You have $1500...

hochpt21

...and you are looking for a used solid state integrated amplifier with phono.

Now anyone who knows me around here, knows I've been through this before.

I was running a Parasound P3 preamp into a B&K Reference 200.2. I was using a PS audio phono and DAC. Things were pretty good.

I wanted to go integrated so I bought an Anthem 225i. I really liked it, but something was just missing. I added the ps audio phono back into the mix and things got better, but I still wasn't satisfied.

So I sold the Anthem and am currently running a Dared pre into the B&K with the ps audio phono still in the mix.

I like it, but not sure tubes are for me right now, and I still want to go integrated.

So back to the question...for $1,500 used, what are my best options? I will be using this with a pair of LSiM 705's.

Nothing really matters look-wise, but I do require a really good phono stage.

I saw a Musical Fidelity a308 that looked intriguing, but that's about as far as I've gotten.

Hit me with it!

Thanks,
Paul

marvda1

i know nothing about this amp but it is new and has a phono stage.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-micromega-ia-400-new-200wpc-int-amps-warranty-save-2200-2014-10-22-integrateds-30067-marietta-ga

hochpt21

Never heard of that brand and thank you for the post.

Not that I am against new, but I'm primarily looking used to try to get the best value for my $.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I believe Parasound has one

hochpt21

I don't think it is out yet, and I haven't heard anything about pricing. It would be nice to have the digital inputs, however, but that isn't a must from me right now.

I guess I'm looking for something a little more high end that has dropped in price some on the used market.

polkfarmboy

High end for an integrated with a phono for $1500, I am always looking for that too lol. If you never required the phono in the mix you could get something pretty decent like a Krell 400 or a MF Tri Vista.

marvda1

here is a powerfull sounding amp with phono.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-denon-pma2000mkivr-2ch-audiophile-integrated-amplifier-brand-new-condition-flawless-2014-10-18-integrateds-85395-goodyear-az

marvda1

I owned this amp at one time.

dromunds

Keep the PS Audio

hochpt21

dromunds wrote: »

Keep the PS Audio

I know...it's been good to me.

Erik Tracy

Musical Fidelity has some int amps used at that price point.

My A5 was one of my smarter buys as recommended here on CP.

Fantastic phono section.

tonyb

I'd second the MF A5...darn good integrated with enough balls to last you many speaker upgrades. Saw an M6i for 1700 on the 'gon recently.

It's a tad on the warmer side of things though so if your system is already warm or too warm now, it may not be a good match. Hard not to like a MF integrated though.

Always W4S too....people seem to like them....except me lol.

tonyb

If you had 2200....I'd spring for this gorgeous piece.

http://www.echohifi.com/details/7966/Musical-Fidelity_M3-Nu-Vista

tonyb

The Krells may be worthy of a look too....seen a few in your range.

hochpt21

I like the A5 recommendations and I think Erik mentioned that to me when I bought the Anthem

I saw an A308 for just over my budget and a few head to head reviews I found liked it a tick better.

hochpt21

Tony I saw that m6i also but don't think it has a phono. Although maybe if I stretched I could keep the ps audio phonoB)

tonyb

I think the reason some still prefer the 308 over the A5 is that the 308 was made in England. I've heard both and could barely tell the difference but if you have harder to drive speakers or plan on it in the future, the A5 would suit you better. The 308 has a more English sound, laid back a tad, warm...but still tons of detail, and a slight rounding of the lower bass notes. The A5 walks that line between the old English sound and a more modern SS sound. You'd be pleased with either to tell the truth and both should be right at home with LSIM's.

hochpt21

Thank you Tony. Great feedback.

ZLTFUL

Another vote for anything MF.
While I have no experience with their integrated or pres, the MF A5CR I bought on Jesse's suggestion is fantastic. Maybe not my end-game amp but it will keep me warm at night until I win the lottery. Hehe.

tonyb

Funny Skip....same assessment of Classe in general. I do like their stuff but they require some real careful gear matching. Luxman might be a tad over budget though.

Maybe if you tell us what you don't like about your sound now, we can better direct you. Can I take a stab at it ?

You want better dynamics, speed, clarity....sharper bass notes with the top end not rolled off as much...more extended without losing tone. Close so far ?

polkfarmboy

Classe it really great if you pair them up but they command a premium resale tag an there is a 2100 classe listed today for like $2800. I would snag a krell 400 and call it a day. I have the krell 550 playing right now and its a real high endbeast. There is one thats brand new in the box for $2800 right now and its a steal at that price as youcould own it for 5 year and sell it for$2500 bringing the cost of ownership to $300.

voltz

I would have said Peachtree Nova125 but no phono amp

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Peachtree-Audio-nova125-Integrated-Amplifier-with-DAC-High-Gloss-Black-/311159156483?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item487287ef03

hochpt21

The best sound I've had in my limited experience is my Pro-Ject directly into my PS Audio GCPH directly into my B&K.

I do like my current sound, but just not sure tubes are for me right now. I've got three little ones and a half a minute to actually listen to music now and then, so letting the tubes warm up and extended listening sessions just aren't happening right now.

Plus, in the short time I've had the Dared, she's blown two tubes! I just don't have the time. (yes, I know I sound like a whining ****)

I think I just need to simplify and enjoy...ya know:)

I am all about detail, clarity and air, but don't want to sacrifice too much musicality...so yer pretty close there Tony.

marvda1

there's a guy on audiogon that has the nuovo for(the same one i have) but he wants $2300 for it. come to think of it i'll sell you mine for $2150.

tonyb

hochpt21 wrote: »

I do like my current sound, but just not sure tubes are for me right now. I've got three little ones and a half a minute to actually listen to music now and then, so letting the tubes warm up and extended listening sessions just aren't happening right now.

Plus, in the short time I've had the Dared, she's blown two tubes! I just don't have the time. (yes, I know I sound like a whining ****)
.

I hear ya bro, and exactly why I eventually ditched tubes in my younger days....and vinyl. SS and hybrids can replace a good portion of that tube glory if you choose wisely and give them great companions to play with.

cincycat13

these are saying they are in stock enough to add to cart step. they were oos when I ordered mine and ended up getting a new unit. mistake on their end... haven't tried mine but its in your budget and has phono input.

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=HK 990-Z&status=&CJPID=CJ

chumlie

On sale now baller.
Krell S-200i at musicdirect.http://www.musicdirect.com/p-2390-krell-s-300i-integrated-amp.aspx

voltz

Some sweet deals there! here is a Musical Fidelity - M3SI Integrated Amp with phono amp built in, at a good demo price.
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-244978-musical-fidelity-m3si-integrated-amp-black-demo.aspx

hochpt21

Nice links fellas.

Voltz, that M3SI looks really good.

I know its about quality over quantity, but would 85w be enough for the 705's?

voltz

I'm not sure even though its good clean power, my monitor 10's sounds ok with a 65wpc peachtree decco 65 but really shine under 150 from my Vincent and/or 65wpc of my mc100b tube amp. That is why so many recommend the old M5 with more power. cause the 705's are a different beast.

or wish they had a deal on a Cambridge Audio 851 used - new it list for $1850 and some good review for this one.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA851A

hochpt21

Or wish the M6SI was in my price range