Warm sounding solid state integrated/seperates under $1500

c_corie

Looking for ideas for CM8s I want something with a decent bottom end and power and maybe a softer top end. Will be using a Hegel HD2 dac and open to amp/cable combos. I think I've ruled out tube amps-they seem to sound best at a decent volume-most of my listening will be lower/apartment levels.

tonyb

Belles, B&K, Butler, McCormack for starters. Pass labs too.

c_corie

None of these are available locally. I'd like to buy online-with an easy exchange/return policy. I'm located in CT. All anyone seems to carry here is marantz, Rotel, Anthem, Hegel, Classe, NAD, and maybe a few ultra high end things.

cnh

Of the above, I've heard NAD, Anthem, and Classe. I think they'd all be classified as warmish for SS amps. Rotel, not as much. And Hegel, I just have not heard.

Some of the Marantz integrateds might be OK too. You need to get your ears on those and decide for yourself.

Good luck. I think you "do" have enough to choose from there!


cnh

thsmith

Carver TFM series

usp1

The Mccormack amps are very good. See if you can get a used dna-1.

markmarc

First, how is your room treatment situation? Always start there, it's the easiest way to improve/change your sound. If you can audition SimAudio, even a their previous base model the i.5 has a touch of SS warmth. The Rega Brio is another choice, though I'm a bit surprised the Hegel integrated doesn't spark your interest, even if it is a bit out of your price range. I'd probably be tempted to save a bit longer and go that route.

soundfreak1

Since you are unsure i recomend sepporate amp amd pre instead of intergrated. This will give you more flexability too work with as far as upgrading and getting you the sound you like. Would sugguest looking at parasound as well (very warm sounding) and they fit the description of sound you mentioned.

c_corie

Let me say the speakers have not arrived yet, and I only tested the Hegel dac through his CM9/tube/sub setup and it was nice but almost a little too relaxed and that was through tube so I want something more clean/bright then tube but still warm for solid state. Also my listening area is a big open living room in new apt...can I post a pic here some now? I just moved I so it's empty and waiting for a stereo

markmarc

I would suggest you save the money and stick with an integrated amp. The quality of them has jumped dramatically in the past 7 years. Plus with the money you save you can buy a second integrated of a different amplification style. I have three, SS, Tube, and Class D, and over the course of a year I rotate thru all three.

Gaara

I personally find ICEpower to have a warmer sound with great bass slam. I have a pair of 525wpc monoblocks for sale in the CP Classifieds that are ICEpower w/in your price range. If you don't need that much power you could go with a Wyred 4 Sound amp @ 125wpc for $1k, or go with one of their integrateds.

Another warm sounding amp brand would be Parasound. I owned and really liked their A23 stereo amp and A52 surround amp. Where in CT are you located? I purchased my Parasounds from Connect-Tech in Longmeadow, just over the MA border.

dkr919

I have one of these...it made a huge impact in my listening quality.

http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=155&Itemid=221

From the website. "Our best sounding solid-state amplifier and likely the most musical and transparent at any price."

markmarc

Gaara:
You're the first person I've ever met to describe ICE power as warm, and if that is what you hear more power to you. But, the growing trend with ICE amps is the inclusion of a tube buffer to warm the sound speaks to general opinion that ICE amps are more likely to sound dry or technical.

Gaara

markmarc,

I wouldn't say it is as warm as a class A amp, but yeah to me they err on the side of warm. Maybe its in the definition, most of the icepower amps I have heard have detail in the highs but they are never harsh, which I always attributed to their slow roll-off in the treble, hence my opinion on them being warm.

Looking at your sig I had a PS Audio Trio a few years back, and it was one of the ICEpower amps I owned which I would NOT describe as warm sounding.

markmarc

Garda:
Ive been lucky enough to compare the stock Trio against my modified one, and you are correct that the stock model is not warm in the least. The modded improves the situation, but the two different Wyred4Sound models I've spent time with as well as the Wadia and the Virtue Audio (with tube buffer off) equally as technical sounding. I do hope ICE continues to improve or that tube buffers are adopted universally.

gdb

Pass ? Warm ? Did not think that possible.

gdb

thsmith wrote: »

Carver TFM series

A good inexpensive route, my 35 is warm as toast, my 55 isn't quite as warm but, still warmish nonetheless. I have a MF tube buffer in the mix too, tube sound without all the tube work, IMO.

Lietuvis91

Parasound 1500 matches that description. Definitely warmer than a NAD.

logo896

My 2 cents is the Peachtree intigrated amps, these fit well in your budget and can be used as a pre amp if you decide to move to a bigger outboard still.

c_corie

Parasound seems neat-where should I buy and how much should they cost-what models are good what should I avoid? Also does their higher end series come in black?

wkjeffers

their classic series comes in black, they do sound good. not to dry and not too warm.

c_corie

What about tube amps? Or maybe something lie the Red Wine Sig 15? These speakers will be used most likely at quite low volumes

Tbone289

I have a tube amp in my 2-channel system (see sig), and I find that the tonal character is less volume-dependent than any SS amp I've owned. I'm not sure if that's the case for lower-powered tube amps though--mine is ~40 watts per channel. I use mine at mostly low volume in a nearfield setup. To me it sounds quite good at low volume levels.

NJPOLKER

I may not be far from you. Maybe we should get together sometime and listen to my Belles 350a amplifier and Anthem pre2L tube pre- amp combination along with your speakers. Just an idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ErasmusBDragon

+2 on Belles (One and XLM)

ViperZ

B&W speakers will sound super-warm with Rotel amps. Linn and other UK manufacturers will also be very warm sounding.

chumlie

c_corie wrote: »

Parasound seems neat-where should I buy and how much should they cost-what models are good what should I avoid? Also does their higher end series come in black?

www.audioadvisor.com for the Parasound and the Halo series is coming in black.

PrazVT

I'll put a plug in for my NAD c375BEE integrated; lots of power and neutral. I tend to see more change in warmth based on which DAC I have attached. Using MIT AVT2 cables / ICs, but have used Signal Silver / Ultras as well.

Otherwise..+1 for Parasound. Typically warm sound.

michael1947

Warm and cheap think vintage. I have a 70's Yamaha with a wood case that can operate in just class A up to the first 10 wts then changes to AB. You can pick these heavy boys up for $200 ish all day long and they can even throw in a little heat into your room for those long winter nights.

wkjeffers

well vintage opens up a whole new can.........the old yamaha B series threshold class A with a refurb from Soderberg in calif.......forte.......

c_corie

Is something like a Yamaha A-S300/500 worth it? Reasonable prices and I tend to like their build quality. Are they warm/cold/dry?