Warm sounding solid state integrated/seperates under $1500

Oldmanind

Can't go wrong with the newer nad gear

bthogan

Lietuvis91 wrote: »

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

In my personal experience, the Parasound HCA-1500A is quite warm for its used price point (~$375), and sounds great. The McCormack DNA-1, though, is a whole other tier of performance, and a very warm-sounding solid state amp, for ~$800 used.

gdb

Here's a thought....how about tubes ? The int. amp linked, with a tube upgrade is centerfield of your ball park.

http://shop.grantfidelity.com/FACTORY-CLEARANCE-Shuguang-S300I-Integrated-Tube-Amplifier.html

timpeace

I love my Onkyo M-508. Great sound and gobs of power.

newrival

Emotivas are warmer sounding amps with rolled off highs. Krells are very dark. I like B&W for a warm sound. Odysseys offerings are warmer but nicely detailed and nicely priced. Dayens, and Class D audio are warmer as well.

crouse

I have a Music Hall a15.2 that has a nice warm sound and the msrp is only $500. Having said that, I decided I made a mistake buying an amp without balance and tone controls, so I'm going to sell the Music Hall. I'm now running an Outlaw receiver as a pre-amp with a vintage Sansui receiver as the power amp. Very nice combo with my Klipsch LaScalas. If you don't want tone or balance controls, see if you can give a Music Hall a listen.

mister pig

When dealing with Brit speakers, it really does make a lot of sense to pick a British amp also. There is a bit of this building block thing going on with British electronics, they tend ot have a complimentary voicing. I would look at products from Creek, Quad, Rega, and Audiolab among others for new. I also would say an integrated is a great choice, the Brits ruled the world of affordable hi fi with their integrated and monitor type speakers.

Now if you were to head down the vintage/used path a couple of options come to mind. PSE Audio built some very nice SS electonics that were warm and textured. Also the CJ Sonegraphe line is worth finding, and CJ also made the Motif series of SS electronics that has lots of texture and warmth without being overly romantic. There are some amps such as Monarchy Audio that uses a tube at the driver stage and SS output devices. Monarchy is kind of an under the radar company, but offer an uncommon value. Oh one other vintage company to consider is Tandberg, they make outstanding electronics. If you were fortunate to find one of their later model integrateds, it would meet your needs quite nicely.

Regards
Mister Pig

Moose68Bash

You might want to have a look at Perreaux integrateds or separates. Some vintage models, while somewhat rare, are excellent.

c_corie

The speakers are sitting inboxes, but my car broke down last night, so amp budget is now $800 or less and no used please. Thanks for the help, and I need to choose an amp quick-I want music in my apt-lol

Erik Tracy

cnh wrote: »

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

Another 'vote' for a Marantz Integrated - and to get out there and get your ears on some gear.

michael1947

If used is out of the question and new is your only option for $800 or less then think Emotiva. I have some of their stuff and like it although many of the really established audiophiles in our forum dislike it...kind of like when Toyota and Honda started exporting cars to the USA and the established automobilephiles denounced everything but their trusty Oldsmobiles and Plymouths. If you buy new Emotiva has a 30 day return policy so you won't be hurt too badly if you really can't stand it.:rolleyes:

deronb1

Whatever SS amp you end up getting, put a tube buffer between the pre and the amp and it will get even "warmer"