integrated amplifier

[exodus]

HI GUYS, I AM LOOKING FOR SOME ADVICE FROM YOU.I USED TO HAVE A MARANTZ PM 6004 INTEGRATED AMP HOOKED TO MY B&W 683 S2. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT WHEN I CRANKED THE VOLUME THE AMP WILL SHUT DOWN. THE B&W'S ARE A BIT POWER HUNGRY AND THE AMP WAS ONLY 45W,SO IT WAS UNDER POWERED. NOW I HAVE MY EYES ON NAIM NAIT 5I S2, NAIM NAIT SX2, CREEK DESTINY 2 OR EVEN ARCAM A19, ALTHOUGH THE ARCAM IS ONLY 50WATTS. CAN YOU PLEASE RECOMEND THE RIGHT AMPS REGARDING MUSICALITY & POWER FOR MY B&W 683S2? YOUR ADVICE WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED.THANKS.

 

[j_garcia]

Sensitivity is somewhat lower, but these do not sound like terribly difficult to drive speakers. For elevated volumes though, I'd expect 50W probably isn't enough even from Arcam. While the Arcams sound great, you could get great sound from something like the Outlaw Audio RR2150.

 

[lovinthehd]

I don't know, putting all those electronics in one box isn't very pure, you need separates for true musicality

 

[TLS Guy]

In your list the Creek Destiny 2 is head and shoulders above the rest. Creek integrated amps are absolutely the Rolls Royce of integrated amps.

B & W speakers are all somewhat of a difficult load as they so often have awkward phase angles which is probably why you ran into trouble.

The Creek Destiny 2 is a superb MOS FET amp. If you are looking for the best then that is my recommendation. The rest are all second tier or less to that amp.

 

[exodus]

thanks guys for your response. what do you think about the ATOLL IN SE 80 INTEGRATED? IT received good reviews in certain magazines.Atoll is a french brand and all components are made inhouse. What do you think? Other comments are most welcome thanks.

 

[TLS Guy]

thanks guys for your response. what do you think about the ATOLL IN SE 80 INTEGRATED? IT received good reviews in certain magazines.Atoll is a french brand and all components are made inhouse. What do you think? Other comments are most welcome thanks.

That amp is like most of the pack of integrated amps. On your list only the Creek has the capability to not shut down when you crank it. Realistically your only other option is to go with separates.

 

[exodus]

Thanks TLS, Iwill take your advice and go for the Creek.