New stereo for my retirement reward!

[uncblue]

Hello, everyone! I'm new to this site and excited to get advice and recommendations on my new stereo purchase I'm making for my retirement. I'm not wealthy, but I appreciate good sound and good equipement. My budget is only $2500 and I have just about decided on a pair of Klipsch Reference Series RF-82 speakers for about $1100. That leaves me roughly $1400 to get a power conditioner and integrated amp. I need input from users who know from experience what will drive a pair of speakers of this quality. Thanks for your help! - Bob

[Feanor]

Hello, everyone! I'm new to this site and excited to get advice and recommendations on my new stereo purchase I'm making for my retirement. I'm not wealthy, but I appreciate good sound and good equipement. My budget is only $2500 and I have just about decided on a pair of Klipsch Reference Series RF-82 speakers for about $1100. That leaves me roughly $1400 to get a power conditioner and integrated amp. I need input from users who know from experience what will drive a pair of speakers of this quality. Thanks for your help! - Bob

Congrats on your retirement, uncblue, and welcome to AR Forums. Coincidentally I'm retiring the end of the month myself.

That are your music sources? Do you already have a CD player (or DVD player); are you interested in playing LPs? Are you interested in pulling music from a computer; (very popular these days)?

I wouldn't go nuts on a power conditioner. A sound, practical option would be this Tripp Lite Isobar model that has multiple outlet banks isolated for RFI.

There is no doubt that an integrated amp offers the best value for money, and there are many to choose from. The Klipsch are pretty efficient speakers so vast power isn't a requirement. The following are several reasonable options from Audio Advisor, (US retailer):

• Cambridge Audio 740A
• Creek Evolution 2
• Music Hall A50.2

If you can stretch you budget just a little further, say US$1600, I strongly recommend the Naim Nait 5i, (here), based on the many, consistent, and very positive reviews this unit has received.

[blackraven]

If you can stretch your budget a little, I would check www.audioadvisor.com and go with a separate amp and preamp like the Hybrid tube equipment from Vincent audio. They are running a sale on the SA-31 Hybrid Tube Preamp for $599 and their hybrid tube amp the Vincent SP-331 for $1,199. I think that Vincent would match well with the Klipsch. Tubes will lend to a warmer sound.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VISA31

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...ber=VISP331MKP

NOTE-That the web site has the wrong price listed for the amp. It normally sells for $1499 and it is now on sale for $1,199. I have the Catalog.


Another option would be to pair the Vincent preamp with a B&K reference 125.5 power amp which has a warmer sound and would pair well with the Klipsch speakers which lean on the bright side. It runs about $699.

http://www.bkcomp.com/products/ampli...ash=5abcbb5051


For Intergrated amps I would look at this Marantz 8003, again it has a warm signiture.

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-PM8003.../dp/B001I7868C

http://us.marantz.com/Products/2570.asp

And this Van Alstine intergrated. It is a solid state amp that sounds more like a tube amp. I own Van Alstine gear. Its all custom made to order here in Minnesota. It's nothing special to look at but its a lot of bang for the buck and competes with gear costing hundreds if not a few thousand more.

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipmen...fier/index.htm

Frank Van Alstine always answers his phone, backs up his product and has a 30 day money back guarentee. Check out the forum at www.audiocircles.com

I also agree on the Niam!

[frenchmon]

I'd take that Vincent over the B&K any day...but its almost twice the price as well.

frenchmon

[basite]

I'd take that Vincent over the B&K any day...but its almost twice the price as well.

frenchmon

I wouldn't,

Vincent sounds like crap.

[pixelthis]

If you are on a budget check out Emotivas amps.
They are cheap, but not low quality(big hunk of pig iron, sounds good).
Dont know what kinda pre-amp you'd put with it, I am using an Integra receiver for mine.

[audio amateur]

I don't understand all these high powered suggestions when he has efficient speakers.
Uncblue, before you do splurge on an amp, I would recommend you go out and listen to different amps and try to hear the differences between each amp. Chances are these will be very slight, especially in contrast with the differences you'll hear between different speakers.

I personally would recommend a Trends TA-10.1 if you can live without a remote (maybe have the system next to your listening position) and only have one music source. You'll save a bundle you can spend elsewhere (more music perhaps) and enjoy it just as much as you would a $1K amp. They even have a newer modded version which retails for a little more. Still smashing value given the performance (I use to own one until i fried it using the wrong power supply).
Here is a review by 6 moons:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/trends/ta10.html
I won't forget to mention that it's also very easy on the electric bill.

