Feedback of These Integrateds

kevhed72
kevhed72 Posts: 5,054
in 2 Channel Audio
Looking to step up in the amplification department and so far I have the following on the short list....generally looking for tubes in the pre amp section and SS in the amps:
1. Vincent SV 236
2. Vincent SV 800
3. Rogue Audio Pharoh
4. Vincent SA 31 pre + Parsound A23
Im guessing #4 above may be the best bang for your buck, sound wise, but the other options have other strengths. #2 will run the first 50 watts in class A according the the website, and 3 above is made in the USA and will fit many needs over the years as far as features. I guess I am looking for something a step up that will stay in my system for the next 5 years or so....any experience or opinions are welcome. My speakers are 703s.
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Comments

  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    There is a Pharaoh recently listed at US Audiomart and Audiogon. I spent some time this morning reading reviews just for fun. I couldn't find any negative feedback on the unit.

    I have never heard any of the units in question, but have always lusted at a distance over the Pharaoh.
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited March 2016
    I have the Vincent SA-31 MK II after upgrading from the regular SA-31 and I have it paired with a Vincent Sp-331 amplifier and its awesome to me with the 703's I also own.
    The Vincent's are hybrid with tubes in the input & output stages and just sound more impressive with my 703's then my MC100B Tube amp does.

    @Wardsweb has the SV-237 and I heard good things about it.

    If you already have a amplifier then the preamp would be a good start, and maybe you can test one.
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    I realize it does doesn't have the SS amp. output your looking for, but The Rogue Audio Cronus would be a perfect match for your 703's.

    100+ Watts of Smooth Tube Power is very addictive, the new Cronus II has an updated Phono Section and Headphone Amp also, and I'm not so sure that it can't be outfitted with a Home Theater By-Pass option.

    Just a thought!

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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    Maybe take a look at this....no affiliation.

    http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/172064/vincent-236mk-hybrid-integrated-amplifer#latest
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • kevhed72
    kevhed72 Posts: 5,054
    Not to get off topic, but I wired up my Scott 480a integrated with some standard copper wire to the 703s....dare I say it sounds better than my NAD 356. The Scott is a heavier unit, has tight bass and more overall punch, and a bit more detailed than the NAD. Oh, and the Scott has the lighted meters to boot.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    Well, who doesn't like Lighted Meters? I know I do! Sounds good, looks good, check.
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    I guess problem solved! Brock gets a assist for that one!
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • kevhed72
    kevhed72 Posts: 5,054
    Right now the Scott is clearly the better match for the 703s than the NAD IMO. Can't wait for the Vincent to show up to compare against the Scott
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