Ok this is driving me crazy

[gus6464]

I need to make a decision on a 2ch integrated to power some 4ohm totems. This will be only for 2ch and also have a vintage Technics SL-B2 TT. I have narrowed my choices to the following 4 from my dealer.

Rega Brio3 - really like it but I was told it might not be able to handle the low impedance loads of the Totems (4ohm)

Pioneer Elite A-35R - Same power ratings as the Rega.

Pioneer Elite A-A6-J - Brand new and dealer doesn't have them in but can order it.

HK3485 - Very high current integrated that I was told would match well with the Totems.

So which would you guys pick? I don't need any video or any of that stuff as everything will be hooked up by pure analog. I just want something with the best sound and that will be able to power the speakers well.

 

[fmw]

The Pioneer A35R is 4 ohm stable.

 

[bandphan]

ive already chimed in once but ditch the hk, in my opinion

also as i mentenioned before the phono stage is better in the brio3. the unit will run 4ohm stable it has Reactive load protection and
150 Watt output transistors. I love the elite lines but is i said before i use the a35 mostly a zone amp.

 

[gus6464]

ive already chimed in once but ditch the hk, in my opinion

also as i mentenioned before the phono stage is better in the brio3. the unit will run 4ohm stable it has Reactive load protection and
150 Watt output transistors. I love the elite lines but is i said before i use the a35 mostly a zone amp.

I am just skeptical for the Rega because of this review of it at stereophile.

http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/998rega/index.html

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Look at this from Emotiva.

RSP-1 2 Channel Audio Pre-Amplifier:

http://www.emotiva.com/rsp1.html

RPA-1 Reference Power Amplifier:

http://www.emotiva.com/rpa1.html

 

[bandphan]

I am just skeptical for the Rega because of this review of it at stereophile.

http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/998rega/index.html

ok, but the end result was that it sounded good(note that is not the LATEST version of the unit) they might have worked any kinks out on the 3rd generation. Good Luck

 

[bandphan]

Look at this from Emotiva.

RSP-1 2 Channel Audio Pre-Amplifier:

http://www.emotiva.com/rsp1.html

RPA-1 Reference Power Amplifier:

http://www.emotiva.com/rpa1.html

nice stuff, but i believe his budget was around $600$.

 

[Highbar]

Well I'm not big on HK, and I don't know the Pioneers or the Rega, but based on specs alone I like the Rega.

Since others are throwing out more suggestions I thought I'd ad mine. Have you looked into any Rotel's? I think the RA-1062 would fit you perfectly. Heard one pushing two Studio 60's the last time I went listening, and it was great.

Just a thought.

 

[gus6464]

Well I'm not big on HK, and I don't know the Pioneers or the Rega, but based on specs alone I like the Rega.

Since others are throwing out more suggestions I thought I'd ad mine. Have you looked into any Rotel's? I think the RA-1062 would fit you perfectly. Heard one pushing two Studio 60's the last time I went listening, and it was great.

Just a thought.

Well my totem dealer also carries Rega, Pioneer Elite, HK, Arcam, and Naim. But Arcam and Naim would destroy by wallet . Reason I want to get the integrated from him is because he can give me a really good deal on a package. What's the cheapest Arcam integrated out there? $1500?

 

[davidtwotrees]

Was it me or did the Stereophile review mention that the Brio doesn't come with a remote!? That would be a deal breaker for me. I've owned Pio Elite gear and it is solid midfi stuff. At this pricepoint I don't think you could tell the diff in sound between these integrateds. If your speaks are a difficult load, what you need to be asking about these integrateds is- Where's the Beef?

 

[Davemcc]

Give a thought to this that just came up.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39749
2x80w @ 4 ohms and has preouts if you want/need more.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I am just skeptical for the Rega because of this review of it at stereophile.

http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/998rega/index.html

Boy, that looks terrible.

 

[gus6464]

Boy, that looks terrible.

Yeah and at the end of the article they sent him the Brio 3 which is the latest one and even it fared much better, although in the end he said the following:

"Alas, the wee Brio 3 did have its limitations, as even Roy Gandy will fess up to. Its power rating of only 49Wpc means you must match it with loudspeakers that are reasonably sensitive—say, 90dB or better—and whose minimum impedance doesn't dip below 4 ohms."