Conference hips::uk_audioo

    The AURA VA100 evolution is supposed to be a good amp. Also the Musical
    Fidelity pre-amp/typhoon combination.
    
    the AMC is a tube/fet hybrid. Supposed to be good , my only concern
    would be tube replacement. On most amps this is a process you undergo
    every , say, three years and is about as complex as changing a
    lightbulb. However the AMC has valves directly soldered onto plug
    replaceable boards internally. These have to be ordered from AMC.
    
    My concern would be that if AMC were to go belly-up then replacing
    tubes would be difficult, unless you're good with a soldering iron.
    
    I noticed in HFN&RR that Glen Croft has a tube integrated amp for
    around #600, which might be an alternative.
    
    I would also include both amp and CD player from Sugden, which I have
    heard and sound very good indeed.

    re .0....
    
    Well, they'll all *work* with LS4s in that electronic compatibility
    isn't an issue. Whether you'll enjoy the result is different; your best
    bet is to find a dealer who will let you audition a range of amps and
    CD players within your budget using your LS4s.
    
    As well as the Sugden mentioned in .1, I would also suggest the Rotel
    in the same bracket is worth considering. Amp-wise, you're spoilt for
    choice; don't forget the Arcam models, they've reviewed very well.
    Cassette-wise, Sony, Denon, Pioneer and Technics all have well-regarded
    models under 100 pounds.
    
    Beware, though, of building such a huge list that it just confuses.
    Even if you could audition everything in one place it wouldn't make
    anything more clear. At the risk of being a boring old fart (again),
    you should start by finding a sympathetic dealer who carries a
    reasonable range and is prepared to help you make an informed choice,
    no matter how many visits you make. It won't cost you any more, and
    you'll end up with a system that will give you years of pleasure -
    which is the whole point of the exercise.
    
    As far as cables/interconnects go, the bread-and-butter items sold with
    most products can be improved on without too much extra outlay, but I
    would suggest you avoid expensive esoteric cables. Personally, I
    wouldn't spend more than 30 pounds for a terminated stereo metre of
    interconnect, or 2 pounds per stereo metre of speaker cable. Your
    mileage may differ..
    
    Dave

    Well, I've not started auditioning yet (haven't had a chance to fit my
    burglar alarm yet), but I'm interested in whether anyone has any
    practical experience of the Musical Fidelity Preamp/Typhoon mentioned
    in .1. I've read a couple of reviews which mention that they have an
    "up front" character and are generally very good, and thought they might
    make good partners for the LS4a's.
    
    I gather that the Preamp doesn't have a phono stage, but that MF do a
    similar model called Rainbow (Der de Der de Der Derde Der Der ;-))
    which does have one; any comments?
    
    I know the real proof is in the listening, but if anyone knows that
    they aren't worth trying, it will at least save the search for an MF dealer.

    I think the RAINBOW IS the Pre-amp but with an additional phonoi board.
    
    I've not heard this combination but from what I can recall Musical
    Fidelity products tend to have a distinct house-sound. The Guy
    Michaelson who runs/owns the company is a nut for female vocalists
    (classical/Jazz) and all the products tend to have a fairly warm
    mid-range. This is true of the A series as well as the B1 from what I
    can recall, even through to the CDT 'tube' CD player. The main
    criticism of them was they could be a bit wolly in the bass, which IMHO
    is no big deal.
    
    I would definitely seak them out as I personally have always liked the
    sound they produce. This combination got a good review in HFN&RR some
    months back, and I think you can upgrade with an extra typhoon + a
    special cable for bi-amping.

    I think HiFi Choice said something along the lines of fairly good with
    one typhoon, but compressed and indistinct soundstage. Very good with 
    2 typhoons, with very much wider soundstage. Their conclusion was 
    definitely worth the extra �300 to get the second typhoon.
    
    They gave it a 'recommended' based on the second typhoon.
    I can copy the report and mail it to you if you're interested.
    
    Pete

    Thanks for the offer, Pete. I'd appreciate that.
    
    Internal mailstop is Steve Gunn @ IME , SEG , E-G4.