Integrated 2 Channel Amp to power Polk RTI A7s

pkdowning

I have another thread in the digital forum that originally started out discussing DACs, but got redirected into discussing integrated amps. Rather than continue that thread I thought I would start a new thread in the more appropriate thread of 2 channel audio.
I recently bought a pair of Polk RTI A7s in anticipation for implementing a listening room in my home (roughly 20' x 15'). The A7s will be solely used for music listening and in a 2 channel fashion. I currently have an Onkyo 606 receiver rated at 90 watts/ch that I was planninng on using to power the A7s. However, after joining this forum and starting to look around, I quickly found out that I could get a lot more out of my speakers and enjoy my music more with a better source. Thus, I am looking for an integrated stereo amp.
So far I have found the following amps that seem to get pretty good reviews:
NAD C356BEE
Cambridge Audio 651A
Outlaw RR2150
Music Hall A15.2 (I liked the price point of the Music Hall but would like speaker A and speaker B output).

Would any of these amps be a good pairing with the A7s? Are there any others I should consider? I would also be interested in used equipment as well if there is anything out there.
Thanks in advance.

coolsax

I like my A15.2, i too wish it had A&B outputs but it is a strong amp for the price point. If you are wanting to do any Vinyl the Music Hall is good too as it comes with a phono amp as well.

F1nut

Have you considered a tube integrated? Maybe one of the Jolida's.

pkdowning

I have always been curious about a tube amp, however would like to stay within a certain budget around $500 new/used.

blairfrischx

Also look at the Harman/Kardon HK3490. Its amplifier section is good - not sure about its phono section.

pkdowning

Does the NAD have better synergy than the Cambridge?

pkdowning

From the integrates amps I am looking at, the wattage ranges from 50-100 watts. Is that enough to power the A7s? I was at a local hi-fi shop the other day and they mentioned that wattage doesn't necessarily matter. Is there any truth to that?

mdaudioguy

True, but as in most things, it depends! What models are you looking at?

pkdowning

Music Hall A15.2
Outlaw RR2150
Harmon Kardon 3490
NAD C 356BEE
Cambridge audio 650/651A
Marantz PM6004

zingo

Here is a cool little tube integrated amp from Grant Fidelity: http://shop.grantfidelity.com/Shuguang-I-25-Integrated-Mini-Amp-w-MP3-port.html

mdaudioguy

All good choices, imo. No bad apples in that bunch! Have you listened to all of them?

mdaudioguy

zingo wrote: »

Here is a cool little tube integrated amp from Grant Fidelity: http://shop.grantfidelity.com/Shuguang-I-25-Integrated-Mini-Amp-w-MP3-port.html

I'd definitely consider something like that if I was in the market!

Conradicles

NAD C372. Look for one on the used market for a great deal.

pkdowning

mdaudioguy wrote: »

All good choices, imo. No bad apples in that bunch! Have you listened to all of them?

I actually haven't listened to any of them and am solely going off of recommendations in this as well as other forums. I understand the A7s can be a little bright and its a good idea to pair them with a "warmer" amp. Is that correct?

pkdowning

Conradicles wrote: »

NAD C372. Look for one on the used market for a great deal.

Would the NAD C372 be better or up to par with the NAD 375BEE?

EndersShadow

pkdowning wrote: »

Would the NAD C372 be better or up to par with the NAD 375BEE?

Check out this puppy....

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?134970-Rotel-RA-1312-Integrated-Amplifier-200

CCNJ

pkdowning wrote: »

Would the NAD C372 be better or up to par with the NAD 375BEE?

I do not think there would be a significant sonic difference between these two amps. I owned the 355 and thought it was a very good amp. I had it paired with polk lsi9s and thought it was a great combination.