Best Integrated or Pre/Power Amp Combo for Monitor Audio?

[Ajani]

OK, short of experiencing a miracle in an audition, I've got my heart set on Monitor Audio Speakers... I have 4 options and the size of my wallet (or VISA) will determine which pair I purchase at the time: RS6, RS8, GS20 or GS60. The RS6 and the GS20 are the best choices considering the size of my stereo room (15x12 with 15 ft ceilings)...

With all that in mind and a budget of absolute MAXIMUM $2K (I prefer new as used is hard to get in the Caribbean - most Audiogon sellers won't ship to me)... I'm looking for an integrated amp or Pre/Power Amp combo. I know I can use anywhere from about 30 watts up... So far I'm considering the following:

Musical Fidelity A1 $2K 30 watts
Creek Classic 5350SE $1.7K 85 watts
Parasound Halo P3/A23 $1.7K 125 watts
Simaudio Moon i1 $1.5K 50 watts
Naim Nait 5i $1.4K 50 watts

Any comments on these choices or other suggestions will be appreciated....

The only option I've been able to audition is Musical Fidelity (X-T100 not A1) and Monitor Audio GS20 (loved it), but the A1 is at the top of my price range, has no headphone amp and is at the bottom of my expected power requirement (though it should sound even sweeter than than the X-T100).

BTW, though not a requirement, a headphone amp would be a major plus! A phono amp is not required as I will never use it. I don't need many inputs either.

[audio amateur]

Is the purchase immanent?

[Ajani]

Is the purchase immanent?

lol... good question... well, immanent by my standards: next 4 - 8 weeks...

[audio amateur]

Oh... I thought you were going to wait for ages and rack up some cash for a 'decent' system.

I can't really recommend anything (but not because it's bad stuff). I've heard both the Monitor Audio's. The GS20 definitely had a 'high-end' feel to them. Bass was amazing, somehow though I felt the midrange was lacking in some way. I need to mention I heard them in less than ideal conditions. Heard the RS6's too but I didn't have much to compare them to at the time. As far as amps are concerned, I can't really recommend, either. I've heard MF and Naim on different stuff. I don't think you can go wrong with either, they are both respectable companies.
On a side note, why do you need a headphone out on the amp if you're going to use the Benchmark? (in all honesty i'd sell the headphone and splash more on the other stuff at this point:yesnod: )
Or how 'bout a power amp straight to the Benchmark, and the Benchmark right near your listening position so volume is not a problem?

[Ajani]

Oh... I thought you were going to wait for ages and rack up some cash for a 'decent' system.

I can't really recommend anything (but not because it's bad stuff). I've heard both the Monitor Audio's. The GS20 definitely had a 'high-end' feel to them. Bass was amazing, somehow though I felt the midrange was lacking in some way. I need to mention I heard them in less than ideal conditions. Heard the RS6's too but I didn't have much to compare them to at the time. As far as amps are concerned, I can't really recommend, either. I've heard MF and Naim on different stuff. I don't think you can go wrong with either, they are both respectable companies.
On a side note, why do you need a headphone out on the amp if you're going to use the Benchmark? (in all honesty i'd sell the headphone and splash more on the other stuff at this point:yesnod: )
Or how 'bout a power amp straight to the Benchmark, and the Benchmark right near your listening position so volume is not a problem?

I don't need a headphone amp, but it would be nice to have that extra bit of variety...

A power amp maybe my best bet, but most options are powerhouses, so I wonder if I might get better sound with a low powered integrated (such as the Musical Fidelity A1) than with a 250 watt monster (like the Parasound Halo A21)....

You really should try listening to the Monitor Audio GS20 on a Musical Fidelity Amp... the GS20/X-T100 had the sweetest mid-range I've heard... Such a shame they discontinued the X-T100 (I wouldn't need to ask for amp advice if it was available)...

Thanks for the input.... I originally planned to wait till I had a sick amount of money available to spend, but looking at just my headphone setup in my stereo room is getting depressing... I love the sound of it, but I miss having a nice tower combo (especially now that I realize that my stereo room is basically sound proof at my normal listening volumes!!!! So no complaints from the wife or neighbors)... So I may have to eat some humble pie and just get something enjoyable rather than waiting on 'high-end'....

