[Mikeandvan]

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.

[walpurgis]

Quad 909?

[southall-1998]

Perhaps the modern Exposure amps.

S.

[Bigman80]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F 362023641243

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[walpurgis]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F 362023641243

120 volt though.

[Bigman80]

120 volt though.Ah, transformer?

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[walpurgis]

Ah, transformer?

Yeah.

No big deal, but adds to the outlay and keeps the value down.

[Bigman80]

Yeah.

No big deal, but adds to the outlay and keeps the value down.Bit of negotiation to cover the transformer and jobs a good un. They review well too. Nice bit of kit.



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[walpurgis]

Bit of negotiation to cover the transformer and jobs a good un. They review well too. Nice bit of kit.

Nah. If you want something from Nelson Pass, what about a pair of Aleph 2 monos? :)

http://i68.tinypic.com/9719h1.jpg

[Bigman80]

Nah. If you want something from Nelson Pass, what about a pair of Aleph 2 monos? :)

http://i68.tinypic.com/9719h1.jpgYES !! They look proper beefy. I bet they are cracking!

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[walpurgis]

YES !! They look proper beefy. I bet they are cracking!

:lolsign: I just knew you'd like those!

[Bigman80]

[emoji38]sign: I just knew you'd like those!Hahaha. I'm so predictable

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[Mikeandvan]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F 362023641243

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Saw that but was turned off by the need for a step down transformer.

[Bigman80]

Saw that but was turned off by the need for a step down transformer.Fair enough, apart from the Faff of having to buy one, I've never known any issues using one

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[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.

[jandl100]

My Pass X150 power amp has just now become available in the AOS classifieds. :)
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?55440-FS-or-Swap-Pass-Labs-X150-power-amp

EDIT: Oops - just noticed, it's a bit over budget. But then those Aleph 2 amps would be even more so!

https://i.imgur.com/R5otY5h.jpg

[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?

[Mikeandvan]

My Pass X150 power amp has just now become available in the AOS classifieds. :)
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?55440-FS-or-Swap-Pass-Labs-X150-power-amp

EDIT: Oops - just noticed, it's a bit over budget. But then those Aleph 2 amps would be even more so!

https://i.imgur.com/R5otY5h.jpg

I did see that, and yes definitely out of my budget at the moment, is that Nelson Pass companu? What are you changing to?

[Conan]

I have a JVC AX-1010TN that I'm thinking of putting up for sale.
this is in excellent condition and it comes with an internal dac and remote control.

[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 have a JVC AX-1010TN that I'm thinking of putting up for sale.
this is in excellent condition and it comes with an internal dac and remote control.

Not familiar with that one.

[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

[DAVEDWACK]

Not familiar with that one.

Hi Mike,
Pop over to pink fish and have a look at the massive thread about the JVC.

It’s a really good Integrated and built like a battleship with a tremendous mm/mc phono stage, amongst other goodies!

I confess to owning one myself, also possibly up for sale soon for altogether different reasons. It’s a cracker though!

Cheers....Dave

[Mikeandvan]

Hi Mike,
Pop over to pink fish and have a look at the massive thread about the JVC.

It’s a really good Integrated and built like a battleship with a tremendous mm/mc phono stage, amongst other goodies!

I confess to owning one myself, also possibly up for sale soon for altogether different reasons. It’s a cracker though!

Cheers....Dave

Just saw it, one guy picks up random Jap 90s amp, likes it, everyone else buys one! Just think how many more great 90s Jap amps are out there!

[Mikeandvan]

I'm drowning in a sea of choices, please advise! Doesn't have to be perfect match. Right now I'd like to keep spend under the £500 mark, can upgrade later. I'm tired of all the usual choices that everybpdy searches for cos of the brand. And almost every What hi fi award winner seems to have a 'lean' sound, not what I need with my TT! Any 90s Jap sleepers to look out for?

[Bigman80]

Sugden class A ?

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[walpurgis]

Sugden class A ?

You won't find a good one for £500 unfortunately.

That might just about be enough for a Croft though.

[Mikeandvan]

Sugden class A ?

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There's an A21 on ebay, are they any good?

[Mikeandvan]

You won't find a good one for £500 unfortunately.

That might just about be enough for a Croft though.

Whats a good one? Was thinking Croft as well, would they be ok with Nak as phono stage?