[rob_a]

Congrats on retirement, I am a young lad and have a long way to go still.

Rotel makes a nice integrated amp for around $700.

Emotiva makes a pre-amp for $400 and then they have a 2ch amp going for $325.

Jolida makes a good integrated tube amp I have seen as low as $650.

There are many different brands out there that are very good. Welcome to AR

[blackraven]

I have to agree with Rob, Jolida makes a nice intergrated tube amp. I have to disagree with Basite. Vincent sounds pretty good. Its all about system matching. You can take the best sounding equipment in the world and mix and match, some pair well and lothers don't. I think that with Klipsch speakers you will want a warmer sounding amp.

If you end up with an Emotiva amp I suggest you look for a tube or Hybrid tube preamp.

[basite]

I have to agree with Rob, Jolida makes a nice intergrated tube amp. I have to disagree with Basite. Vincent sounds pretty good. Its all about system matching. You can take the best sounding equipment in the world and mix and match, some pair well and lothers don't. I think that with Klipsch speakers you will want a warmer sounding amp.

If you end up with an Emotiva amp I suggest you look for a tube or Hybrid tube preamp.

well, tastes differ, of course, but I found the vincent gear I heard, all sound pretty shouty and really in your face. System matching is very important, and pairing vincent with klipsch, is not really a good match imho...

a nice tube integrated will actually do really good with Klipsches, with their sensitivity you also don't need 400 watts of power (even 10 good watts will do for most listening...)

[blackraven]

well, tastes differ, of course, but I found the vincent gear I heard, all sound pretty shouty and really in your face. System matching is very important, and pairing vincent with klipsch, is not really a good match imho...

a nice tube integrated will actually do really good with Klipsches, with their sensitivity you also don't need 400 watts of power (even 10 good watts will do for most listening...)

Ageed!

[devuonoste]

Hi,
Congrats on your retirement.

I agree with most that has been said here. If you can stretch your budget a bit have a look at the Prima Luna Prologue One - $1599.

Good Luck and Hope you find something you enjoy.

[rob_a]

well, tastes differ, of course, but I found the vincent gear I heard, all sound pretty shouty and really in your face. System matching is very important, and pairing vincent with klipsch, is not really a good match imho...

a nice tube integrated will actually do really good with Klipsches, with their sensitivity you also don't need 400 watts of power (even 10 good watts will do for most listening...)

I personally do not like the in your face systems either, and Klipsches can bring that out in an amp, so a choice of amps that are a little smoother or wormer would be a good choice. Tubes are a great way to calm down bright speakers.

[Feanor]

Another case of vanishing OP, looks like.

Too bad Bob didn't ask our advice about speakers first, rather than choosing his speakers then asking about amps. I suspect there would have been a certain consensus against Klipsch. Anyway, it might have been a more rewarding debate than this one about which amp will best compensate for Klipsch shortcomings.

For all the well-intentioned tube recommendations, it remains to be know whether the OP will accept a tube amp.

[audio amateur]

Another case of vanishing OP, looks like.
Too bad Bob didn't ask our advice about speakers first, rather than choosing his speakers then asking about amps. I suspect there would have been a certain consensus against Klipsch.

I wanted to commend all of you for not making any remarks on the speakers. However, I wasn't going to do so but as Feanor has let the cat out of the bag...

Give him some time, it's only been a day!

[JoeE SP9]

Well, he did say he had "just about decided". It may not be too late.

BTW Welcome to AR uncblue!

[JoeE SP9]

I personally do not like the in your face systems either, and Klipsches can bring that out in an amp, so a choice of amps that are a little smoother or wormer would be a good choice. Tubes are a great way to calm down bright speakers.

Very nice way of commenting about Klipsch speakers.

uncblue: To put it very plainly. They are very bright "shouty" and in your face, not really what you want for long term listening. However, speaker choice is personal. What you like others may not and vice versa.

[rob_a]

Very nice way of commenting about Klipsch speakers.

uncblue: To put it very plainly. They are very bright "shouty" and in your face, not really what you want for long term listening. However, speaker choice is personal. What you like others may not and vice versa.

