~$300 or so to spend...

mdaudioguy
mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
edited October 2012 in 2 Channel Audio
It's not much money, I know, but I have a budget of about $300 (ok, maybe $350) to spend on an amp for my new pair of LSi7s. Don't say Emo - I just sold mine mainly to free up cash for a small 2-channel music rig. I'm running them temporarily with my Adcom, and it's nice, but I'm looking for something a little different, maybe a tad warmer. Maybe a pre/amp combo, maybe just an amp, maybe an integrated. All I want to do is connect my squeezebox receiver to whatever I get. Ideas? What has sounded good with your LSis? :)
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited March 2010
    Carver TFM-35... Warm sounding little amp.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited March 2010
    What are you running for a pre?
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2010
    Used Cambridge Audio 640 integrated
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited March 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    What are you running for a pre?

    Right now it's just connected through my AVR, but I intend to separate into two systems. I'm was thinking about connecting the squeezebox directly to an amp, but I understand the results will probably be better running through a pre or an integrated amp.
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited March 2010
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Carver TFM-35... Warm sounding little amp.
    dkg999 wrote: »
    Used Cambridge Audio 640 integrated

    I will add these to my watchlist. Thanks! I am seeing a few things out there in my price range. :)
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  • Timothy Smith
    Timothy Smith Posts: 764
    edited March 2010
    Hi,

    If you are interested, I have a Carver TFM-35 that I am not using that I would sell for $300.

    Would you like me to see what shipping would be from WI to MD?
    Norh ACA-2B tube pre, Sumo Andromeda SS amp. Magneplanar MMG speakers, M&K MX1250 Subwoofer, Pro-Ject RM1.3 Genie TT with Sumiko Pearl MM cart., Keces DAC, Cambridge Audio Azur 640c CD player
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited March 2010
    dkg999 wrote: »
    Used Cambridge Audio 640 integrated

    +1 that is a nice piece that would solve all of your problems for now and give you something a little different than your current sound/setup.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited March 2010
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    Right now it's just connected through my AVR, but I intend to separate into two systems. I'm was thinking about connecting the squeezebox directly to an amp, but I understand the results will probably be better running through a pre or an integrated amp.

    By quite a lot. I'd recommend a nice integrated like the Cambridge or NAD, etc. A nice Adcom GFA 535 amp and lower cost pre-amp would do nicely too. If you really watch you can get both for about $300, but really an integrated is just as good and simpler.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1274394164&/Onkyo-A-9555

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1274297438&/Cambridge-Audio-640-A--version-2

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1273855956&/NAD-C-325-BEE

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1273771886&/Arcam-Alpha-9-Integrated

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1273385167&/NAD-3020A

    The above are all excellent examples that would make your 7's sing


    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited March 2010
    Timothy Smith wrote: »
    Hi,

    If you are interested, I have a Carver TFM-35 that I am not using that I would sell for $300.

    Would you like me to see what shipping would be from WI to MD?

    Sure, but I'm going to research all of these great recommendations when I get home tonight. PM me. Thanks!
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited March 2010
    I have a Carver TCM 35x and I love it...very powerful and sounds great. The only other amp I have some experience with is B&K and I thought it had a warm sound...although, ini fairness...it's not in comparison with my current setup. I listed to a B&K ST140 powering monitor 7a's, and the Carver with SDA 1C's. I do feel they are both warm, with high quality sound.

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited March 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    By quite a lot. I'd recommend a nice integrated like the Cambridge or NAD, etc. A nice Adcom GFA 535 amp and lower cost pre-amp would do nicely too. If you really watch you can get both for about $300, but really an integrated is just as good and simpler.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1274394164&/Onkyo-A-9555

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1274297438&/Cambridge-Audio-640-A--version-2

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1273855956&/NAD-C-325-BEE

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1273771886&/Arcam-Alpha-9-Integrated

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1273385167&/NAD-3020A

    The above are all excellent examples that would make your 7's sing


    H9

    Thanks H9! Some really great options there... hard to choose. I'm definitely leaning toward integrated now. Of course, the right deal on separates could tilt me back the other way. ;) Why is it I never have such luck searching audiogon myself?:o
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited March 2010
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    Sure, but I'm going to research all of these great recommendations when I get home tonight. PM me. Thanks!

    If you are going to go the route of an amp. I STRONGLY recommend a pre-amp and not using the variable output of the Squeezebox.

    For your budget this is why I recommended an integrated amp.

    The NAD 325BBE I posted a link to would be an excellent choice.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,194
    edited March 2010
    I would have suggested a JoLida hybrid tube/SS integrated, but they won't support the 4 ohm load, to the best of my knowledge (well, I think it's six, really, in the case of the LSi 7). So, since that's out, I would also suggest the NAD integrateds that have been mentioned. You just might be shocked at what a mere 40 or 50w/ch on these units will actually do for your LSi 7's (and you certainly won't damage them).

