Stereo Integrated Amplifiers around 750euros

[Piffles]

Hey up Folks,

First post on this forum. I migrated over from Head-Fi, as the second big step of my setting up a complete stereo package for myself. After many months over discussing, suggesting and reviewing over on Head-Fi, I settled for the source and headphones for my setup:
Source: USB interface M-Audio FastTrack Pro
Headphones: AKG K501

Next step for me is getting a stereo integrated amplifier and my budget is around 750euros (absolute max 1000euros). For the time being, the amp will only be used as a headphone amp as I'll be waiting a little while before getting some floor standing speakers. That will take a lot more hunting than the rest of the system I think. I don't need all that many inputs: as I said, it's probably only ever gonna be connected to one single source. 1 recording output should be sufficient too; I may record from a radio or tape but nothing special. My USB interface does all the instrument recordings with condenser microphone. Not really interested in direct output from the pre-amp since I definitely won't be getting a seperate power-amp. I'm pretty touchy on build quality because I'll probably be keeping this amp for many years.

So far, I've selected the following amps in my price range:
- Creek Evolution
- NAD C352
- Denon PMA-1500AE
- Vincent SV121
- Audiolab 8000S
- Vincent SV-226 MK2

I've intentionally left out Marantz because I've never liked any of their amps (I like their CD players though) and the Rotel 1062 because that's what my dad has - and you can't get the same thing as your dad, can you?

My question to the community:
How would you describe the sound signature of the products mentionned above?

I've read several reviews. All of these have had some kind of award of the past few years. The Creek, NAD and Denon are often described as having a few flaws in pure sound quality but making that up by being punchy and lively. The NAD in particular is said to have great sound but looks cheap and is cheaply built. The Audiolab is often presented as the "outsider that is surprinsingly good". But I must say I don't like the look of it. Haven't really been able to find much on the Vincents. I'm intreged by the "hybrid" design of the SV-226 MKII but it's also the most expensive on the list.

My gut feeling is to go with the Creek Evolution.

I've looked around the forum; there seems to be quite a lot of people looking for amps in this price range. Might prove to be an interesting comparison for a few people.

See you around and thanks for your input,
Piffles.

 

[PENG]

It is a difficult question to answer. I have not listened to any of them but have read reviews about a few of them. On the other hand, if you believe in this sound signature thing you will hear people telling you something like, British products are warm, Canadian's Anthem, Classe and Bryston are neutral/or clinical, McIntosh and Krell are just right etc. I stay away from this signature thing and go with manufacturers who make amps that are supposed to just amplify the signal faithfully and linearly regardless of the load characteristics of most speakers on the market.

 

[Piffles]

Well I've had a chance to listen to some of these amplifiers:
- The NAD C352 is just boring: no particular warmth or edge to the sound. Just forgetable.
- The Vincents are too slow: very nice warm sound but there is no edge to the acoustic instruments (guitars sound terrible)

I also listened to a Exposure 2010S and I was pretty impressed. Was the only amp that was warm, pleasant and emotional, without being sloppy on the fast attack instruments like percussions and acoustic guitars. Unfortunatly it's 1100€ and doesn't have a headphone output.

So basically, I'm looking for something with similar warmth to the Exposure but with a headphone output.
- As far as the Creek goes, I have only the vendor's opinion to go by which is "smilar to the Rotel". If that's true, then not for me.
- Still have no idea what the Audiolab 8000S, the Denon PMA-1500AE sound like.

The dealer also suggested Arcam A70 as a warm amp with headphone output. Haven't had a chance to hear it. Anyone have this amp?

Cheers,
Piffles.

 

[Seth=L]

Well I've had a chance to listen to some of these amplifiers:
- The NAD C352 is just boring: no particular warmth or edge to the sound. Just forgetable.
- The Vincents are too slow: very nice warm sound but there is no edge to the acoustic instruments (guitars sound terrible)

I also listened to a Exposure 2010S and I was pretty impressed. Was the only amp that was warm, pleasant and emotional, without being sloppy on the fast attack instruments like percussions and acoustic guitars. Unfortunatly it's 1100€ and doesn't have a headphone output.

So basically, I'm looking for something with similar warmth to the Exposure but with a headphone output.
- As far as the Creek goes, I have only the vendor's opinion to go by which is "smilar to the Rotel". If that's true, then not for me.
- Still have no idea what the Audiolab 8000S, the Denon PMA-1500AE sound like.

The dealer also suggested Arcam A70 as a warm amp with headphone output. Haven't had a chance to hear it. Anyone have this amp?

Cheers,
Piffles.

The Arcam, Denon, Creek, and NAD are going to sound very similar if not the same. The Vincent uses a tube preamp stage I believe, giving it the slow warm sound. I know nothing about Exposure, but I assume it uses tubes or a tube distortion to warm the sound. I also know nothing about the Audiolab.