[audio amateur]

Thanks for the input.... I originally planned to wait till I had a sick amount of money available to spend, but looking at just my headphone setup in my stereo room is getting depressing
haha, I told you! I knew you wouldn't be able to wait however long you said you wanted to wait :ciappa:

So I may have to eat some humble pie and just get something enjoyable rather than waiting on 'high-end'....
Well, GS20's aren't exactly Low-Fi, whichever way you look at it. I haven't heard of the X-T100 but if there's a newer version of it, or one that is based on it/same circuitry, why don't you go with that? Or with any MF for that matter, if you've heard the combo and liked it? What was the source?
Or simply try to find an X-T100? Better yet, a Trends 10.1 like I have for 150$ and save up for better later on:smile5:

[Ajani]

haha, I told you! I knew you wouldn't be able to wait however long you said you wanted to wait :ciappa:

Well, GS20's aren't exactly Low-Fi, whichever way you look at it. I haven't heard of the X-T100 but if there's a newer version of it, or one that is based on it/same circuitry, why don't you go with that? Or with any MF for that matter, if you've heard the combo and liked it? What was the source?
Or simply try to find an X-T100? Better yet, a Trends 10.1 like I have for 150$ and save up for better later on:smile5:

When I talk about humble pie, I was thinking more of the RS6 (the GS20 would be 'small room high end', IMO)...

MF ditched the X Series and so far have only released the lower powered A1 for more money... The X-T100 was 60 watts and $1.5K, while the A1 is 30 watts and $2K.... And while I was totally happy with the sound and volume level of the X-T100/GS20 combo in an 11x11 listening room (with a low ceiling), I'm not sure that the A1/GS20 or RS6 would give me that kind of quality and volume in a 15x12 room (with a high ceiling).

If I got a trends 10.1 then I could definitely get the GS20, but I don't think the Trends would have enough power to drive the 20's till I can get something better...

[audio amateur]

If I got a trends 10.1 then I could definitely get the GS20, but I don't think the Trends would have enough power to drive the 20's till I can get something better...
Depending on how loud you like your music, You should consider the Trends. My room is a little smaller, with low ceiling, but my 686's aren't the last word in efficiency, with 84dB/2.8v/m according to the manufacturer. However, at normal listening volumes, there's is no problem at all. I can even push them a little with no signs of clipping. I believe, with the efficiency of the 20's, despite your room dimensions, it will be even less of a problem. It's an amazing little amp. You can even configure it to work as a power amp. No remote though. Definitely consider it;)

[elapsed]

Hi Ajani, nice choice in speakers! However I don't think that Naim will be an ideal match for MA, personally I would be leaning towards MF. Any chance you can stretch your budget for an A5.5 integrated? This is an exceptional match for the MA Silver Series

Also you could swing Rotel separates within this budget, for instance Rotel RC-1082 pre-amp and RB-1080 poweramp (200Wpc)

cheers,
elapsed

[nightflier]

Have you considered Emotiva? Their RSP-2 preamp is quite a head turner with balanced out, various preamp outputs and lots of other features (including a headphone amp and MM phono, unfortunately). But you can pair that with their $299 UPA-2 amp and still have plenty left for speakers. Or if you want more power, they have a 500W powerhouse for just $799. I don't think you can buy that much power anywhere else for that price.

Another option is Vincent Audio. Their SV-226 integrated has some interesting specs but is a bit pricey for your budget. There's always NAD. They've stopped making poop-colored gear, and the new black gear looks very clean with very impressive specs.

But, if you're willing to spend that much, you should definitely check out PS Audio. Their amps should be a very good fit for the MA speakers, as those speakers can sound bright and etchy. By the way, PS Audio's Trio integrated amp is a 100/200 watt little monster that is stable down to 2 ohms. It also would pair well with the Benchmark's color and style. I just saw that AudioAdvisor has a special on the Trio pre/amp combo for $1294.49. 'Should be right up your alley.

