Pave999 Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Hi all, I am putting together my first rig, after having enjoyed my flatmate's years ago. I have a Project Debut Carbon turn table with a Project USB Variable phono stage, and I have just picked up 2 x VAF i90 speakers in Tasmanian Blackwood (I have an extra one listed for sale). Due to their small size and complete enclosure, these speakers benefit from a bit of extra power, VAF tells me. The bass is a little light on and I may need a subwoofer down the line. I need an amp and welcome recommendations. I mainly listen to vinyl and to lossless CD rips streamed via Apple TV (I will get a dedicated home-theatre PC eventually). I mainly listen to indie rock, plus a little jazz and electronica. I have a big, open-plan living area (6m x 8m with high ceilings). So far, I have tried the NAD 3020 D, the NAD 356BEE and the Arcam FMJ a19. The 3020 D was too gutless. The 356 sounded nice and punchy, and I like the price and option of a decent cheap DAC in the modular add-on. The a19 sounded a little too polite and, at higher volumes, a bit trebly, hurting my head. It offered the most detail, but seemed a bit clinical and I lost myself in the music a bit more in the case of the 356, though perhaps this is simply because I am more used to the more muscular type of sound. Any other options? I live in Adelaide and will audition a Quasimodo amp, though I would need to get a DAC with a remote so that I can mute TV ads. This is a must. I welcome your thoughts!
kczar01 Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Mate check out some of the deals have on Vincent gear at the moment. http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/vincent%20specials.htm
oldrose Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 New with a sensible match to the VAFs Rega Brio or Marantz 6004? depending on how you like your sound.
aasza Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 If you can stretch your budget a little, Dennis White have a demo model Cyrus 8XPd integrated Amplifer/DAC $1299 (RRP: $2999) 70W/ch into 8ohms, 150w/ch into 4ohms 2 optical (toslink) inputs and USB input for computer http://www.deniswhitea2v.com.au/cyrus-8-xpd-amplifier-dac-silver-demo-model..html Might be worth an audition.
Pave999 Posted March 6, 2014 Author Posted March 6, 2014 Thank you! I'm auditioning the Quasimodo this Saturday, then will check out the Cyrus.
Pave999 Posted March 10, 2014 Author Posted March 10, 2014 Hi all! I listened to the Quasimodo and was very impressed, so I think I will go for an old 40W model that was lying around, and ask the maker to add any recent upgrades to the design. It was very clear, lively and punchy. Now I need to save up for a sub-woofer. 1
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