Need Warmth!

[Jason Lopez]

I'm wanting to "warm up" the sound of my system...which consists of Phase Tech PC 9.1 tower speakers(4 ohm, 92 sensitivity, soft dome tweeters), a NAD C352 integrated amp, an Apple TV as a music server connected to a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic. I would like to replace the NAD. I prefer to stay with an integrated amp. I know tubes would sound warmer...however, i would like to stick with solid state gear for the longevity and reliability. Does anyone know which amps, or brand of amps that notoriously have a "warm" sound?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi Jason,

Perhaps a Marantz integrated amp? Or a Perreaux integrated amp? Or a Roksan? Or a Mistral?
Add some Cardas analog audio interconnect cables, or a Cardas digital coaxial cable to add a touch of midrange warmth.

Bob

 

[bigred7078]

I'm wanting to "warm up" the sound of my system...which consists of Phase Tech PC 9.1 tower speakers(4 ohm, 92 sensitivity, soft dome tweeters), a NAD C352 integrated amp, an Apple TV as a music server connected to a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic. I would like to replace the NAD. I prefer to stay with an integrated amp. I know tubes would sound warmer...however, i would like to stick with solid state gear for the longevity and reliability. Does anyone know which amps, or brand of amps that notoriously have a "warm" sound?

instead of the DAC Magic you could try the Music Hall DAC25.5. Its a hell of a dac IMO. And does have the tube for a bit of overall warmth.

An option that would be more along the lines of what you were asking help with would be the Butler Audio amps. They are tube/SS hybrid amps of excellent quality and great longevity. I would look for them on audiogon though because they go for half price


http://www.butleraudio.com/home.php

 

[bigred7078]

whoops just noticed you said you would like to stick with integrated... well at least you can give the butlers a look lol.

To go with what LOTR said check out some Marantz integrated units.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4023/Marantz/SR4023-80w-x-2ch-CI-Friendly-Stereo-Receiver/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARPM11S1/Marantz/PM11S1-reference-integrated-amplifier/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARPM7001A/Marantz/PM7001-intergrated-amplifier-70w-x-2ch-NEW/1.html


There is some various price points for ya

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi Jason,

Perhaps a Marantz integrated amp? Or a Perreaux integrated amp? Or a Roksan? Or a Mistral?
Add some Cardas analog audio interconnect cables, or a Cardas digital coaxial cable to add a touch of midrange warmth.

Bob

^ I just add some more alternative, and cables also, to my original post.

* Audio Advisor carry these brands.

 

[valvesnvinylfan]

I've had a few warm sounding SS amps before and really like the Exposure stuff (owned a 2010s Classic XXXV and Super 15 for their integrateds--yeah, I'm a fan). Another good one that's a bit more $$ and definitely sounds like tubes to me but is SS is Sugden. Lower in power but should be fine w/ your higher sensitivity speaks (and Sugdens usually have higer than avg. current). Oh, and Conrad Johnson, especially some of the earlier SS stuff, has a nice warm sound to it.

Hope this helps, best wishes on your search!

 

[Jason Lopez]

Thanks. Have you ever heard of Vincent Audio? They make a hybrid integrated with a tube pre-amp section and a SS amplifier section that has 150 watts into 8 ohms and 250 watts into 4ohms. It gets rave reviews but i don't have a Vincent dealer in my area. Audio Advisor sells it. I'm a little sceptacle...designed in Germany...made in China. $2000.

 

[valvesnvinylfan]

Indeed, I have heard of them, supposed to be pretty good! Haven't heard them myself so can't be any help there, but I have talked to one person who uses the SV-226 and says it's a real honey of an amp. I wouldn't be worried about the China thing; I have speakers that are made there and used to have a Cayin tube amp made in China, and the amp never had any issues for the almost 2.5 years I owned it. IMHO as long you're buying from a reputable source and they stand behind their product like AA does, it's worth giving it a shot, especially with their 30 day guarantee. If you try it, let me know what you think, I definitely think it's an interesting amp!

 

[lsiberian]

I'm wanting to "warm up" the sound of my system...which consists of Phase Tech PC 9.1 tower speakers(4 ohm, 92 sensitivity, soft dome tweeters), a NAD C352 integrated amp, an Apple TV as a music server connected to a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic. I would like to replace the NAD. I prefer to stay with an integrated amp. I know tubes would sound warmer...however, i would like to stick with solid state gear for the longevity and reliability. Does anyone know which amps, or brand of amps that notoriously have a "warm" sound?

I suggest you get a DCX 2496 and integrate it into your system. Then you can color the sound just like you want.

 

[bigred7078]

Thanks. Have you ever heard of Vincent Audio? They make a hybrid integrated with a tube pre-amp section and a SS amplifier section that has 150 watts into 8 ohms and 250 watts into 4ohms. It gets rave reviews but i don't have a Vincent dealer in my area. Audio Advisor sells it. I'm a little sceptacle...designed in Germany...made in China. $2000.

Vincet Audio is absolutely fantastic stuff, no need to be skeptical