Integrated amp for Dali Mentor Menuet?

[ErwinC]

I am looking for an integrated amp for my Dali Mentor Menuet speakers. My maximum budget for this is about £800. The amplifiers I’m currently considering are

Rotel RA-06SE
Rotel RA-1520
NAD C-356
Arcam A18
Arcam A28
Cyrus 6XP (used)
Naim Nait 5i (used)

Since the Dali Mentor Menuets have only limited bass extension, the amp is preferably not bass-light. I like a fast, detailed and open sound.

I am also wondering if there are surround receivers in the prince range till £1500 that are more or less the equal of the above integrateds for stereo?

 

[Anonymous]

From your choices I would go with Arcam. However if you can stretch the budget a little or get a good deal somewhere than check out the Musical Fidelity M3i.

Is it possible for you to take your speakers along to a demo? If so then you can take a lot of the risk out of the purchase.

 

[ErwinC]

Since the Dali's are small speakers, it should be easy to take them along.

 

[Cypher]

Don't forget the Marantz PM8003.........marantz and dali are a very good combination IMO.

 

[Singslinger]

I've auditioned the Dali Mentor Menuets with 2 integrated amps - the NAD C326BEE and the Musical Fidelity A1 (recently discontinued).

The NAD worked remarkably well - it gives a very punchy, fast sound, a bit less refined than the A1 but enjoyable nonetheless. The A1's delivery was within expectations - smooth with a lovely midrange.

However, I'd agree with Peter who suggested listening to the new MF integrated, though it'll exceed your budget.