Pioneer SX-A9-J Integrated

Drenis

Any opinions on these? I've done a little bit of reading on them and I'm on the fence about picking one up. Not really sure what a minty one is worth either. I really like the convenience of the USB input (Burr-Brown DAC inside for USB only).

I'm looking for a nice Int. for my 2 channel desktop rig. I've been eyeing up the Cambridge Audio Azur products and a couple NAD's. This has surfaced and it incorporates a DAC and USB input which means one less piece of equipment.

Thoughts? What should I NOT pay for one?

heiney9

Cambridge and NAD probably sound better. Typically (generally) the USB input/DAC on a piece of gear like this isn't implemented for the best sound. It's more for convenience than to actually extract and put out the best sound. But since it's an office rig and you might appreciate the space, maybe it might work out for you. I wouldn't expect miracles, but then even in my office rig I expect a little better sound than average.

Good luck

H9

FTGV

Interesting looking integrated.It looks like they paid some attention to the design of power supply and amp sections.Of course the proof is in the listening.

Joe08867

What about looking at Peachtree. There is a Decco on audiogon now for 400.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/peachtree-decco-cherry--2

Drenis

Again, I haven't ruled out NAD or CA. I've looked at the Peachtree models and they are different to say the least. Don't think it's for what I'm after. That's actually the cheapest I've seen one. We have a dealer for them here so i may check into them. I've capped a budget of $400 for this purchase. I know there aren't many options but it's for a small listening area. Big power isn't needed (just wanted like every greedy gear head).

I lost out on a nice 640A CA unit on the 'gon. Also since I have to have it shipped over the border I'm trying to stay Canada wide on this one. I can purchase a brand new CA Azur 350A for $399 post taxes. This has been my guideline thus far. I would rather have the 550A but it's NOT needed per say.

I'll be incorporating a subwoofer MOST likely through the speaker level inputs. Especially if a Int. unit has no pre-outs as I'll be powering bookies.

I've read some reviews that the Pioneer acts as a better pre then the Adcom 750. hell of a claim to make considering it's an expensive and highly regarded piece of gear so I read. Some mixed reviews on the amp sound side.

h9 - What I like most IS that convenience of the USB input with the DAC that ONLY converts the USB signal. No other digital inputs. JUST the USB to worry about. Then a direct signal to the pre and amp section. It's probably better than my Elite VSX-23 AVR as far as a pre solution and integrated DAC is concerned. Less signal path disruptions.

I've looked at some of the H/K Integrated offerings but that's too much real estate for the top of my desk.

Drenis

Ahh forget it. This seller is dicking me around now. being shady and not providing me the information I request. Now he's pulling out of the sale after advising me he would sell it separate of his bundled sale.

Some people really piss me off when they waste my time. I remember why I hated buying **** online from ebay and other places. So far CP has been great with the transactions but all it takes is one lousy process to grind my gears.

aaaaaaaaaand /end rant

tonyb

Thats why we are alittle particular about the FM here Drenis. We like to pride ourselves on passing the deals along without surprises or hitches.

The Cambridge should work out good for your needs and at that price is a no brainer. Give the Peachtree a listen if you can, it may have a sound that's a tad different than the Cambridge, but in a good way. Good luck.

Drenis

Thanks Tony. It's been very stressful if you can believe it finding the last piece of the setup. I have everything else minus the Int.

heiney9

Drenis wrote: »

h9 - What I like most IS that convenience of the USB input with the DAC that ONLY converts the USB signal. No other digital inputs. JUST the USB to worry about. Then a direct signal to the pre and amp section. It's probably better than my Elite VSX-23 AVR as far as a pre solution and integrated DAC is concerned. Less signal path disruptions.

I've looked at some of the H/K Integrated offerings but that's too much real estate for the top of my desk.

USB isn't so much about signal path interuptions as it is the implementation. We are all different and have different expectations. Until the Keces and Audio GD hit my office rig I dislike every USB piece I tried. It's not an easy interphase to get better than average sound, unless like Fred you can build your own, or atleast decipher what's going on inside the unit. Something like that might be fine for you and others since I have no idea what you expect. I didn't even want a USB dac that didn't have a proper power supply. So perhaps I'm more anal and just looking for something different.

H9

P.s. I rarely go for all in one solutions, usually there are too many compromises. That said, I haven't heard the unit so I can't pass judgment.

Drenis

heiney9 wrote: »

USB isn't so much about signal path interuptions as it is the implementation. We are all different and have different expectations.

This I realize. Let me break it down this way to help you understand my theory on this choice.

It was either the following choices:

1. Find an all-in-one solution within an Integrated Amp that I could utilize a USB in or Digital in (Run from Sound card).
2. Use an external DAC to convert USB to Analog then to an Integrated piece (Splitting the budget for two pieces).
3. Use the sound cards on-board DAC and run a 3.5mm out to RCA into a Integrated Amp (Worst option IMO - Easy to induce ground hum).

heiney9

#2 is the best, but you'll probably spend a little more, but then you will gain more too. In fact I have the Musiland Monitor 02 for sale. I have been meaning to put in the FM but just haven't had time to properly list it. Think about it, no hurry, and see if that would help you out for what you are trying to do.

H9

Joe08867

I concur with H9 on this. External DAC to analog is your best bet for the cleanest sound.

heiney9

Joe08867 wrote: »

I concur with H9 on this. External DAC to analog is your best bet for the cleanest sound.

And I'll add, it's not always the most expensive choice of the 3 you listed. It can be, but not always. Space, chords, power outlets all play a roll, I know.

H9