Advice on Integrated Receiver

@builder3 what speakers do you run with the Luxman?

Thank you for that.   I did purchase the Lehmann Audio Black Box SE II so I’m hoping that’s sufficient if I bypass the phono on the Lux 

@carlsbad no power conditioners, etc. in the setup.  P6 --> Schiit Mani phono pream --> CAX81 --> Speakers

Any floor standing you’d recommend? I know that’s a pretty open-ended question, just soliciting some opinions.

There’s a Musical Fidelity A1008 for sale that I’ve found for $1,000.   Assuming the condition is as stated (9/10), worth it?

Ok guys, I want to first say THANK YOU for being so welcoming with your comments and suggestions. First time in the forums. There are a thousand opinions and some of them conflict, but the beauty of hifi audio is that audio is usually more subjective than objective and I appreciate your input so much. I’ve asked a couple questions on other hifi forums and you guys are by far the loudest and most thorough. Thank you!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to me (bday is Dec 28th) and I’ve decided I’m going to do a serious upgrade on my speakers. Yes, I know if I go high on the speaker choice my amp may also need an upgrade and I’m ok with that.

Recap on my current setup:

Loudspeakers: Monitor Audio Silver 300s (90db sens) mfg recommended 80-200w

Subwoofer: I do have a subwoofer, REL t5i, but could disconnect if the new LS had enough low end and the power amp was only 2ch

Integrated Amp: Cambridge Audio CAX81 80watt/ch

Phono Preamp: Schiit Mani [insert schiit joke here]

Source: Rega Planar 6 (2021 ver). I am using an Ania Pro MC cartridge if that matters. No other source except occasional Bluetooth pandora

Room: 16’ x 24’ (x 9’ ceiling). Carpet

Music Type: Soft Rock, Classic Rock, Alternative. No Jazz, strong percussion etc

Sound preference: warm, separated vocals from mids

Preamp/Amp considerations: I have the CA CAX81 as mentioned and will consider a stronger power amplifier and just use the preamp outputs of the CAX81. Lots of choices here right? I am eyeing the MF A1008 for $1,000 used. Heard many say BUY IT and some say be careful it’s a 2007 used amp.  Someone said Krell vintage amp, what model?  Also Rotel.  Open to others.

Phono Preamp: I have the Schiit Mani phono preamp ($149) and it’s something I’ve heard some recommendations of upgrading and I’m fine replacing that. Give me suggestions.

Loudspeakers:  Here's where I want to start.  I heard the B&W Nautilus in a local listening room last year and was blown away. I realize these are ridiculous and I’m not expecting this exact sound. However, I am looking at the B&W 800 series and my budget is going to be $8,000-9,000. I’m open to buying used and notice ALOT on Audiogon but have no idea where to start. 801N, 802D, 804D3, etc?

Open to thoughts on moving forward and will post back when I upgrade. Thank you for everything thus far!

@avanti1960 

@audphile1 

Any experience with the Rega Aria?  I have the P6 and an all-analog phone preamp made by the same company as my TT seems like a smart move?  The price is in line with the Lehmann.

@avanti1960 I picked up the LA Black Cube SE.  Will let you know if this changes anything (I still plan on a speaker upgrade but this was a quick upgrade I could make).  After reading the tech specs of the Schiit Mani, it really is not a fully capable preamp especially for the Ania Pro cartridge.

@mtbiker29 Can you spell out those suggestions (brand, model)?  I’m a newb.  I’ve got the Parasound HINT 6 written down and have been looking at it.  Also want to do some research on the other suggestions.  Thanks!

Ok dumb question, but would I be fine just using the CA CAX81 as a preamp and output the signals to a dedicated amp like the Pass Labs XA25.  Or would leveraging the CA's preamp circuity somehow be a bottleneck.   

Before I just duplicated equipment (buying another integrated amp) I figured I'd ask the question.

@audphile1 @mtbiker29 

ok, after much research I think I’m going to go with the Hegel H390.  I realize the power is much more than the MAs need it will serve well when I upgrade to the 803D2 or D3s.  Hopefully that conclusion is correct.  
 

I will post pics of room setup with dimensions, etc as I know that’s an easy fix.  

Tell me the Luxman L-509X is overkill and that I wouldn’t notice a difference. It’s a beauty, but surely there are diminishing returns. I found a H390 at $4,300 and a L-509X at $6,950. Both on USAudioMart.  

Keep in mind my endgame is ditching the MAs for 803s.

http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=26#spec