Help needed in deciding

[Peter Allison]

I am a relatively newcomer to decent audio sounds. I have a very meagre system, compared to many on this forum. I have a basic 5.1 sound system, which is held together by an Anthem MRX 520 a/v amp. I have a reasonably decent "basic" front pair of newish speakers, the Amphion Argon 1's. I would like to benefit from a more " jelled" sound, as in clarity, depth, soundstage etc, so am going down the route of adding a Power Amp, to drive the front speakers , when listening to 2 channel music of various genres (classical pipe organ mainly).
What do the "collective" recommend I try and hear? I am UK based, so the makes that are available here. I have heard that Nord are good, but it would be bought blind, as there are no dealers in the UK. Budget would just be £1800 sterling
Thanks for any help...
Peter

[Mr Peabody]

if you have Parasound look at the Halo A23 or A21

Not familiar with models, Vincent Audio amps have good drive.

What brands do you have access to?

[Peter Allison]

hi, the usual UK brands include Rotel, Audiolab, Nord, Anthem and a few others made by the mainstream companies

[Mr Peabody]

I am not a Rotel fan. Something about their tone just don't agree with my ears.

If Naim was in your budget that would be ideal. Do you have Bryston, even a 3B cube would be a great performer.

If those aren't within reach, how about Musical Fidelity?

[bluegrassphile]

hi, the usual UK brands include Rotel, Audiolab, Nord, Anthem and a few others made by the mainstream companies

Peter, do you have access to NAIM audio components. I believe they're UK made. Really good stuff. Oops.....Mr Peabody beat me to it.

[Peter Allison]

Thanks guys. I am going to a Hi Fi show here in the UK in 2 weeks time, and I know that some NAIM products will be used. And never really thought of Musical Fidelity, I nearly bought one of the budget integrated amps many years ago (back in the late 80's... the A1?) I have done a bit o research on them, and can get "pre Loved" ( second hand) a pair of mono power amps, they are good. I have also read a fair bit on the "NORD" brand, handmade 80 miles from me, and they are very good "bang for your buck", better than amps costing a lot more £££.
I know looking at some of the equipment some of the forum members have, I have a long way to go, to reach those dizzy heights, but personal budgetary circumstances preclude me from really "High End" gear, plus the UK taxes on some products is wayyyy to high

[Mr Peabody]

The show is a good idea and your gear doesn't have to cost a fortune to be enjoyable. Myself, it took me many years to get my system where it is now.

If Atoll is available to you, give it a good listen. It's very good and reasonably priced. I believe the company is based in France.

Vincent Audio, who is based in Germany but built in China, is reasonably priced and a good performer in it's class. A friend of mine had Vincent separates and the system was enjoyable to listen to. They seem to like a strong sound that has a bass foundation.

Definitely entertain the Musical Fidelity. Their sound can sometimes seem a bit thick to me but I much prefer that to a thin sound like Arcam or Cambridge.

Naim can be costly, especially separates but you are talking a better level of sound in my opinion.

A U.S. company, Coda, sells more of their amps overseas, if they are available, a definite great performer and you can sometimes get great deals used since they go under the radar for the most part.

Happy hunting and let us know what you end up choosing.

Thanks guys. I am going to a Hi Fi show here in the UK in 2 weeks time, and I know that some NAIM products will be used. And never really thought of Musical Fidelity, I nearly bought one of the budget integrated amps many years ago (back in the late 80's... the A1?) I have done a bit o research on them, and can get "pre Loved" ( second hand) a pair of mono power amps, they are good. I have also read a fair bit on the "NORD" brand, handmade 80 miles from me, and they are very good "bang for your buck", better than amps costing a lot more £££.
I know looking at some of the equipment some of the forum members have, I have a long way to go, to reach those dizzy heights, but personal budgetary circumstances preclude me from really "High End" gear, plus the UK taxes on some products is wayyyy to high

[Peter Allison]

Thanks Mr Peabody. I am leaning towards one of the UK made NORD amps at the moment, and have just been touch with the owner, Colin North, they have a decent web site, but the combination of amps is a little daunting, and the only way to hear them would be to go and listen to the various models, and prob take my own speakers for a proper demo. I will keep anyone interested, updated

[nicoff]

Given your budget, I would suggest you try and find a USED older amp.
You will get much more for your money with an older amp.

[Mr Peabody]

Wouldn't it be better if they sent you an amp to try, leaving your speakers in your own room and system in order for you to get a true audition? Even if you brought your entire system, it wouldn't sound the same in their room as it does in yours.

Thanks Mr Peabody. I am leaning towards one of the UK made NORD amps at the moment, and have just been touch with the owner, Colin North, they have a decent web site, but the combination of amps is a little daunting, and the only way to hear them would be to go and listen to the various models, and prob take my own speakers for a proper demo. I will keep anyone interested, updated

[Peter Allison]

I will be in contact with the vendor, and see if they do "hire demo amps"