[blackraven]

Go with the GS series over the RS. The GS is much better than the RS from what I have read and the people I talked to here in town that used to sell MA.

I would also go with an amp that has more power. My Monitor Audio S1's soak up the power and even tax my vintage 50wpc technics integrated amp at loud volumes.

The Parasound would be a good match with plenty of power and true XLR to go with that nice Bechmark DAC.

You should also consider a Van Alstine SS amp and preamp or his 90wpc integrated.

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/amplifier/comparison_grid.htm

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/control_amplifier/index.htm

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/preamplifier/comparison_grid.htm

Browse the Van Alstine forum http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?board=48

If your interested in Van Alstine, give Frank a call or email him, he will check shipping rates to you. He was going to ship to some one in singapore for $60.

[Ajani]

Hi Ajani, nice choice in speakers! However I don't think that Naim will be an ideal match for MA, personally I would be leaning towards MF. Any chance you can stretch your budget for an A5.5 integrated? This is an exceptional match for the MA Silver Series

Also you could swing Rotel separates within this budget, for instance Rotel RC-1082 pre-amp and RB-1080 poweramp (200Wpc)

cheers,
elapsed

Funny you should mention Rotel.... 2 years ago when I lived in Toronto, I had a Rotel RC-1070 and RB-1080 Combo... and had I stayed, I would have bought Monitor Audio GS20s...

[Ajani]

Have you considered Emotiva? Their RSP-2 preamp is quite a head turner with balanced out, various preamp outputs and lots of other features (including a headphone amp and MM phono, unfortunately). But you can pair that with their $299 UPA-2 amp and still have plenty left for speakers. Or if you want more power, they have a 500W powerhouse for just $799. I don't think you can buy that much power anywhere else for that price.

Another option is Vincent Audio. Their SV-226 integrated has some interesting specs but is a bit pricey for your budget. There's always NAD. They've stopped making poop-colored gear, and the new black gear looks very clean with very impressive specs.

But, if you're willing to spend that much, you should definitely check out PS Audio. Their amps should be a very good fit for the MA speakers, as those speakers can sound bright and etchy. By the way, PS Audio's Trio integrated amp is a 100/200 watt little monster that is stable down to 2 ohms. It also would pair well with the Benchmark's color and style. I just saw that AudioAdvisor has a special on the Trio pre/amp combo for $1294.49. 'Should be right up your alley.

I don't think I can give NAD another chance... after I originally upgraded from a NAD Integrated to Rotel Seperates, I never looked back... But I am happy to see that the new NAD gear looks good...

PS Audio is one to consider, especially the ultra-efficient Class D design and due to its lightweight, it would be really cheap to ship...

[Ajani]

Go with the GS series over the RS. The GS is much better than the RS from what I have read and the people I talked to here in town that used to sell MA.

I would also go with an amp that has more power. My Monitor Audio S1's soak up the power and even tax my vintage 50wpc technics integrated amp at loud volumes.

The Parasound would be a good match with plenty of power and true XLR to go with that nice Bechmark DAC.

You should also consider a Van Alstine SS amp and preamp or his 90wpc integrated.

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/amplifier/comparison_grid.htm

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/control_amplifier/index.htm

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/preamplifier/comparison_grid.htm

Browse the Van Alstine forum http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?board=48

If your interested in Van Alstine, give Frank a call or email him, he will check shipping rates to you. He was going to ship to some one in singapore for $60.

Yep, the GS are much better than the RS (and at triple the price, they better be!)... but the only fear I have is that to really appreciate the difference I need decent amplification... I remember comparing the GS20, RS6 & RS8 on some cheapy NAD Receiver and not being all that impressed with the differences... Whole different story on Audio Refinement and Musical Fidelity gear...

So I'm afraid to spend all my money on the GS20 and then have to use a Panasonic Mini System as the amp :nonod: or an entry level NAD or Cambridge Integrated...

