I'm going to be moving in a few months and so some changes will made to the stereo. I plan to use the components of this current system (Nad C541i) for a two channel setup but I want to upgrade to an integrated amp from an older Kenwood receiver to something with better overall quality of sound. I'm not sure yet if I'm going to use my M22's for the two channel setup so I need to keep my options open, but I do plan to use my EP125 so I need a pre-out for the sub. I wanted to run these ideas by you all to get some feedback about the following options since I know that opinions on the boards are widely valued. Here's the integrated amp options:
1. Nad C370 - I've read a lot and know that Nad is well
known for lots of good power output so this would be
the most versatile option. Especially if I find a
really good deal on some Maggies (MG12's).
2. Antique Sound Lab AQ 1003 DT - I'm also curious about
tube amps and if it's truly a sound that I would
prefer to a good SS. I tend to listen to more mellow
music (classical, jazz, and mellow rock) when I'm
at home so I think that I might enjoy the warmth of a
good tube stereo setup. Plus I could always listen
to things in stereo on my planned multichannel setup.
The problem is that I don't know how much power i
really need. Especially if I'm might be powering
Maggies. I don't blast my music and I prefer levels
that are immersive and not shaking the walls. I know
that on my Kenwood the volume knob never goes above
10 o'clock. On the other hand I might end up using my
M22's since this would be in more of a bedroom setup
and the Maggies might be overkill in a room that small.
Anyway, I'm totally open to any other options that you might want to suggest and sorry if the post was too long.
Thanks,
SpockTheater
