Am I dreaming?



Ok, I have been building great sounding systems for about 40 years.  Some were modest cost a few were built with some very expensive exclusuve high end brands but all of them were very musical  and enjoyable to listen to.  I have just retired this January and I would like simplfy my system so I am looking for a quality integrated.  However this integrated must have a quality mc phono section and a very high quality built in headphone amp. SS or tube doesn't really matter.  Budget will be determined if there is a acceptable product.  Does this product exist? 
bobheinatz

Showing 1 response by ethos123

Belles Virtuoso Integrated Amp should be released soon and checks all your boxes. Their Aria integrated gets great reviews but I think the phono stage only works for MM on that one. If you aren't in a hurry, I'd at least check with Belles &/or some dealers about how close the Virtuoso is to being available...might be worth the wait, especially if its arrival is imminent.

I use a Creek Evolution 100a in a bedroom system and been very happy with it. It has a built-in headphone amp and it can include a built-in MM/MC phono stage module (though mine doesn't have the latter). Not claiming it'll better the McIntosh, Luxman, or some others you've already had recommended, but this represents a much cheaper option that still checks off all your functionality needs. Since you didn't include the budget, I figure you might appreciate a lower cost option. You could even use the Evo 50a and have all your needs met in terms of functionality. The 100a would run ~$2450 and the 50a  ~$1450 new with the phono module included...and you can also add a DAC module for even more one-box functionality, if desired.