Integrated amplifier choice for 683?

[michaeld53]

Just picked up a pair of 683's. Love them and my new Cambridge 740c upsampling CD player. Now am interested in a new (or used) integrated amp.

New to this level of audio, so I look forward to lots of advice.

Can spend up to 1500$, though don't feel compelled to

I have investigated Cambridge 840A V2, Jolida hybrid and McIntosh 6500 (used, of course)

Listen to jazz - Coltrane, Miles, Pat Methany; Classic & alt rock; folk, and classical.

Like a warm, non-harsh sound.

Thanks for your input,

Michael

[gc8ej25]

You could get a used Musical Fidelity A5 integrated.

[cug]

You could get a used Musical Fidelity A5 integrated.

Yeah, the A5 is a great choice. Very good amplifier and easily comparable to much more expensive ones.

[Tommy]

Or a McIntosh MA6300 used. McIntosh synergizes very well with B&W speakers.

[RebelMan]

Listen to jazz - Coltrane, Miles, Pat Methany; Classic & alt rock; folk, and classical.

Like a warm, non-harsh sound.

For your needs with the B&W's I would ordinarily recommend the Classe' CAP-2100. It can be had for ~$3K second hand but it may be a stretch for your budget. It's worth it if you can manage it and it will grow with you should your speaker needs change.

[Briz vegas]

This might be a stretch but how about a Naim Nait5i. May or may not be enough grunt for the 683 although Naim amps have excellent power supplies and current available. It is a significantly different sound to the others suggested here. It may just be what the doctor ordered.

Note - the latest Nait has the i in italics, the old one was in normal font - Naim are funny like that.

[Jmac]

Of the amps you list, the Cambridge 840A V2 gets stunning reviews and is regarded as being a real giant killer.

Naim is a love or hate affair, as it's sound presentation can be somewhat idiosyncratic. (I speak from personal experience) It majors in a fast upbeat presentation, whilst sacrificing other qualities such as sound-staging, imaging and tonal timbre when compared to other competing kit. Some swear by it, others hate it; either way it's good kit, but a listen is mandatory.

Hope this helps

John...

[Briz vegas]

Yes, giving Naim gear a listen before buying is essential. They have moved more towards a mainstream sound in recent years but it is still different enough. I only use a Naim source myself. I do wonder if anyone else on the planet has paired a naim CD player with Conrad Johnson amplification (real quality sound with sufficient grunt for the 804s) and B&W. Thats partly what I like about hifi - the ability to tailor the system to your liking (although brand availability/support comes into the equation in Australia)

[Captain Reg]

I have a NAD M3 paired with my 683's and it is absolutely sublime.

[michaeld53]

Well, my used McIntosh MA 6500 arrived today. I have hooked it up to the 683's. It really drives them well. I'm on a bit of a Mandolin kick, so I listened to a lot of David Grisman this afternoon. Plan on some Pat Methany and Joe Pass tomorrow. What a treat. Thanks for the input.

Michael

[htsteve]

Well, my used McIntosh MA 6500 arrived today. I have hooked it up to the 683's. It really drives them well. I'm on a bit of a Mandolin kick, so I listened to a lot of David Grisman this afternoon. Plan on some Pat Methany and Joe Pass tomorrow. What a treat. Thanks for the input.

Michael

Michael,

Congratulations. I have Mac's on my B&W Diamonds and I am very pleased with them. I hope this works quite well for you. Let's us know your impressions once you've listened to this combo for a little bit longer.

[bigburner]

Plan on some Pat Methany and Joe Pass tomorrow.

Joe Pass. That's brought back some memories Michael! I saw Joe Pass at the Nice Jazz Festival in 1977.

For those of you who didn't do geography at school, Nice is on the south coast of France. A lot of weathy / beautiful people holiday there. The festival was held in the Roman ruins above the town. I was 23 at the time and completely blown away by the beauty of the place and the incredible music. The highlight was seeing Count Basie who was a big hero during my jazz phase.

I haven't listened to any of Joe's music or even thought about him for many years but reading your post has inspired me to put that right.

Nigel.