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Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

Some to Consider

From the Stereophile B list - If you can swing the outlaw it has 100WPC, a tuner, a USB DAC, sub out with bass mgmt, tone controls and a cool retro look.

Music Hall a15.2: $499

The a15.2 uses IGBT output devices, said to combine the slew rate and low internal impedance of MOSFET input devices with the current drive of bipolar output devices, to deliver 75Wpc into 8 ohms. It has five line-level inputs, a front-panel iPod minijack, an onboard headphone amp, and a “surprisingly good” moving-magnet phono stage that can also be used with a high-output moving-coil cartridge. Though it lacked the resolution and detail of more expensive amplifiers, the a15.2 offered an ingratiating, tube-like sound that never irritated or fatigued, said ST. (Vol.33 No.12)

NAD C316BEE: $380 $$$

Descendant of NAD’s famed 3020 integrated amplifier, the 40Wpc C 316BEE uses a new variant of the PowerDrive technology found in NAD’s Master Series components, said to maximize the short-term dynamic power sent to loudspeakers. It has five inputs, a single set of user-friendly binding posts for easy connections, defeatable tone controls, a headphone jack, and an iPod minijack. The NAD matched power with grace, providing a rich, forceful overall presentation and an impressive ability to follow complex musical passages and make clear, truthful distinctions among musical instruments. Compared to the JoLida FX 10, the NAD produced a far more compelling listening experience, with faster attacks, longer decays, and a wider soundstage, said SM. (Vol.34 No.7 Read Review Online)

Outlaw Audio RR2150: $699 ✩ $$$

This 100Wpc, two-channel receiver showcases stylish, deco-like looks and a full range of features that include line, iPod, phono, and USB digital inputs, tape and processor loops, tone controls, headphone output, speaker equalization, bass management, and a mono line-level subwoofer output. JA was “astonished” to discover what the bargain-basement-priced RR2150 offered, both on the test bench and in the listening room. The RR2150’s self-explanatory setup, versatility and convenience, and open, focused, and well-organized overall sound (though somewhat opaque and not fully fleshed out) make it “a great intro to hi-fi for a younger generation,” said MF. Problems with production led to delivery delays through July 2006, but the situation is now resolved. Current production samples (made in a different factory) offer the same excellent measured performance as the original, but the RR2150’s USB digital input, marred by limited resolution and high jitter, should be regarded as being for convenience only, advised JA. (Vol.29 No.3, Vol.31 No.1 Read Review Online)
Gsquared


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