If I find a good deal though, I might be able to get the GS20 and a Power amp (Rotel RB1080, PS Audio Trio A100, Parasound Halo A23 or maybe a Van Alstine)...

[Luvin Da Blues]

So I'm afraid to spend all my money on the GS20 and then have to use a Panasonic Mini System as the amp


No worries, It will sound just fine. Just use Audioquest speaker cables and keep them 12' (+/- 6.27") apart.

Go on Rich, check and see if I changed the variance again!!!!

[02audionoob]

I listened to the Nait with a pair of ProAc mini-monitors this past weekend. It's nice, but I wouldn't go 'round recommending it. I guess I was a little unimpressed with the imaging and the highs. I wouldn't blame it on the speakers since another amp in the room did much better with the same speakers, although at a higher price point.

Any lack of bass I dismissed as the limitations of the tiny speakers.

[blackraven]

Anji, call email Frank VA and ask if he has any used amps. He has some from time to time or amps that are returned or traded in. He fixes and upgrades them.

I would not worry about amplification right now. Buy the speakers that you really want and upgrade the amp at a later date. You might be sorry if you end up buying the RS6's and eventually get a good amp. I bet a Cambridge audio integrated .amp would do just fine. The 740A has gotten good reviews. You should also consider a B&K reference series 125.2 power amp. I like the B&K sound and you can pick this amp up for $600-700. http://www.bkcomp.com/products/amplifiers/?tx_ttproducts_pi1[backPID]=14&tx_ttproducts_pi1[product]=5&cHash=5abcbb5051.

Also consider an emotiva amp and a high quality preamp.
That benchmark DAC will give very good sound through a decent amp.
Get yourself a good preamp and a decent amp. If that amp gets a clean signal from a good preamp and DAC then you should have very good sound. The amp is only as good as the source. Clean signal=clean sound. Poor signal and the best amp in the world will sound l,ike crap.

[blackraven]

Van Alstine has some used amps for sale http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/used/used.htm

[Ajani]

I listened to the Nait with a pair of ProAc mini-monitors this past weekend. It's nice, but I wouldn't go 'round recommending it. I guess I was a little unimpressed with the imaging and the highs. I wouldn't blame it on the speakers since another amp in the room did much better with the same speakers, although at a higher price point.

Any lack of bass I dismissed as the limitations of the tiny speakers.

I've been intrigued by Naim for a while, but I've never heard one (and would probably not be able to audition one before buying)... Also, the only speakers I've heard that are supposed to have great synergy with Naim (Totem) really didn't impress me (they weren't bad, just didn't hold my attention)... So I'd either have to buy the Naim and Speakers totally untested (which could be a major disaster) or buy Totem and Naim and risk being as bored with that combo as I with was Totem & Arcam...

[Ajani]

No worries, It will sound just fine. Just use Audioquest speaker cables and keep them 12' (+/- 6.27") apart.

Go on Rich, check and see if I changed the variance again!!!!

Problem is I won't have enough money left for 12ft Audioquest cables... but I do have a lot of bread bag ties... so if I tie enough of them together and wrap them in garbage bags, I could create my own 12 ft cables...

[Ajani]

Anji, call email Frank VA and ask if he has any used amps. He has some from time to time or amps that are returned or traded in. He fixes and upgrades them.

I would not worry about amplification right now. Buy the speakers that you really want and upgrade the amp at a later date. You might be sorry if you end up buying the RS6's and eventually get a good amp. I bet a Cambridge audio integrated .amp would do just fine. The 740A has gotten good reviews. You should also consider a B&K reference series 125.2 power amp. I like the B&K sound and you can pick this amp up for $600-700. http://www.bkcomp.com/products/amplifiers/?tx_ttproducts_pi1[backPID]=14&tx_ttproducts_pi1[product]=5&cHash=5abcbb5051.

Also consider an emotiva amp and a high quality preamp.
That benchmark DAC will give very good sound through a decent amp.
Get yourself a good preamp and a decent amp. If that amp gets a clean signal from a good preamp and DAC then you should have very good sound. The amp is only as good as the source. Clean signal=clean sound. Poor signal and the best amp in the world will sound l,ike crap.

