Hello everybody. First time poster.
I upgraded to Sierra-2 EXs earlier this year and love them. They are in a 2-channel audio system dedicated almost entirely to vinyl, paired with a Pro-Ject The Classic Turntable (w/Ortofon Bronze), a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS phono preamp, and a Marantz PM5005. An old blu-ray player does CD duties (but rarely). I don't need or want streaming.
The PM5005 may be the weak link in this chain. At a spec of 40WPC, it is slightly underpowered for the Sierra-2EXs. Marantz tends to rate the power on their amps conservatively, though. And I never push the volume that high -- I'm in a small room, about 8 feet by 12 -- and have never experienced any audible clipping.
Nevertheless, I'm getting the urge to see what an upgraded integrated amp might offer to this setup. I'm in the 1k range, in terms of budget. The Marantz PM8006, at 70WPC, seems like the natural upgrade (and I do like the Marantz sound). I'm curious also about a tube amp called the Muzishare X7, which is getting rave reviews from some people on the internet. At 45WPC it would meet the Sierra-2EX's requirements and give me a taste of the tube sound. (It's made in China but I have no problem with this, especially since the reception to this particular amp has been so positive across the board. I do wonder how tubes, and this amp in particular, would play with the 2-EX.) I've thought about Yamaha but the A-S1100 and above are too expensive for me. Should the more affordable A-S801 be in the conversation?
I am of course open to other suggestions. The Parasound 275v2 paired with their Zpre3 preamp looks good (I'd prefer integrated rather than two separates, though). I'd like to try a Class A or Class A/B amp in this range.
Suggestions on the above most welcome!! Thank you.