Just for the record, in no way was I trying to rip anyone else’s taste of audio. Many people on AR have Klipsch and like the sound. I personally do not care for the brighter edgy sound of them, but that’s just my opinion.

Most people on this site would agree that a good “matched” system is important, and that’s what I feel most of the people commenting were trying to lend a hand with. But these are just recommendations and as far as that goes, Blue is the one who is going to be listen to it and I respect that, hopefully theirs no love lost.

[harley .guy07]

If uncblue likes the Klipsch speakers he has chosen then it is not up to me to say it was a bad decision. I am not a klipsch fan myself but there are plenty of them out there and I think with proper amplification they could be a good choice for someone looking for that kind of sound. High power is not the biggest issue here since they are high efficiency by design and nature by way of horn loaded tweeters so a lower powered integrated would work well especially if uncblue likes his music at a volume level that is within normal listening levels. There are plenty of options out there. I would not say vincent is out of the question since they don't sound bad like someone commented in my opinion. I would say that a warmer sounding amp would be my direction for these speakers since most speakers from klipsch that I have personally heard are of brighter nature and would do well with a well balanced amp. I have heard that Emotiva amps are good but are detailed by design and probably would not be the best choice for these speakers, I would head in the direction as others have said with a more neutral or warm amp like some out there with tube preamp sections or fully tube outputs. I have talked to plenty of people that run tubes with klipsch with great results. It depends on if uncblue would want to be open to running tubes and the upkeep with them. there are several solid state options out there that are warm or natural sounding by nature as well, Odyssey audio comes to mind as one on the companies that comes to mind. But the Khartego as good as it is is around 900 to 1000 bucks by itself so he would have to bargain shop for a preamp to stay in his price range. But there are plenty of integrated options out there that might be great for his use if a person were to shop around and do some research into what the sound character of the amp is. I think some research on uncblues part might yield a good setup if he makes sure that there is a return policy so if he is not satisfied he can change if needed.

[dakatabg]

I am not a klipsch fan myself but there are plenty of them out there and I think with proper amplification they could be a good choice for someone looking for that kind of sound.

I am not a big fan of those Klipsch speakers too. People talk about them so much and I have heard many of them but never got impressed.

[uncblue]

Another case of vanishing OP, looks like.

Too bad Bob didn't ask our advice about speakers first,...

Thanks for the input, guys! I agree that I should have inquired about speakers, first. I am not dead set on Klipsh speakers, I just really haven't heard many really good speakers - I could never afford them until now, and it was torture knowing I couldn't buy after listening ...
Thanks again for any input. - Bob

[Ajani]

Thanks for the input, guys! I agree that I should have inquired about speakers, first. I am not dead set on Klipsh speakers, I just really haven't heard many really good speakers - I could never afford them until now, and it was torture knowing I couldn't buy after listening ...
Thanks again for any input. - Bob

Bob, I strongly suggesting auditioning as many speakers as you can first, before committing to buying anything... IMO, Speakers are the most personal choice in HiFi and will have the most dramatic impact on how your system sounds...

In your price range you can buy many excellent tower speakers.

My favorite is the Revel Concerta F12 ($1.5K) or the Monitor Audio RX6 ($1.25K)... You also have several other popular options from brands like Totem, PSB, B&W, Paradigm and Magnepan in your price range... Any of those brands have satisfied fans, so it would really be a matter of finding the one that sounds good (best) to you... Note: you may still prefer Klipsch after auditioning other brands, and there is nothing wrong with that...

[uncblue]

Very good advice, Ajani. I will begin researching speakers and try to find stores that have a wide selection with good listening rooms that will let me play one my favorite CDs. I'll even take notes and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10 or something similar. Thanks - Bob

[blackraven]

Take a listen to B&W's, 683 and 684's. Pair them with a nice tube preamp and a neutral or warm sounding amp like a B&K , Van Alstine or Marantz and you will have a nice sounding system.

[ren9328]

I wouldn't,

Vincent sounds like crap.

Thank you for all of the insight! You are making a post to a retiree and that is the best that you can do? Give this gentleman a useful recommendation or just stay off the forum.

Bob,

There are many fine amps available new and used. Listen to as many as possible before making your decision. I feel that you wil get you best bang for the buck from an integrated amp. You can find Krell, YBA, Creek, Arcam and Cambridge Audio integrated amps in your price range and all are fine performers.