Stereo Amp recommendation under 1.25 L Budget

[LBRS]

I have a pair of Vienna Acoustics Haydn bookshelf speakers. I have been using this for almost 8 years with a Peachtree Nova amp. The amp has stopped working and I have been unsuccessful in servicing the amp in India. Looking to upgrade to a better/newer amp. Will be primarily using only for music, stereo listening.

In the future I may upgrade to floor standing speakers when I move to a bigger house with a larger living room space. So considering something within the 100W to 150 W range.

I am traveling to Singapore in a few weeks for a short trip, not sure if it is better to buy there and bring it to India or buy here locally.

Looking for suggestions from experts on a good amp that will be compatible with my VA speakers.

Thank you in advance

 

[sandeepmohan]

Your speakers require solid, stable current to drive them. Not a lot of options that would compare well to the Peachtree, at that price point.
I can only think of the updated Rega Elicit but likely to cost more

 

[JrM1]

Hi, this is something I am also looking for. So far, I have shortlisted, 1. Audiolab 9000A and 2. Rotel A14, 3. Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II.
I haven't reached any conclusion yet. You may look at these as well. Happy hunting cheers!!!

 

[LBRS]

Your speakers require solid, stable current to drive them. Not a lot of options that would compare well to the Peachtree, at that price point.
I can only think of the updated Rega Elicit but likely to cost more

Thank you. There is a dealer in Mumbai will check with them. Any specific model that you would recommend. Any other comparable amp that is available in India?

 

[rwnano]

Why don't you think about using an old high quality AVR in stereo mode or 2.1 mode for this application? You'll likely save money.

 

[DB1989]

Hi, this is something I am also looking for. So far, I have shortlisted, 1. Audiolab 9000A and 2. Rotel A14, 3. Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II.
I haven't reached any conclusion yet. You may look at these as well. Happy hunting cheers!!!

Have u managed to audition any of these amps and your thoughts on how they stack up with each other?

 

[LBRS]

Why don't you think about using an old high quality AVR in stereo mode or 2.1 mode for this application? You'll likely save money.

Thanks for the suggestion, before my current equipment I had a Denon AVR with Polk speakers, was never happy with the sound quality with that combination. May be I didn't buy the right speakers or the receiver,

 

[sandeepmohan]

Thank you. There is a dealer in Mumbai will check with them. Any specific model that you would recommend. Any other comparable amp that is available in India?

I have left a link on my first reply.
There are so many amplifiers that its hard to make a recommendation without listening to them, with your loudspeakers.
When you are auditioning, please carry your speakers with you (Or get the amp over to your place for trial). Else you won't be able to judge the sound, unless the speaker at the Dealers place has some tonal similarity to your VA's.

 

[morerajendra5678]

You can consider acoustic potrait pre + power combo. You will get flavour of some tube goodness in your system with all power and slam of SS amplifier.

 

[keroo1099]

I assume your Nova amp was a Class D unit and if you were happy with the sound why don't you stick with a newer More powerful Nova unless you can get a home demo with other options as Sandeepmohan has suggested.

I am a Class D convert having tried SS and Tubes and find that recent Class D amps are tremendous value for money (and also sound great). You can also consider Wyred or Nuprime and check them out in Singapore.

I have a completely unknown class D power amp made by a botique shop called Classdaudio (200 RMS @ 8 ohms) from the US and couldn't be happier with it directly plugged into Topping DX9 DAC/Pre. I'm at the stage where I find less components is more when it comes to ease of use and less headaches over time.

 

[ajuvignesh]

Willsenton R8 can be your choice. I guess despite with low power, they it can drive your speakers. Rega amps are another choice.

 

[morerajendra5678]

I assume your Nova amp was a Class D unit and if you were happy with the sound why don't you stick with a newer More powerful Nova unless you can get a home demo with other options as Sandeepmohan has suggested.

I am a Class D convert having tried SS and Tubes and find that recent Class D amps are tremendous value for money (and also sound great). You can also consider Wyred or Nuprime and check them out in Singapore.

I have a completely unknown class D power amp made by a botique shop called Classdaudio (200 RMS @ 8 ohms) from the US and couldn't be happier with it directly plugged into Topping DX9 DAC/Pre. I'm at the stage where I find less components is more when it comes to ease of use and less headaches over time.

Class D is also a good choice but what options we have as per local availability?

 

[Kiran_B]

I have a pair of Vienna Acoustics Haydn bookshelf speakers. I have been using this for almost 8 years with a Peachtree Nova amp. The amp has stopped working and I have been unsuccessful in servicing the amp in India. Looking to upgrade to a better/newer amp. Will be primarily using only for music, stereo listening.

In the future I may upgrade to floor standing speakers when I move to a bigger house with a larger living room space. So considering something within the 100W to 150 W range.

I am traveling to Singapore in a few weeks for a short trip, not sure if it is better to buy there and bring it to India or buy here locally.

Looking for suggestions from experts on a good amp that will be compatible with my VA speakers.

Thank you in advance

Try O&B amps, manufacturered in Mumbai, they are so good and you will appreciate it when you see it in person and listen. Owner name is Aniket very nice person to deal. Official website is https://oandbco.com/

 

[keroo1099]

Class D is also a good choice but what options we have as per local availability?

I honestly don't know, but Nuprime seems to have a dealer in Delhi.

 

[Ajitsank]

I have a pair of Vienna Acoustics Haydn bookshelf speakers. I have been using this for almost 8 years with a Peachtree Nova amp. The amp has stopped working and I have been unsuccessful in servicing the amp in India. Looking to upgrade to a better/newer amp. Will be primarily using only for music, stereo listening.