    Afterthought: It may not be considered in the same as NAD or Cambridge Audio, but several Polkies have reviewed how excellent they thought the h/k 3390 was, including use with the more demanding LSi 9. This might be a good choice if you prefer to buy new, with warranty, and harman/kardon is known for being on the warm side of neutral (true BTW, IME), and they are less than $250 on amazon.com at todays prices:

    http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-3390-Performance/dp/B00198BOAM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269361681&sr=1-3
    Alea jacta est!
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited March 2010
    Where can you get a Jolida hybrid integrated for $300? Please tell me, I'll be all over it.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,194
    edited March 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Where can you get a Jolida hybrid integrated for $300? Please tell me, I'll be all over it.

    H9
    Actually, recently (meaning the last six months or so) I've seen two or three of the 1301 model sold for $300, or less (on AudiogoN), and I only really keep an infrequent eye open, since I'm not in the market at present.

    At that price, though, you do have to be extra quick, since they usually sell within 24-48 hours, but if you're determined to get one, I think it's quite possible. However, as I said already, they won't be a viable option for the OP, because they are only rated for 8 ohms.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,824
    edited March 2010
    along with the HK angle you can also look at HK's ebay store they sell the 3480, 3485, and 3490 which are 120wpc 8ohm and 150wpc 4ohm refurbished and if you play it right you can get one for less than $300 as well.

    I think Assimilated used the 3480 to run his Lsi 7s
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
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  • domflane
    domflane Posts: 653
    edited March 2010
    + 1 on HK integrateds. My 3480 impresses me more everyday, it has plenty of power and lots of features that you might me interested in considering all the gear you have listed in your sig. I got mine on CL for $100 and there's plenty more on Harman's ebay store.
    That's not to say I wouldn't love a Cambridge or a Jolida Hybrid, I just couldn't beat the HK for $100.
    Home Theater
    RTiA5 - CSiA6 - FXiA6 - PSW650 - Pioneer Elite SC-55 - Carver AV-505 - Sony 46" 120Hz - Monster HP 2400 - Xbox 360 - Playstation 3
    2 Channel
    Polk RTA 15TL - Harman Kardon HK3485 - HK DVD48 - Signal Cable IC's and speaker cables
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited March 2010
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Carver TFM-35... Warm sounding little amp.


    Good suggestion. I am using one with my LS90's and it does the job pretty well. For the money, it's a fine specimen.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,194
    edited March 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Where can you get a Jolida hybrid integrated for $300? Please tell me, I'll be all over it.

    H9
    PM sent, so get moving!
    Alea jacta est!
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited March 2010
    And, the winner is...
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1274297438&/Cambridge-Audio-640-A--version-2

    Mine! (Well, as soon as it gets here...) :)
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2010
    Good choice!
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited March 2010
    dkg999 wrote: »
    Good choice!

    I kinda figured you'd confirm my decision. ;)
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2010
    Just remember, if you don't like it then it's H9's fault ;)
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited March 2010
    dkg999 wrote: »
    Just remember, if you don't like it then it's H9's fault ;)

    Why not, I get blamed for other things here on CP.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited March 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Why not, I get blamed for other things here on CP.

    Yeah, saw that... Oh well, you're all right in my book! :):):):)
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  • domflane
    domflane Posts: 653
    edited March 2010
    Nice choice MD, Cambridge integrateds are sweet. What did you pay for it? If you don't mind me asking . .
    Home Theater
    RTiA5 - CSiA6 - FXiA6 - PSW650 - Pioneer Elite SC-55 - Carver AV-505 - Sony 46" 120Hz - Monster HP 2400 - Xbox 360 - Playstation 3
    2 Channel
    Polk RTA 15TL - Harman Kardon HK3485 - HK DVD48 - Signal Cable IC's and speaker cables
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  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited March 2010
    Congrats Ed. Looks like a nice piece.
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,194
    edited March 2010
    In case it helps anyone else in the same boat, Spearit Sound is currently selling a Cambridge Integrated for under $300 new/demo, free shipping & full warranty included (they are authorized dealers).

    http://www.spearitsound.com/Cambridge_Audio/Cambridge_Audio_340a.asp
    Alea jacta est!
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited March 2010
    domflane wrote: »
    Nice choice MD, Cambridge integrateds are sweet. What did you pay for it? If you don't mind me asking . .

    350 for a new Cambridge Audio 640 A version 2 integrated amp... Looking around, not too bad of a deal, I think. I'll report back once I receive it.

    This is for LSi7 2-channel. Also just ordered a HK 254 AVR for the HT rig... Lots of changes going on, all funded by selling stuff I already had! :)
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  • dc55110
    dc55110 Posts: 128
    edited March 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Where can you get a Jolida hybrid integrated for $300? Please tell me, I'll be all over it.

    H9

    New this morning on A-gon: Jolida 1301 - $300
    (((STEREO)))
    Sony DVP-N9000es
    Squeezebox Duet
    Theta ProBasic IIIA
    Audio Research SP14
    White Audio Labs B1
    Transparent SoundWave Super
    Paradigm Studio Monitor
    B&W 802 s3

    HT
    Sony Bravia KDL-40Z4100
    Sony BDP-S350
    Yamaha HTR-5790
    NHT SB3 (Fronts)
    NHT SC2 (center)
    NHT SB2 (surround)
    Velodyne FSR12
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