Integrated Amp Choice (2)

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Integrated Amp advice (Post 2)
Hello,
I am looking for some input on the following integrated amps:
Onkyo a-9211
Denon pma-495
Denon pma-655
Sony TA-FE370
I have recently changed speakers to Bose AM5's. I know that some of you hate these, and this causes me no concern. I am not a Bose "nut", and in fact have never owned them before. Space had a lot to do with the choice, but I must say that we are happy about the sound. My past possessions include Rogers LS3/5A, (15 Ohm model) Dynaco Stereo 70, Quad 405, etc. The Dynaco Stereo 70, is a classic example of an amp whose "specs" were the pits compared to many many of the solid state amps of that day, and sound wise would bury them, no problem, certainly paired with the Rogers. In fairness the Quad 405 was also quite good. By the way these were the days, mid 70's, when Thorens was often bad mouthed, (by the Linn, and Ariston crowd) as was Klipsh, (I remember a salesman cupping his hands around his mouth as he pronounced Klipshorn) as were often Sure cartridges, although the Sure M75G (spherical) did get some good press in that era. In that era I happened however to hear a properly set up pair of corner horn Klipsh's reproducing a Sheffield direct disk recording of Thelma Houston, called Pressure Cooker. The sound was exceptional. So much for the "Klipsh" bashers.
My view on material items is that they should serve me, and not the other way around. I do not identify myself with a brand of speakers, amplifier, etc. By God's grace, I will have no idols. (Jesus saves). In the early 70's audiophiles were called upon en masse by many manufacturers to convince themselves that the "new and better" solid state amps coming out were better sounding than that old tube gear they had been listening to for years. Audio Research went through this phase, and I guess have since repented, as if I understand correctly they sure produce tube equipment today.
I am not interested in used stuff, and no NAD, Rotel, etc. I owned a Rotel (25 or so watt model back in the 80's) before the Marantz, and although OK sounding (excessively rolled off highs to my ears), it blew it's power transformer after not a whole lot of use. At that time I got the Marantz, and not long after a stereo shop lent me a NAD to try (I think model c340, but I am not positive, it was one of the inexpensive models at that time), and the Marantz certainly stomped on it considerably.
As far as the Bose AM 5's, we like them. Space was a consideration, certainly, but not the only consideration. We have had them for over a month now, and they have provided us with many hours of good music. (They have served us!) They do reveal amp differences. I have tried them also with the famous T Amp, and evidently it is too underpowered. (Sounded pretty dull). Last night I hooked up an SE amp, kit built, uses 1 12au7 (ecc 82) and one EL34 per channel, and certainly it had more air etc. As to why I don't simply keep using that, again no remote, and although it sounds great hooked directly to the CD player, if I want other inputs, it means using a pre. I have a pre, tube, kit built, uses 6 12x7's, but it's sound is not up to par with the amp, and no remote.
If there were an inexpensive passive pre, with four or so inputs, remote controlled, this would be a possibility.
Thanks to the fellow that actually at least replied with amp suggestions instead of speaker suggestions. I was hoping someone had used the Onkyo a-9211, and the others listed.
Bye

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Schiit Audio

Topic - Integrated Amp Choice (2) - musicker34 13:08:22 07/17/06 (2)

Cambridge Azure 640. - ppopp 14:53:32 07/17/06 (1)

Re: Cambridge Azure 640. - musicker34 00:24:14 07/18/06 (0)

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