I know that the RS6 sounds good... but I may end up spending more time thinking about how much better the GS20 sounds... worse if the RS6 combo doesn't sound nearly as good as my headphone combo... I really don't want to have a major step down in quality from the phones to the speakers (but short of being extremely patient or winning the lottery, I can't see myself spending $4.5K and up to get full range high end speakers)...

Thanks for the B&K and Van Alstine suggestions... I ruled out Emotiva due to the weight of the amps and correspondingly high shipping costs...

More and more I think just a good 2 channel power amp will be my best bet... The only reason I'd get a preamp eventually is to have a remote (though technically I could just adjust volume on the Squeezebox - I'll probably test that option out 1st to see whether or not it has an adverse effect on sound quality, as there is a lot of debate over digital volume control).

[Luvin Da Blues]

Problem is I won't have enough money left for 12ft Audioquest cables... but I do have a lot of bread bag ties... so if I tie enough of them together and wrap them in garbage bags, I could create my own 12 ft cables...


I see the problem. You only need 2 X 6ft (+/- 3.135") cables, unless ya wanna bi-wire. Would dis fit da budget? BTW, I've had good luck with putting those 'custom" conductors in lengths of garden hose.:crazy:

[nightflier]

A couple of suggestions:

If you have some RJ45 cable laying around (computer cables), then you can build your own cables. Some people swear by them, others don't. I built a pair once and they sounded OK, but nothing special. Just Google DIY RJ45 speaker cables, and I'm sure there will be lots of suggestions.

If weight is an issue, how about NuForce? They make some reasonably priced amps that weigh next to nothing compared to the other guys. I haven't heard them but they have quite a following. I don't think NuForce has been able to address the noise problems inherent in class-D technology as well as PS Audio and Spectron have, but they make some very inexpensive amps that may just fit your needs.

P.S. NuForce actually includes 1 or 2 meter RJ45 speaker cables for use with their Ikon mini-integrated. The amp is only 10/15w, so not really what you need for full towers, but I did think it was interesting that they use that and even suggest making your own if you want longer runs (they have a pin-out diagram on the website). If you are considering more sensitive speakers as well, then you could consider it and it probably weighs very little too.

[Feanor]

....
If weight is an issue, how about NuForce? They make some reasonably priced amps that weigh next to nothing compared to the other guys. I haven't heard them but they have quite a following. I don't think NuForce has been able to address the noise problems inherent in class-D technology as well as PS Audio and Spectron have, but they make some very inexpensive amps that may just fit your needs.
...

Great minds think alike. Seems I too was independently thinking of NuForce.

Ajani could get a P-8S preamp (http://www.nuforce.com/Product-Preamp.htm) plus 8.5 V2 power amp (http://www.nuforce.com/Product-Stereo-Amplifier.htm) (160 wpc @ 8 ohm) combo for < $2k.

Or a IA-7 V2 integrated (http://www.nuforce.com/Product-Integrated.htm) (100 wpc @ 8 ohms) for < $1200.

I'd love to try 'em.

[zudo]

Have you considered Emotiva? Their RSP-2 preamp is quite a head turner with balanced out, various preamp outputs and lots of other features (including a headphone amp and MM phono, unfortunately). But you can pair that with their $299 UPA-2 amp and still have plenty left for speakers. Or if you want more power, they have a 500W powerhouse for just $799. I don't think you can buy that much power anywhere else for that price.

Another option is Vincent Audio. Their SV-226 integrated has some interesting specs but is a bit pricey for your budget. There's always NAD. They've stopped making poop-colored gear, and the new black gear looks very clean with very impressive specs.

But, if you're willing to spend that much, you should definitely check out PS Audio. Their amps should be a very good fit for the MA speakers, as those speakers can sound bright and etchy. By the way, PS Audio's Trio integrated amp is a 100/200 watt little monster that is stable down to 2 ohms. It also would pair well with the Benchmark's color and style. I just saw that AudioAdvisor has a special on the Trio pre/amp combo for $1294.49. 'Should be right up your alley.

