Integrated Amps with internal Dac

CCNJ
CCNJ Posts: 384
edited March 2011 in 2 Channel Audio
I spend a lot of time in my home office and decided to upgrade my computer sound system. I just purchased a new pair of Harbeth P3ESR monitors in Rosewood which I should get next week and I am really excited about those. My next purchase is an integrated amp with an internal DAC. I want to keep the number of components in this rig to a minimum so I want an all in one solution.

What are my best options for around $1000 to $1500. Used is OK. What about the Peachtree Nova or a Bel Canto s300iU? Any other recommendations?

As always thanks for the input.
Rig1 - Totem Hawks, Benchmark HDR, Parasound A21, Sonus, Samsung 52 LCD, Audioquest Type4
Rig2 - LFD LE IV Integrated, Harbeth P3ESR, Rega Dac, MF V-Link, IMAC, Audioquest Type4
Post edited by CCNJ on
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Comments

  • lanchile
    lanchile Posts: 560
    edited March 2011
    Go higher! get a Bryston integrated amp B60R/B100. With a 20 year warranty you can not go wrong. Build quality is the best. the sound is incredible. :wink:
    Make it simple...Make it better!
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  • CCNJ
    CCNJ Posts: 384
    edited March 2011
    lanchile wrote: »
    Go higher! get a Bryston integrated amp B60R/B100. With a 20 year warranty you can not go wrong. Build quality is the best. the sound is incredible. :wink:
    Thanks but you quickly blew through my budget and then some. The Bryston 60 + internal DAC would run me about $4000 new. They rarely come on audiogon either. Bryston and SimAudio would be on the top of my list if I wasn't trying to stick to a budget.
    Rig1 - Totem Hawks, Benchmark HDR, Parasound A21, Sonus, Samsung 52 LCD, Audioquest Type4
    Rig2 - LFD LE IV Integrated, Harbeth P3ESR, Rega Dac, MF V-Link, IMAC, Audioquest Type4
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited March 2011
    Another choice is the Wadia 151 PowerDac.

    http://www.wadia.com/products/amplifiers/151.php
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • CCNJ
    CCNJ Posts: 384
    edited March 2011
    BlueFox wrote: »
    Another choice is the Wadia 151 PowerDac.

    http://www.wadia.com/products/amplifiers/151.php
    Thanks Bluefox I'll look into that as well.

    I also just noticed that Bel Canto came out with a new integrated - "Bel Canto C5i DAC Integrated Amplifier with Onboard DAC". They claim it has a better dac than their older model S300IU. Have you heard anything about this?
    Rig1 - Totem Hawks, Benchmark HDR, Parasound A21, Sonus, Samsung 52 LCD, Audioquest Type4
    Rig2 - LFD LE IV Integrated, Harbeth P3ESR, Rega Dac, MF V-Link, IMAC, Audioquest Type4
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited March 2011
    Their is an int. tube amp by Neuhaus Labs that runs about $1K. The built-in DAC is pretty decent for an internal unit. A$$A reviewed it last summer.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited March 2011
    Would stretch a bit beyond the budget but the Musical Fidelity A5.5 would be nice.
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin T2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC: Denafrips Pontus II Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Pass X150.8 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Morrow M4 ICs & Audio Art SC-5 ePlus, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited March 2011
    Bel canto.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited March 2011
    CCNJ wrote: »
    Thanks Bluefox I'll look into that as well.

    I also just noticed that Bel Canto came out with a new integrated - "Bel Canto C5i DAC Integrated Amplifier with Onboard DAC". They claim it has a better dac than their older model S300IU. Have you heard anything about this?
    I have an older Bel Canto eVo2i II integrated that I like very much, but I have not heard the newer pieces, so cannot comment except in general terms that I think Bel Canto is very good.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,899
    edited March 2011
    Save some dough and get a used Music Hall Mambo. Class-A integrated with upsampling DAC http://www.audaud.com/audaud/MAR04/component/comp3.html

    I owned one for a while when my tube integrated was down. Very nice amp. Also the same but rebadged, Shanling Slm-A40 Mk II. They may be a little hard to find though.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited March 2011
    I like my Peachtree Nova for a simple little Integrated/DAC combo; if you need USB conversion it works there as well..

    I like my W4S Dac-2 better for overall music, but for a simple solution a used Peachtree Nova would work well I think. New prices might be a little expensive for what you get

    Jason
    2-Channel - So far...
    Pre: Dodd ELP
    DAC: W4S-Dac2
    Source(s): Computer and Denon 2910
    Amp: Parasound HCA-1200II
    Speakers: LSi9s - Vr3 Fortress Mod
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited March 2011
    The Peachtree is a no-brainer with it's Sabre32 DAC chip. The Wadia is also a very nice spec'ed unit, although I have not heard it.
    Jake
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited March 2011
    Lots of good suggestions, but I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the class D amps don't have as wide a swath of synergy as SS or tube gear with speakers. Two of the brands mentioned in this thread I've found to be poor and mediocre pairings to some of the speakers I've had come thru my home. As always, if buying new or from a dealer make sure that they have a return policy.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited March 2011
    I have the KingRex T20U+PSU which has a USB input. The Tripath powered amp with internal USB DAC plus the upgraded power supply will set you back about $469 without any tax and shipping. It is a fantastic set for the money if you only need USB or RCA analog inputs.

    t20u-and-psu.jpg

    PS. Upgrade a few caps in the unit and it rewards you very well.
    Jake
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