In the future I may upgrade to floor standing speakers when I move to a bigger house with a larger living room space. So considering something within the 100W to 150 W range.

I am traveling to Singapore in a few weeks for a short trip, not sure if it is better to buy there and bring it to India or buy here locally.

Looking for suggestions from experts on a good amp that will be compatible with my VA speakers.

Thank you in advance

Have you taken your amp to Torvin in chennai. If not you should.

 

[LBRS]

Have you taken your amp to Torvin in chennai. If not you should.

I will take it to them. Thanks for the info

 

[DB1989]

I have a pair of Vienna Acoustics Haydn bookshelf speakers. I have been using this for almost 8 years with a Peachtree Nova amp. The amp has stopped working and I have been unsuccessful in servicing the amp in India. Looking to upgrade to a better/newer amp. Will be primarily using only for music, stereo listening.

In the future I may upgrade to floor standing speakers when I move to a bigger house with a larger living room space. So considering something within the 100W to 150 W range.

I would highly recommend an audition of the Marantz M1 - it delivers a true 100W @ 8ohms right from 20hz to 20khz < 0.05% distortion.

Leaving aside power and measurements, the thing sounds freaking awesome and is brimming with character, yet exceptionally transparent particularly in the midrange. It is also incredibly refined in the treble without losing any of the sparkle or brilliance. Needless to say, bass is as controlled and strong as they come in the best Class D amps.

Owing to the aforementioned transparent midrange, they pair well with speakers that can convey emotion and dig up gobs of details in the midrange. I have currently paired the M1 with a pair of Spendor Classic 2/3's and the resultant sound is sublime. Other speakers that i've tried the Marantz M1 with and can confidently say they pair well are the Tannoy Definition DC8 and the Wharfedale Evo 4.2's.

I am traveling to Singapore in a few weeks for a short trip, not sure if it is better to buy there and bring it to India or buy here locally.

I would always suggest buying electronics from India locally, particularly with warranty. I've had a a couple of electronics display a few hiccups and had it not been for warranty, setting it right would have cost a pretty penny - i'd auditioned the M1 in Japan and almost picked it up there when I reasoned with myself that our friendly neighborhood Hifimart would be a better bet for after sales peace of mind.

BTW, anybody who has a set of Bowers & Wilkins speakers should run out and try the M1 - it has exceptional synergy with all B&W speakers as Marantz developed and tuned the M1 keeping the said speakers in mind. I’d first heard them in Tokyo powering a pair of B&W 705 S3 signatures which is when i figured there's something very special about this piece.

 

[rwnano]

Try O&B amps, manufacturered in Mumbai, they are so good and you will appreciate it when you see it in person and listen. Owner name is Aniket very nice person to deal. Official website is https://oandbco.com/

I also recommend these. True dual mono blocks

 

[Amarendra]

I would highly recommend an audition of the Marantz M1 - it delivers a true 100W @ 8ohms right from 20hz to 20khz < 0.05% distortion.

Leaving aside power and measurements, the thing sounds freaking awesome and is brimming with character, yet exceptionally transparent particularly in the midrange. It is also incredibly refined in the treble without losing any of the sparkle or brilliance. Needless to say, bass is as controlled and strong as they come in the best Class D amps.

Owing to the aforementioned transparent midrange, they pair well with speakers that can convey emotion and dig up gobs of details in the midrange. I have currently paired the M1 with a pair of Spendor Classic 2/3's and the resultant sound is sublime. Other speakers that i've tried the Marantz M1 with and can confidently say they pair well are the Tannoy Definition DC8 and the Wharfedale Evo 4.2's.

I would always suggest buying electronics from India locally, particularly with warranty. I've had a a couple of electronics display a few hiccups and had it not been for warranty, setting it right would have cost a pretty penny - i'd auditioned the M1 in Japan and almost picked it up there when I reasoned with myself that our friendly neighborhood Hifimart would be a better bet for after sales peace of mind.

BTW, anybody who has a set of Bowers & Wilkins speakers should run out and try the M1 - it has exceptional synergy with all B&W speakers as Marantz developed and tuned the M1 keeping the said speakers in mind. I’d first heard them in Tokyo powering a pair of B&W 705 S3 signatures which is when i figured there's something very special about this piece.

I was eyeing this for the Kef Ls50 Meta

 

[RohanBhatia]

I have a pair of Vienna Acoustics Haydn bookshelf speakers. I have been using this for almost 8 years with a Peachtree Nova amp. The amp has stopped working and I have been unsuccessful in servicing the amp in India. Looking to upgrade to a better/newer amp. Will be primarily using only for music, stereo listening.

In the future I may upgrade to floor standing speakers when I move to a bigger house with a larger living room space. So considering something within the 100W to 150 W range.

I am traveling to Singapore in a few weeks for a short trip, not sure if it is better to buy there and bring it to India or buy here locally.

Looking for suggestions from experts on a good amp that will be compatible with my VA speakers.

Thank you in advance

Hi Friend. Since you are looking for a good stereo amp, I would recommend you not to buy a integrated stereo amp. You have good speakers and also planning to upgrade to some good speakers. Instead of a integrated one buy a solid power amp and a streamer and a good dac seperate. This will be good for long term and will sound more musical and can be tweeked as per your requirements. Also brands like Denon have good after sales services in India.
My suggestions around your budget will be
1. Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2
2. Rotel RB 1552 MkII