Outlaw Audio has seven channel 200 watt and 300 watt by seven channel amps with balanced outputs, great reviews and only for $2-3K and your getting new not used stuff. I know having a esoteric brand is cool but I think I'd rather have a high quality new amp than a used product with a name and no clue if it will last before repairs are needed.

[audio amateur]

You really should try listening to the Monitor Audio GS20 on a Musical Fidelity Amp... the GS20/X-T100 had the sweetest mid-range I've heard... Such a shame they discontinued the X-T100 (I wouldn't need to ask for amp advice if it was available)...
My bad. I was listening to 'Protection' by Massive Attack the other day, which is the track i'd used to audition the GS20's, and realised the bass and highs are more prominent than the midrange. I believe this is what mislead me to think that the 20's midrange isn't great.

[Ajani]

My bad. I was listening to 'Protection' by Massive Attack the other day, which is the track i'd used to audition the GS20's, and realised the bass and highs are more prominent than the midrange. I believe this is what mislead me to think that the 20's midrange isn't great.

No worries... That's part of what makes auditioning gear challenging... the wrong songs can give you a very different impression of how gear sounds... and the right songs can make gear sound much better than it really is... Now, when I audition I just use my favorite albums, rather than 'reference' CDs... It doesn't matter how good gear sounds with test tones or some perfectly mastered recording of a live performance, if it doesn't sound right with the music I'll usually be playing...

[JohnMichael]

I have been looking at the Portal Panache. A nice 100 watt amp with a built in input selector, passive volume and balance control. The amp is rumored to be designed by Nelson Pass and doubles it's power inot a 4 ohm load. Looks like it will drive anything.




http://www.portalaudio.com/panache.html



I also like some of the class d amps out today. The Onkyo A-9555 is a screaming bargain. The PC audio amps are impressing reviewers. Most praise is for the GCC units which use their gain control circuits. The Trio uses the Ice module and that has not received as much praise in that amp but it is still considered very good. I wished I lived in an area with many chances to listen to good equipment. Good luck.

[IowaCityDiehard]

OK, I'm biased (pardon the pun), but I'm a firm believer in finding GOOD used equipment, if you can.

I've owned a lot of equipment over the years from a lot of brands, and my signature below gives away the advice I'm about to give.

Preamp: This is a matter of personal taste, so based on everything I've ever owned, I'm a big fan of Audible Illusions Tube Preamps. If you are into vinyl, the Modulus 3A is the choice. If, like me, your source is CD only, the Modulus L1 is the better choice. I bought my L1 used from a great guy in St. Louis for $600. It retailed for $1900, and is the most stunning sounding pre I've ever heard, hands down.

Amp: Again, I lean towards good used equipment, and have it modified. I'll put my Adcom GFA-545 with Signature mods from Musical Concepts up against ANY solid state amp costing less than $3000. John Hillig of Musical Concepts used to be a Hafler engineer, so Hafler is another great mod choice. I'm not a big fan of E-Pay, but there is a Hafler 220 with MC mods out there right now for far less than the Signature mods cost ($729)... IF it is actually the Signature mod, although their "base" mods are incredible also. If I were in the market for a new amp, I'd either go Adcom or Hafler and have MC mod it...

With patience, and making sure you find a quality seller, a Audible Illusions/Musical Concepts combo could be had for far less than your $2k budget, and I can't imagine anything new approaching the sound... I understand that you don't get a warranty, nor the brand new stuff high, but my advice is based solely on sound quality.

IF I had $2k to spend, and was asked to put together the best sound, I'd try to achieve the following purchases:

Pre: $600 Audible Illusions Tube Line Stage
Amp: $600 Musical Concepts Modded Amp, either Adcom or Hafler
DAC: $800 to spend on a top DAC (Bechmark or PS Audio would be my choices)

Just my 2 cents worth, which might not be worth that! :-)

[the hand of boredom]

Ajani, what a great dilemma to be in.

I've heard amps from each manufacturer except Creek, and each of the speakers from MA you are interested in. My fave of the group would be the GS20.