[walpurgis]

There's an A21 on ebay, are they any good?

The one with the wood case is an early seventies item and limited in power. Reasonable sounding, but not worth £500. I've had one.

The modern silver one is likely to fetch more than £500. It's a good amp, but again, lowish power output. Should be enough to drive your Ruarks though.


Have you had a look at this? http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?54656-Onix-Melody-SP3-Valve-Amplifier

[Bigman80]

There's an A21 on ebay, are they any good?I am told (never heard) that Class A Sugden are quite magical.

Walpurgis is your man.

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[Mikeandvan]

The one with the wood case is an early seventies item and limited in power. Reasonable sounding, but not worth £500. I've had one.

The modern silver one is likely to fetch more than £500. It's a good amp, but again, lowish power output. Should be enough to drive your Ruarks though.


Have you had a look at this? http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?54656-Onix-Melody-SP3-Valve-Amplifier
I did see that one, is that the same Onix who made the oa 21? I|'ve no idea of its sound. Would it be ok with the Nak?

[walpurgis]

I did see that one, is that the same Onix who made the oa 21? I|'ve no idea of its sound. Would it be ok with the Nak?

I don't think it's the same Onix, the OA21 was on the market half a lifetime ago.

The Onix Melody SP3 seems well enough liked. I've not heard one. You'd need to check output/input matching between it and the Nakamichi. There's always the volume control on the Onix to help though. Quite tempted by it myself actually, it looks like quite a lot of decent valve amp for the money.

[Mikeandvan]

Not so sure about valves, I do really like music to have that propulsive quality, like it rock basically, but Naim amps just too grey for me, especially now that I use a non suspended TT. A lot of people were using the old Naims with the old LP12s, which probably made them tolerable.

[Macca]

. And almost every What hi fi award winner seems to have a 'lean' sound, not what I need with my TT! Any 90s Jap sleepers to look out for?

You have an issue with boomy bass so perhaps the 'leaner' ampflication is what you need? Certainly something with more damping than the Naim. That JVC might be just the job.

[Mikeandvan]

All my Naim stuff sold very well on Ebay, people can't get enough of it! Now using a Yamaha cheapie I had in my attic, its a tad dull, and pretty bad in just about every way. I'm still searching. Might just get a cheapie power amp for my Nak for the time being, seen a Rotel RB870BX on the bay, should go for - £100. Hopefully that'll satisfy until something decent turns up at the right price. So much Jap stuff I see on Ebay is set price and way too high, don't know why these people bother.

[walpurgis]

Might just get a cheapie power amp for my Nak for the time being

Spotted these earlier. Any good?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exposure-Super-18-power-amplifier/222743480127?hash=item33dc8bc73f:g:P5AAAOSw4PxaJVp t

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quad-306-50-watt-Stereo-Power-Amp-good-condition/122856750866?hash=item1c9ad53f12:g:wKwAAOSwYxBaL5K 7

[Mikeandvan]

Spotted these earlier. Any good?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exposure-Super-18-power-amplifier/222743480127?hash=item33dc8bc73f:g:P5AAAOSw4PxaJVp t

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quad-306-50-watt-Stereo-Power-Amp-good-condition/122856750866?hash=item1c9ad53f12:g:wKwAAOSwYxBaL5K 7
I'm not sure but I don't think I'd like the Quad sound. I would try the Exposure, though the last one went for over £300.

[walpurgis]

I'm not sure but I don't think I'd like the Quad sound.

I know what both sound like. The Quad has the edge in musicality in my opinion.

Been using one for a few months and very impressed at what this little thing can do. Quite powerful too.

[Mikeandvan]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cyrus-8-Power-Stereo-Mono-Amplifier-Quartz-Silver/202143654192?hash=item2f10b36130:g:NdEAAOSwHMJaLRv K

Saw this as well.

[deek]

What about the Sonneteer Alabaster? I've read nothing but good things about them. I'm even considering one to replace/downsize from a 72/HC/250.

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sonneteer-Alabaster-Integrated-Amplifier/152824678139

[Mikeandvan]

What about the Sonneteer Alabaster? I've read nothing but good things about them. I'm even considering one to replace/downsize from a 72/HC/250.

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sonneteer-Alabaster-Integrated-Amplifier/152824678139

I got de pre, I just need de power amp.

