Integrated speaker amp

[crappyjones123]

With the new tubes, the Rogue has been singing without any noise or static. I don't know what the age of the old tubes was or how many hours they have on them but don't care as it was probably one of them. The speakers and the amp were originally in my parent's home in a 15x21 room so heat was never really a concern. Currently my bedroom is 11x13 and having the amp on most of the day is starting to make the room quite warm. I am probably going to eat the cost of the new tubes and stick the amp on audiogon - as much as I love it, I can't stand the room getting that warm anymore. Any suggestions for a similar amp perhaps that doesn't release that much heat - open to ss or tubes. I would prefer an integrated one box solution like the Rogue. 

 

Other thoughts - 

 

LOW heat.

Drivers are 91db efficient and listening distance is <11 ft so doesn't need to play loud. Most listening is done at low volumes. 

Just need one input, balanced or otherwise. 

Remote for volume would be nice but not required. Can control volume from my laptop -> apple tv -> ps audio dl3. 

I don't HAVE to spend the whole amount I get from the sale of the Rogue but let's put a $1k cap on the gear. 

 

I remember jp speaking very highly of the minimax amp/preamp combo but I don't know how hot they get. Considerations have been given to the Peachtree Nova, Arcam Solo, separate preamp and power amp from Emotiva.

 

Haven't really kept up with speaker amps so any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Dusty Chalk]

I'm actually a big fan of Musical Fidelity from 10 years ago, and still have my A300^CR power amp to drive the Dynaudios.  Considering how efficient your speakers are, I'd get one of their lower end integrateds like this one from audiogon.

[skullguise]

I'll also chime in, for a Rega Brio-R.  VERY musical, a bit warm sounding.  Can be had used for relatively cheap, does have multiple inputs (including phono) if you want to expand or use elsewhere, and has a remote.  Although I don't use my speaker based system as much as headphones, but I love mine.

 

Small footprint, too, it's basically a half-width component.  I believe Postjack has one too.....

[postjack]

I'll also chime in, for a Rega Brio-R.  VERY musical, a bit warm sounding.  Can be had used for relatively cheap, does have multiple inputs (including phono) if you want to expand or use elsewhere, and has a remote.  Although I don't use my speaker based system as much as headphones, but I love mine.

 

Small footprint, too, it's basically a half-width component.  I believe Postjack has one too.....

 

I do own and love my Rega Brio-R, but I'd add a word of caution:

 

On my model, there is a slight buzzing sound coming from the speakers, moreso on the left side. I sit very close to my speakers (desktop rig, 3-4 feet) so I can hear it when music is not playing. When music is playing I can't hear it.

 

I assumed this was just a ground loop/dirty system noise type problem for a while, but a couple weeks ago I got curious and googled it. Apparently a large group of owners at the What Hi Fi forum have the exact same issue, even down to it being slightly louder out of the left speaker. One of them emailed Rega, and Rega responded it was a known issue having to do with the transformer. They don't offer any kind of repair, with everything crammed into such a small enclosure there isn't anything they can do to fix it.

 

Some people have no noise from their Brio-R, some people do. Luck of the draw I guess. With you sitting further away from your speakers you might not notice it at all.

 

Otherwise I am a big fan of the Brio-R, echoing what Todd said. Plenty of power for my Rega RS1s, simple layout and design, great sound. And the phono stage is great, doesn't sound budget at all. Of course I use a Rega cart so I'm assuming the phono is made specifically for Rega MM carts. It can be had for stupid good prices used on audiogon, and come to think buying used you could ask the seller if that model has the hum/buzz issue.

[n_maher]

You might think about talking to the local aardvark about the SimpleSE that he has kicking around.  It's very basic (from an aesthetic and function standpoint) but puches well above its weight.

[crappyjones123]

Todd, Jack, I'd like to stay away from any potential known buzzing. My chair is maybe 8 feet from the speakers so the buzzing gets annoying real fast.

Nate, I don't see Meeester Breadman's post anywhere that I have access to - casino and the FS area. I'll send him a PM perhaps. Would heat be a cause for concern with the simplese? It has them shiny toobes.

[n_maher]

He hasn't listed it for sale so a PM would be the way to go and I don't remember it running very hot.

[skullguise]

Interesting note, re: Rega and buzzing.....I don't hear it in my system, and my seat is perhaps 6-8 feet away from the speakers.  Amp is usually left on, too.....

 

I'll have to go tonight and listen closely to see if I hear anything.....

[RudeWolf]

Why not hunt for used golden era Class-AB integrateds? Sony ES series from TA-F7XXES and up are pretty good as far as AB designs go. I recently got a TA-F730ES and it's pretty good.

[crappyjones123]

I don't mind searching. I don't know what to search for class ab is fine by me.

[dsavitsk]

If heat is the biggest concern, you might consider Class D. You can get a Rotel new for well within your budget. Not an integrated, but if you can control the volume from the laptop, that doesn't matter.

[emelius]

Harman Kardon sells the refurb HK990 for $1,000 on their site...Has room correction & sub control...Phono...

[aardvark baguette]

I still have the Simple SE in my den.  I'm pretty sure it doesn't get too hot, but I haven't had it turned on in at least a year.

 

Available for local pickup in Silver Spring, MD.  I think I also have extra tubes for it.  I can't recall what tubes it takes though.

[grawk]

If no one else wants the simpe se, my kid needs an amp for his unitarian church youth group, so you could even get a tax deduction...

[crappyjones123]

Id love to take it off your hands but I'm not local to MD

[n_maher]

I might also like to re-adopt the SimpleSE... 

[aardvark baguette]

rock, paper, scissors?

[grawk]

My need is probably the lowest, especially given our intended use.  But I also generally am looking for a good excuse to head down to dc...

[crappyjones123]

Given their interest, I'll defer to Nate and Dan since they can potentially do a local sale. I propose making them do something silly though to decide who gets the amp. Sillier than rock paper scissors at least.  

[Dusty Chalk]

[aardvark baguette]

i don't think Nate would do a local pickup, he's a few minutes north

 

if i do end up shipping it to anyone, there is no way I could get it out this week.

 

maybe we can do a MSPaint competition: temporary zany head-case banners?  freestyle?

[n_maher]

I'd actually defer to CJ. I think Dan is looking for a freebie and I'm working on that.

[grawk]

I'll definitely defer to cj too, if you're shipping.  He asked first, after all.  

[tjkurita]

I don't know if you are still on the search for a cool-running integrated for a bedroom system, but for around $1K ($1.3K new, ~$800 used), I think an Audiosector integrated is one of the best choices. 50WPC gainclone built extremely well, far better than the 47 Labs build quality. I don't have one, but I do have his Patek SE, which is an upscale, 2-chassis, power-amp version. It has a really great sound. Neutral, clean, pure, fast. I love mine. The integrated has a very small footprint (perfect for a bedroom), enough power, and runs very cool.

Here is the 6Moons review of the Patek SE.

Here is a review of the integrated.