So, I think that I just made a stupid (and possibly expensive) mistake. I listened to several integrated amps to pair with Thiel CS 1.6 speakers, but was not terribly excited by any option in my price range (~$1,000). I ended up purchasing the Arcam DiVA A70. After getting home and reading the Arcam handbook, I realized that I cannot pair the Thiels with a subwoofer, because the Arcam can only handle one pair of speakers if they are less than 8 ohms (the Thiels are 4 ohms). I did not realize this at the store (I purchased everything from a well-known and reputable hifi shop), and the salesman neglected to warn me of this incompatibility. The store does not issue refunds for returns, only store credit.
Should the salesman have warned me of this potential incompatibility? I earlier told him that I own a Mirage LF-100 subwoofer, and would probably upgrade in the near future, after assessing whether or not I liked the Mirage in my new system. Even if I ask for store credit, I do not know what to get in the Arcam's place. The store sells brands that make affordable integrated amps (like Creek, NAD, Musical Fidelity, and NAIM) but the shop does not have many on display in my price range. Does anyone have any advice? I could always ask them to order me an integrated amp in my price range, but I do not think purchasing one without auditioning it would be a good idea. Thanks for helping a newbie.
So, I think that I just made a stupid (and possibly expensive) mistake. I listened to several integrated amps to pair with Thiel CS 1.6 speakers, but was not terribly excited by any option in my price range (~$1,000). I ended up purchasing the Arcam DiVA A70. After getting home and reading the Arcam handbook, I realized that I cannot pair the Thiels with a subwoofer, because the Arcam can only handle one pair of speakers if they are less than 8 ohms (the Thiels are 4 ohms). I did not realize this at the store (I purchased everything from a well-known and reputable hifi shop), and the salesman neglected to warn me of this incompatibility. The store does not issue refunds for returns, only store credit.
Should the salesman have warned me of this potential incompatibility? I earlier told him that I own a Mirage LF-100 subwoofer, and would probably upgrade in the near future, after assessing whether or not I liked the Mirage in my new system. Even if I ask for store credit, I do not know what to get in the Arcam's place. The store sells brands that make affordable integrated amps (like Creek, NAD, Musical Fidelity, and NAIM) but the shop does not have many on display in my price range. Does anyone have any advice? I could always ask them to order me an integrated amp in my price range, but I do not think purchasing one without auditioning it would be a good idea. Thanks for helping a newbie.