Will this be strictly 2-channel? Will you add a sub later to this system? How loud will you play it? I don't think 30W will be sufficient to play sustained high level music. As you drive the speakers louder the soundstage may become compressed and the sound may congest a bit.

I would go with the Parasound unit if you are going to run the speakers full range. With 125W, it would have plenty of headroom for all that lovely dynamic detail the GS20 would be waiting to unleash.

If you plan on getting a sub in the future and you will cut-off the signal to the mains from anywhere between 50-80, I would go with the Naim. I've heard a 5i with a GS20 before, and in that room the combo was terrific. Would have done this combo if I didn't have a deal offered on slightly more expensive gear.

Having said that, I would suggest looking at a nice tube integrated or amp. The Antique Sound Lab AQ1001 can be ordered direct from Divergent. Also hear that piece with the 20s and it held it's own with other great gear.

[Ajani]

Ajani, what a great dilemma to be in.

I've heard amps from each manufacturer except Creek, and each of the speakers from MA you are interested in. My fave of the group would be the GS20.

Will this be strictly 2-channel? Will you add a sub later to this system? How loud will you play it? I don't think 30W will be sufficient to play sustained high level music. As you drive the speakers louder the soundstage may become compressed and the sound may congest a bit.

I would go with the Parasound unit if you are going to run the speakers full range. With 125W, it would have plenty of headroom for all that lovely dynamic detail the GS20 would be waiting to unleash.

If you plan on getting a sub in the future and you will cut-off the signal to the mains from anywhere between 50-80, I would go with the Naim. I've heard a 5i with a GS20 before, and in that room the combo was terrific. Would have done this combo if I didn't have a deal offered on slightly more expensive gear.

Having said that, I would suggest looking at a nice tube integrated or amp. The Antique Sound Lab AQ1001 can be ordered direct from Divergent. Also hear that piece with the 20s and it held it's own with other great gear.

Thanks for the advice!

Very interesting to hear from someone who has heard a Naim/Monitor Audio Combo... I'd love to audition such a combo myself one day....

I'll be using the setup in a medium (or maybe small room) 15 x 11 feet with very high ceilings (15 ft or more)... So I definitely won't need a sub... I've heard the GS20s sound amazing on a 50 watt Musical Fidelity in an 11 x 11 room... and also on a 50 watt Audio Refinement Complete in about an 18 x 12 room...

Come to think of it, I've never heard a pair of Monitor Audio speakers on a high powered amp.. I've alway heard them on around 50 watts from Musical Fidelity, Audio Refinement, NAD or Cambridge Audio...

I love the GS20s but I'm not sure I have the patience to save up and buy them... which is why I'm considering the RS6 (which are good but clearly outclassed by the GS20)...

Quick question: Have you heard Arcam and Monitor Audio (I'm told it's supposed to be a good combo)? I'm starting to Consider the Arcam FMJ A18 as a contender as well...

[Ajani]

Oh yeah I forgot to add that it will be strictly 2 channel...

[audio amateur]

I've heard the Arcam Solo with the RS6's. Wasn't bad:)

[Ajani]

I've heard the Arcam Solo with the RS6's. Wasn't bad:)

Thanks...

Ummm... not bad huh??? yeah... that's not exactly what I was hoping to hear though... lol

[the hand of boredom]

I have heard Arcam with Monitor Audio.

Years ago at an old dealer we pushed an a pair of Bronze 4 with an Arcam integrated.

More recently, one of my closest friends has the GS20 and was driving them with an Arcam DVD and Receiver setup in 5.1. When in 2ch mode, it does the job; but keep in mind he has all this set up on the short side wall of a living room that opens up to the rest of the house. The speakers are against the wall.

I have heard these same 20s powered with several different amps - Anthem MCA20 (225W), Marantz SR4300 (85W), McIntosh receiver (don't know the model, 125W), and now a Primare SPA22 (120W). IMO, McIntosh the clear winner, with the Anthem a VERY close second. But then again, he listens at much louder volumes and thus needs those many extra watts.