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Integrated amp with tone controls - recommendations?

Hoopsontoast said:
Denon PMA-2500NE or if you don't mind a bit older, the PMA-2000AE.
Older still like the Sony TA-F770ES could be worth a look, or Accuphase as mentioned too.
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Another vote for the TA-F770ES. I picked one up on German eBay for £240 in VGC a few months ago, and I’m beginning to realize it was something of a bargain. I should have phrased that differently, picking one up is the one thing you can’t do.
 
Pinky said:
Or perhaps buy the amp you like the sound of and use something like a Musical Fidelity X-tone with it?
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Well the Musical Fidelity X-Tone does at least have fairly sensible, user-selectable turnover frequencies - unlike the Schiit Loki. +12dB at 20Hz? How stupid is that??
 
Thanks everybody for the useful replies, which I have read carefully and looked up the recommendations.

Firstly, I don't really want to go down the road of esoteric, valve, or vintage amps. Also, some of the options mentioned will not give me the lively presentation (a la Supernait-2) that I am looking for (eg Accuphase).

The X-tone or Loki tone control units might be interesting, but there is no Tape Loop on a Naim Supernait-2. I know I could fit a tone controller between CD player and amp, but that would not facilitate tone control on my other amp inputs (tuner, DVD player, TV receiver etc).

So I think my revised question is this:

Of the following modern integrated amps with tone controls, which will give me a lively sound presentation, similar to Naim Supernait-2?

- Rotel RA-1572 (or RA-1592)
- Creek Evolution 100A
- Yamaha A-S1100 (or A-S2100)
- Nad C375BEE
- Cambridge Audio Azur 851A*

*this is a model I have just stumbled across, with tone controls

I know I should ideally demo my shortlisted amps, but I live in an area with few hifi shops and it is hard to find the models I am interested in for A/B comparisons with my own CD player and speakers!
 
the rotel 1572 is incredible vfm , i have heard it a few times . looks beautiful and when i have heard with B&W it sounded good
 
Pinky said:
Or perhaps buy the amp you like the sound of and use something like a Musical Fidelity X-tone with it?
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or a preamp. This sounds more sensible than buying an Accuphase or indeed anything else that you haven't heard and may not like and cannot return.
 
I have the Rotel RA1570, predecessor to the 1572/1592. I took a punt on it because I wanted a new amp and the built in DAC solved a connectivity issue I had with my old amp. It was only supposed to be a stop gap but 3 years later I still have it and feel no need to replace it. Can’t comment on how lively it sounds compared to a Supernait 2 because I haven’t heard that amp. IMO is sounds better than the first Supernait which I have heard a couple of times.

I’ve never used the tone controls.

Cheers BB
 
Advance Acoustic - great amps , I have 2. Tone controls & balance control all adjustable from your favourite armchair via remote control. Otherwise forget Naim and do yourself a favour and go for Accuphase.

Mike
 
If you like the sound of your current amplifier get a graphic equaliser and put it between the Pre Amp Output and Power Amp Inputs on the amplifier. Something like a BSS966 is quite cheap used as the sound companies turn to digital systems.
 
BB Wan said:
Well if nothing else comes of this thread, you have at least introduced to to another dealer who would appear to sell decent Pre-owned kit, so ta for that. Lovely easy to navigate website too. I can think of some other HiFi companies that should take note!
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Pleasure! Really good people to deal with too, with a nice location and listening room.
 
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