Thinking about an Integrated

kevhed72

My pre may be on the fritz, so I am contemplating going back to an integrated to simplify....McIntosh, Vincent, and yes....Musical Fidelity. I may even sell over my vinyl gear to help fund this. So....any ideas? Budget is 2K max, SS or tubed is fine, and used from the right seller is fine. Thanks....

jeremymarcinko

This would be what I’d want @ $2k.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamas2100bl/yamaha-a-s2100-stereo-integrated-amplifier-black/1.html

kevhed72

That would work....nicely.

rburgess714

There’s a Parasound Halo Integrated for $1500 on the forum flea market.

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/184894/lots-of-gear-for-sale#latest

rooftop59

rburgess714 wrote: »

There’s a Parasound Halo Integrated for $1500 on the forum flea market.

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/184894/lots-of-gear-for-sale#latest

That’s long gone...cause I was seriously contemplating it. Skip needs to update that thread!

rburgess714

Oh well. If I didn’t have the P5/A23 combo I would have jumped all over that.

halo

kevhed72 wrote: »

My pre may be on the fritz, so I am contemplating going back to an integrated to simplify....McIntosh, Vincent, and yes....Musical Fidelity. I may even sell over my vinyl gear to help fund this. So....any ideas? Budget is 2K max, SS or tubed is fine, and used from the right seller is fine. Thanks....

I was/am contemplating the same thing. I tried a Musical Fidelity M2si and I was not impressed. Despite its feature set (can be used as a dedicated pre if you decide to add an amplifier later - no phono stage or built-in DAC to muck up the signals) and class AB amplification, it just didn't "move" me.

I got a chance to try out the Dayens Ampino with the Mundorf cap upgrade and it is a very good sounding unit. The only downsides to the Ampino, for me, are no remote control and the lack of additional inputs - it on has 2.

Lastly, I have a NAD C316 BEE and it is a very well rounded and great sounding piece of equipment. A little more analytical than the Ampino but not sterile or lifeless by any means. Tons of inputs, especially this and even more on the newer v2 model. The NAD & the Ampino both feature a toroidal transformer. The only downside to the NAD is the volume control using the remote; it goes from quiet to loud pretty abruptly.

After extended listening at moderate volume levels, neither the AMpino or the NAD got even remotely warm. The MF is avail for $599 from Upscale Audio (sale price and less expensive than anywhere else). The Ampino was ~ $500 with the upgraded caps IIRC. The NAD is the least expensive at under $400 but it is not the worst performer. Cost doesn't - quality or performance in this example.

If you're into tube gear, the $2750 Bob Carver Corp Crimson 275 stereo tube power amplifier is getting some great press but there's a waiting period.

kevhed72

If I go the MF route, I may look to their older integrateds with the built in tubes. I know these may be pricey buy always lusted over one...maybe lusted is the wrong word. McIntosh is another brand I have never owned but which I would like some day.

dromunds

I heard a Luxman L-505UX the other day which sounded real nice and sure like the meters. He said he paid used about what your budget is.

ZLTFUL

Most importantly, what speakers?!?

kevhed72

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Most importantly, what speakers?!?

Totem Rainmakers

kevhed72

rburgess714 wrote: »

Oh well. If I didn’t have the P5/A23 combo I would have jumped all over that.

How happy are you with this combo, because I already have the amp but no pre

rburgess714

kevhed72 wrote: »

rburgess714 wrote: »

Oh well. If I didn’t have the P5/A23 combo I would have jumped all over that.

How happy are you with this combo, because I already have the amp but no pre

It’s worked out well for me, I wanted a pre with ht bypass and had the A23 already so it made sense. It does everything I need. I primarily stream through my Auralic mini.

Some say the sound is analytical/sterile but to my ears there is good synergy with my 60s and it sounds great, wide sound stage, detailed and not forward at all. Do keep in mind I jumped in the rabbit hole a little over 2 years ago and have been through some gear but certainly haven’t heard as much gear as most of the forum members.

VR3

I have a nice Odyssey setup available 😜

Mikey081057

Peachtree sounds great...

https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/nova300-amplifier-with-dac.html

kevhed72

Alright....I spent all weekend at a swim meet looking at integrateds online...and here is a short list:
1. Marantz PM 14 s1
2. Dayens Ecstasy 2 or 3
3. Vincent SV700 but this really pushes the budget
4. Rogue Audio but the Pharaoh pushes the budget.
5. Cambridge Audio 840

Any other contenders out there?

halo

kevhed72 wrote: »

Alright....I spent all weekend at a swim meet looking at integrateds online...and here is a short list:
1. Marantz PM 14 s1
2. Dayens Ecstasy 2 or 3
3. Vincent SV700 but this really pushes the budget
4. Rogue Audio but the Pharaoh pushes the budget.
5. Cambridge Audio 840

Any other contenders out there?

I wouldn't go with the Dayens. Their CS and support of their products are a little off.

Is there a certain sound signature you are after?

kevhed72

Detailed and 3D....without being too foward. Everything I have read on the Dayens tells me its right in the middle, sweet spot. The Vincent appeals because of the tubed pre to play with the sound and the MK 236 was a past favorite of mine.

Upstatemax

If you can find a good deal on one, I’ve been really happy with the Rotel RA1592 that’s currently in my 2ch system.

If you can find an amazing deal on one, the McIntosh MA252 is awesome.

The McIntosh seems to pair really nicely with Totem speakers. My Father has one hooked up to his Totem Signature One speakers.

joecoulson

Tubes and totems are fantastic. I only had a Jolida with my RM’s but I miss that combo. Great for classical and jazz. Not so much for full heavy rock and electronica. If I had the opportunity to have a secondary rig, I would get some tubes again.

tonyb

Primaluna….That new Carver 275, Mac, you should have grabbed that MF A5 in the FM for a g note.

joecoulson

Primaluna’s are fantastic, good rec tony.

joecoulson

Btw, COFFEE!!

tonyb

Amen Joe, lol

kevhed72

tonyb wrote: »

Primaluna….That new Carver 275, Mac, you should have grabbed that MF A5 in the FM for a g note.

I know right....thats what I get for driving my kids to swim practice!

kevhed72

Here is an interesting McIntosh review:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx7UebcO5zY#

mhardy6647

Funny, I don't seem to notice many "Mac guys" on the forums braggin' much on their McAires.






https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/lifestyle/McAire

displayname

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Funny, I don't seem to notice many "Mac guys" on the forums braggin' much on their McAires.






https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/lifestyle/McAire

They list it as a "lifestyle" product, but it should be called a "High WAF" product.
My girlfriend has a JBL Authentics L16 for this exact reason. She loves the look, it fits on one shelf, and it does sound better than most 1 box products. She's fully aware she could have easily gotten an integrated and speakers, including some with style. That was not of interest though. Once she saw this it was a must have product.
Assuming the day comes where we live together and have some more square footage to work with, I expect the L16 and her turntable to live in the living room, and my system to live deeper in the house out of the main areas.

Tony M

This NAD is around 1600.00 now.

I haven't heard one yet but they're on the used market now. I think the reviews were OK.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NAD-M3-Dual-Mono-Integrated-Amplifier-
Remote/332969850249?epid=117462224&hash=item4d868cb589:g:SJYAAOSw8LZcHXso:rk:2:pf:1&frcectupt=true

joecoulson

I really like the way those look

mhardy6647

Holy cow, that's a beefy looking NAD amplifier!