[Nihil Sleighride]

My tiny NuForce power amp is in the classifieds.

[Yomanze]

Perhaps the modern Exposure amps.

S.

Like the 3010S2. :)

[Mikeandvan]

Like the 3010S2. :)

Emm, was thinking old Exposure, what's the difference?

[southall-1998]

Like the 3010S2. :)


Yup!

S.

[Mikeandvan]

Yup!

S.

Is that the integrated, stereo or monoblocks?

[Ninanina]

Mike I don't know if it helps but I had tried lots of Naim amps over about 20 years and never 'got' the Naim sound at all and I always wondered what all the fuss was about....however I tried one last time a couple of months ago and this time I really 'got it'...

I think the current Naim sound is nothing like the Naim of old. You mentioned your Naim to "exhibit traits of harshness" and that's exactly how I would have described the Naim's I had in the past but my current Naim amps have absolutely no harshness, in fact nothing could be further from the truth, so it might be worth trying something newer from Naim, you might be very surprised. My current Naim's are the XS2 and the Supernait 2 but I am pretty sure a newer power amp would also be much the same sound wise

If not I have had a Sugden A21 on home demo a couple of times and they are very good indeed, quite sweet sounding

Personally I would not go the Cyrus route as I've always found them rather thin sounding, loads of detail but not rich enough for my taste..

Don't know if any of that helps at all ;)

[Mikeandvan]

Mike I don't know if it helps but I had tried lots of Naim amps over about 20 years and never 'got' the Naim sound at all and I always wondered what all the fuss was about....however I tried one last time a couple of months ago and this time I really 'got it'...

I think the current Naim sound is nothing like the Naim of old. You mentioned your Naim to "exhibit traits of harshness" and that's exactly how I would have described the Naim's I had in the past but my current Naim amps have absolutely no harshness, in fact nothing could be further from the truth, so it might be worth trying something newer from Naim, you might be very surprised. My current Naim's are the XS2 and the Supernait 2 but I am pretty sure a newer power amp would also be much the same sound wise

If not I have had a Sugden A21 on home demo a couple of times and they are very good indeed, quite sweet sounding

Personally I would not go the Cyrus route as I've always found them rather thin sounding, loads of detail but not rich enough for my taste..

Don't know if any of that helps at all ;)
It does thanks.

[Yomanze]

Is that the integrated, stereo or monoblocks?

The integrated. HiFi News preferred it to the Naim Nait XS2 & Rega Elicit R. :)

http://www.hifinews.co.uk/news/article/exposure-3010s2-pound;1495/20185

[Scooby]

People have already mentioned the Sugden A21a and Sonneteer Alabaster. I've had both and would recommend either, although I think the Sonneteer is slightly more "loveable". If you did want to go the power amp route, the Sugden is also available as a power amp.

[oldius]

Sounds to me like the Nakamichi PA5 would be the right cboice and they do come up within budget from time to time.

The PA7 is a more expensive choice but again a nice match with your preamplifier.

[Mikeandvan]

People have already mentioned the Sugden A21a and Sonneteer Alabaster. I've had both and would recommend either, although I think the Sonneteer is slightly more "loveable". If you did want to go the power amp route, the Sugden is also available as a power amp.

I read a review of the Sugden and it said it was a tad warm, well it said good things too, might be a too far from what I'm used to, which is Olive Naim. Then again I might like it, who knows.

[Mikeandvan]

Sounds to me like the Nakamichi PA5 would be the right cboice and they do come up within budget from time to time.

The PA7 is a more expensive choice but again a nice match with your preamplifier.

Yes, I see you have the ca7 pre amp, which means remote control! But they're even rarer right? Yes a PA-5 would be nice, I just bought a Sony ta -670es, so I'll use the nak as phono stage into the Sony for now. It was cheapish - £145, and will bridge the gap between finding a decent power amp, I would like to try a pa-5 or 7 one day.

[walpurgis]

Sugden amps are consistent in price, so if you bought one, tried it and decided against it, you'd sell it on at the same price you paid. Not much of a risk.

[Mikeandvan]

Just got a Sony 670es, not bad so far. I also just got a Nakamichi, as some of you are probably bored of hearing. Is there a way to use the Nak as a phono stage connected to the sony? Do I just connect it to the aux? But from what output of the nak? Ta.