[CB3874]

[size=10.0pt]Hello,[/size]
 
[size=10.0pt]I fell under a spell of irrational, [/size][size=9pt]spontaneous[/size][size=10.0pt] madness and impulsively acquired a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.2 speaker after a demo. Here are the specs:[/size]
 
http://www.wharfedale.co.uk/products/product/tabid/78/pid/166/cid/172/language/en-gb/default.aspx
 

[size=10.0pt]Format [/size]	[size=10.0pt]Stand Mount[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Bass/Mid Driver   [/size]	[size=10.0pt]165mm[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Tweeter [/size]	[size=10.0pt]25mm[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Suitable Amplifier Power [/size]	[size=10.0pt]20 - 100 w[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Nominal Impedance [/size]	[size=10.0pt]6 ΩA/V[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Shielded [/size]	[size=10.0pt]yes[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Sensitivity (1W @ 1M) [/size]	[size=10.0pt]86 dB[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Nominal Frequency Range [/size]	[size=10.0pt]40 – 24 kHz[/size]
[size=10.0pt]HF Limit (-10dB) [/size]	[size=10.0pt]44 kHz[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Freq. Fb [/size]	[size=10.0pt]42Hz[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Crossover Frequency [/size]	[size=10.0pt]1.8 kHz[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Dimensions (mm )(H * W * D) [/size]	[size=10.0pt]364 * 223 * 301[/size]

 
[size=10.0pt]The problem I have is I don’t any means of amplifying them, so now I’m in the market for an amp. I’ve never owned one and my previous setup was a pair of Emotiva Airmotiv 6 (still have them and plan on keeping them) speakers & an Apogee Duet 2. I’ve been told these Wharfedales are power hungry. It will be in a big rectangular room a door ((Length) x (Width) = Area, 9ft x 20ft = 180sqft) [/size]with a big pool table in the middle.
 
Please offer your suggestions on what integrated amps or components out there on the market that could adequately power my speakers and sufficiently fill the room. My taste in music is mostly Rock (Wilco, Pavement, Marah, Beatles, Spoon, Morphine, Elvis Costello) with some Jazz (Miles, Coltrane, Mingus). I have a big Apple lossless library (22K plus tunes) in iTunes and a growing hi-res library in 24/96 & 24/192 in Fidelia on my iMac. I need something that I can connect directly to iMac for the time being and maybe later look into streaming. I don’t know if I’m better off getting an integrated amp with a DAC or get them separate. Are there any pro & cons going this route? My budget so far is $1,100 but may increase slightly. Here’s a list of what I’m considering so far:
 

Brand	Mode	Link	Price
Musical Fidelity	V-LINK192	http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/vSeries/v-link192/	$200
bel canto	uLink	http://www.belcantodesign.com/Belcanto_uLink.html	$675
bel canto	mLink	http://www.belcantodesign.com/Belcanto_mLink.html	$375
schiit	Bifrost	http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=7	$349
schiit	Gungnir	http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=11	$749
Rega	Brio-R	http://www.rega.co.uk/html/Brio-R.htm	$895
Rega	DAC	http://www.rega.co.uk/html/DAC.htm	$995
ifi	iDAC	http://www.ifi-audio.com/en/iDAC.html	$299
ifi	iUSB	http://www.ifi-audio.com/en/iUSB.html	$199
NAD	C 356BEE	http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C-356BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier	$799
Rotel	RA-12	http://www.rotel.com/UK/Products/ProductDetails.htm?id=505	$876
Peachtree	decco65	http://www.peachtreeaudio.com/decco65-amplifier-with-dac.html	$899

 
There’s just too many darn options out there. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[CB3874]

bump

 

[LobsterClaws]

If you can increase your budget say a smear, then go for the JoLida JD302BRC. Throw out the cheap junk tubes and get you some nice telefunkens for the pre, and some Mullards for the amp. Would even consider looking and seeing what Grant Fidelity has to offer. Be prepared to have your face melted at the sweet, sweet sound. 
 
If your stuck on SS, then check out the Onkyo A-9070. Crutchfield has an open box one for $1080
 
http://outlet.crutchfield.com/p_580A9070/Onkyo-A-9070.html?cc=02&o=d 
 
 
Can't help on your list up there. I'm a tube guy. Sorry. Got lucky and heard the Onkyo a few months ago. Nice amp. 

 

[Sparky14]

I'm a big fan of the Peachtree stuff. I had the model before the Decco65 (the Decco2) and loved it.