Ive also read the great reviews about the Rotel and saw one at a loca hifi store. It looked great, good finish. I bought an Arcam A65 plus a couple of months back and am very happy with it. Im thinking about picking up the Jmlab 706 soon. What amp did you pick and how do you like it paired with your Jmlab speakers?
Rotel is a great choice for many. Krell at the low end can be a real disappointment. Check used Dunlavys if space permits. No, on second don't do that unless you're ready to spend more on the electronics
The Creek 4330 MK2 is a nice integrated amp for $595 and the new Purist Audio "Museaus" cables are a real bargain for the money. You may also want to look at NAD for an integrated amp under $800.
I agree with Reubent. The Audio Refinement is a great piece. Also, Plinius 8100 I'm sure would do you justice. Also look for the Mistral SE. Sam Tellig says it's his favorite integrated in the price range. Can have those for about 700. I might suggest staying away from the Anthem INT 2. I've owned one and had a hard time selling it when I did.
I owned the Krell 300i for two years before upgrading to FPB line. I thought the 300i to be an excellent integrated. Powerful, open, dynamic and clear. However, if you like laid back, tube-like euphonics steer clear of the Krell 300i. By the way, this integrated will reveal everything about your cable choices. Definitely purchase your integrated before choosing your cables. IMHO
I would buy some really good cables first and then think about upgrading the amp. I also agree with the Acoustic Zen recommendation, try the WOW ICs for about $175 used, these are very good and will give a very full and very detailed sound. Try the AZ Satori speaker wire or Alpha Core MI2 Veracity and I bet you would be very happy.
Haha, no I'm not considering the Rotel because it comes in silver trim! I've just been reading a lot of British magazines and so far it has gotten rave reviews. Plus it's in my price range.
Thank you everybody for you suggestions. Keep them coming!
Look for a used Plinius 8100 for around 1000. Plinius is like an audio refinement complete, but will do much more of it, more detail, air, and dare I say palpability. Also, check out Acoustic Zen cables, their new entry level stuff will be in your price range, good luck
The CDP is a great choice, and the speakers are also very good. If it was my system I would look for a used Rogue Tempest integrated, if you could strech get the magnum one it is well worth the extra money. Price is probably $1400 to $1700 (Magnum) used. You will be hard press to find comparable solid state at this price. I do not know what is the efficiency of your speakers, the size of your room or listening habits, but 60 watts of tube power should be sufficient. Do not go crazy on interconnects, buy used to begin with. My 2 cents worth.
Nice start! That Arcam CDP looks beautiful. I'm assuming you got the silver finish and that's the reason you're considering the Rotel RA-02? Chelillingworth thoughts on the Audio Refinement Complete would probably look great w/your Arcam. If you wanted to save a little money I would recommend you give Kimber 4vs speaker wire consideration. I would terminate the wire myself (easy) and secure bare wire to your binding posts. This sounds IMO the best. As far as interconnects, I'm very impressed with the Van Den Hul D102. One other interconnect you might want to check out would be Nordost's "Black Knight." I've heard positive remarks about this affordable IC but haven't auditioned myself. Also Cardas makes an affordable model which Audio Advisor sells. Audition in your system to see if they suit your tastes. I hope you enjoy your new system. Bill
I would steer clear of the Krell and stay whithin your budget and get something much more musical. The Audio Refinement complete is a very nice integrated and will quite often go used for less than $700. Entry level Harmonic Tech cables are your best bet they have very ic for $79 and speaker cables for $129 I think they're called Harmony. TH JM Labs are nice.. get some good stands for them. The Rotel is very blan also take the complete above other amps such as Creek and Mistral.. and Rega I have heard these at home and prefer the complete.
Rotel is good, reliable entry level gear. I bought it for my daughter. The Krell 300i is a step up (available on Audiogon for $1100-1200), and is a unit that I personally would be happy to own for a small system. I would suggest restraint in purchasing cable. Put your $$$ in equipment. Cable will not provide you with miracles. It will just do its job. At this level there are lots of good, very equivalent cable options. Visit fatwyre.com and look at the large array of affordable entry level cables, then see if they are available used (usedcable.com) or here at Audiogon. Whatever you do, don't pay retail for cables.
I don't know of a good intregated amp in your price range. For an extra $500 there is the Sim Audio Moon or the Krell 300i. As far as interconnects: if you like jazz get copper to smooth out the music. If you like detail & brightness get silver. Whats your price range on interconnects & cables? I have Harmonic Technology Pro-Silway MKII silver balance & Harmonic Technology Truth-Links copper RCA as interconnects. I also tried Cardas Cross copper RCA, but wasn't that impressed but the interconnect was used as a phono cable which I believe was the wrong application. I also tried & like Synergistic Research active shield interconnects, but save those for your prime connections. I have had Neotech, Monster Cable 2.4 bi-wires, but my newer Synergistic Research .5 resoultion & x10 speaker cables give the best detail but they go for around $500 to $1000
