Integrated amp recommendations <$3,000

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions. Some excellent amplifiers here, and a few people suggesting I upgrade the TT first. I'm going to ponder that before proceeding.

 

Let us know how it works out.

 

http://colleencardasimports.com/dealers/

You can call your nearest dealer for info, or if you give me a PM I'll let you know the pricing.

 

That was the combination used for the LS50's US debut at the California Audio Show a couple of years ago.

 

I ordered my kit yesterday - a Croft Micro 25 preamp with phono stage and a Croft Series 7 power amp. Between Glenn Croft and my local dealer I'm also having the following mods done: -

1) Mono switch
2) Single volume control plus balance control
3) Remote control for the volume and mute
4) An extra line-in
5) A buffered line out to support a tape loop

Looking forward to getting that set up at home!

In between auditioning and buying the Croft kit, and just for fun, I purchased an Arcam Delta 290 line-only integrated amp on eBay. Lovely, musical amp that throws a massively wide and deep soundstage. Not as good as the Croft kit, however but something that will still get used every now and then because it has such a sweet character.

 

This:
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-61496-marantz-pm-15s2-limited-integrated-amp-demo.aspx
And then this:
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-7302-music-hall-mmf-71-turntable.aspx
Will do ya'! I would keep the stand alone phono amp though.

 

I just pulled the trigger on a Croft Phono Integrated. Once the bank account rebounds a little, I'll start shopping for a better turntable.

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

 

Sounds good to me. Maybe we should compare notes when our respective pieces of Croft kit arrive.

 

Congratulations both, I think you'll both be very happy! It's actually amazing how fast one adjusts to the dual volume pots, but when I get mine upgraded to "R" spec, a mono switch sounds a very nice addition.

If either of you find the gain is too much, Croft can address that too, but I found a swap to 5751 tubes (lower gain version of the 12AX7) solved my slight issue. I can highly recommend the GE 5751's.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on