Thanks guys, I’ll look into those options…. Hgeifman, that Sprout size-wise really fits the bill but I’m guessing the Hegel would perform much better? Trying to squeeze as much performance into that limited space I have and given these book shelf speakers there may be something out there. So far I’ve seen nothing more glowing in reviews than the Hegel, I’m very very tempted to go with that but just making sure I’m not shooting myself in the foot.
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Hgeifman re customs - I’ve never had an issue. Any time Ive got pulled over with gear (usually personal studio gear) I simply tell them it’s used and for personal use. I think you run into problems if you have more than one similar item like three iPhones or whatever - they are more interested in the fact that you might be bringing them to sell them in Brazil where all electronics are prohibitively expensive. So, as far as the amp goes, it will probably be bought used off here and for my personal use if they ask.
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Hey Rbstenho, wow, I need replies like this that won’t leave me disappointed after getting home - you are talking about Totem “The One@ bookshelf speakers though - yes? This is great to know and while the other suggestions here might be great sounding they will need to pair well with the Totems anc I thank everybody for their input here.
However, there is no problem bringing it through the scanners - perfectly legal to walk through the scanners - the TSA are only there to look for dangerous materials and it’s none of their business what electronics I have in my carry-on, I’ve had DJ mixers etc many times back and forth for work and if anything the odd security guy might enjoy chatting or admiring the gear, and yes, to put that in checked bags is asking for it to get destroyed…or even stolen - I’ve had that happen before.
well so far it still seems to be the Hegel, but I’m still listening.
Thanks guys
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Rbstenho… yes, I can understand your item getting scrutiny but honestly, I cram my carry-on with all my heavy items to keep my checked bag under weight and often need help lifting it to the overhead bins. TSA really don’t care about the weight of the carryon, as long as it fits the “size” requirements. My carry on always has my items that I don’t want broken or stolen, so, the Hegel along with these items will be a struggle. Only one time at the other end was my bag flagged because I had a big iMac computer in there. Customs asked me about it and I told them I have bad eyesight and can’t use a laptop and they ushered me on through!
The issue is never with TSA, it’s the other end where the main concern is bringing stuff into the country to sell, usually multiple identical items which I would never do, and honestly, if I had an audio amp that cost less than the max value allowed and was not brand new they really are ok with that, especially as it would be a personal item and I am relocating to the country.
The law is once you are granted permanent residency you have a six month period to bring everything you want from the US in a shipping container one time only, but I’m outside that timeframe now, besides, I’m not interested in bringing a ton of stuff with me. They also brought a new law in where you have the right to bring “musical instruments” inside the plane if they can fit in the overheads - this pissed a lot of regular passengers off, but it is what it is.
Anyway, I guess my objective is to find the smallest and lightest amp that is equal to or better than the Hegel 360 for running these bookshelf speakers and a sub, and used would be better than bringing a brand new amp through that I might get grilled for.
So, as somebody else pointed out that these other amps were great amps they would not be capable of driving the Totem “The One” speakers
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Thanks mapman appreciated but I’m really trying to get the best possible sound out of a small package - stuck on the Hegel 360 until I find if there is anything better but smaller
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Thanks JJSS….I’ll have to research how much SQ I have to give up on these compared to the 360
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JSS - brilliant reply - thank you!!
That really puts things in perspective!!!
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Reading reviews of the Lyngdorf - size and weight works for me but I’m seeing this priced from $5000 to over $7000 ?
Even at $5000 it’s not what I wanted to pay unless I was also willing to plonk more cash down for options with speakers but unfortunately can’t be bringing more speakers to Brazil with me and I’m not such a big listener as I used to be, just looking for the best sound I can get with an integrated and the Totems that I’m stuck with. If I’m hearing great things about a particular integrated then I’ll probably go to $5000 and be happy in the knowledge that I can’t do better given my set-up.
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Sorry guys, I should have mentioned I’ve been looking at the Lyngdorf “3400” - this would surely drive the Totems…would this be overkill? I could probably find a used one on here for around $5000 - could I do better for $5000? I’ll be listening mainly on Tidal. There are some tracks that I can’t live without that aren’t on Tidal that I’ll be listening to on a Bryston BCD1
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Thanks guys - wow, such good people on this site - thanks to all of you!
The Lyngdorf got me excited (never heard of these, but then again it’s been over a decade since I was in the scene). However, Mofojos comment has me concerned now. The tiny size of the Lyndorf really fits the bill but I’m trying to get as close as possible to what the Hegel 360 would give me but others have said the Hegel would be overkill for my set-up.
This is all good stuff I’m reading including the replies that burst my bubble just when I think I have it all sorted out. Love to hear more comments on whether the Lyngdorf isn’t up to par for the Totems. Another question from a clueless person - if I had the Lyndorf side by side with the Hegel would there be a noticeable difference in SQ? And if so, how much. I’ve just read so much good things about the Hegel it’s hard to relegate myself to anything less SQ wise.
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Aww Gryphon….. now no no no - this all started with me promising myself not to go down that rabbit hole and to be content with the $199 Martin Logan Unison - one week later I’m eying $7000 amps and here’s another option to temp me! I’m going to try to not research this one as I’ll be further down that rabbit hole. I’m feeling closer and closer to the Lingdorf and splashing out $7000 with a promise to myself that I’ll never be tempted again another couple of thumbs up on that from folks on here and I’m there.
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So, I’m about to pull the trigger on the Lyngdorf …..is this a “great” decision - it’s going to cost me much more than I wanted to spend but if I can’t do much better at that price or less I’ll be happy.
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Thanks for that mofo, I’m on the lookout for a used one right now. A local store told me they had one for…….$8000! Way too steep.
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Thanks for that guys !
just last week I sent a ton of older gear to The Music Room to sell for me on consignment (a lot of big stuff (Pass Labs 250.5 etc that I can never use again) and as part of the payment they are trying to find me a 3400. I know this might be overkill but I would rather have the peace of mind (and the added features) even though I’m paying a bit more than I need to, but who knows, I may move into a house someday and be able to crank things up if I want.
im far from an audiophile, just somebody who wants immediate gratification without all the learning and research involved and I’ll be content with an integrated these days.
The only integrated I had from maybe 15 years ago was a Naim Nait 5i and it was my first purchase into higher end audio and I was happy - am I going to see a big difference between that and the Lyngdorf ? Just curious before actually hearing the Lyngdorf. At the end of the day I don’t have choices and the luxury of building a whole system, so I’m just trying to do the best I can with what I already have in Brazil (Totems, nice CD player and a subwoofer) and a small and light integrated that I can fit inside my carryon.
I want to thank all you guys for all your help in making this (very rushed) decision!!!
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Hey guys , still digging….what is your opinion on the Naim Unity Atom compared with the Lyngdorf? Much much cheaper, size and weight fits the bill - would I be giving up a lot on SQ and will this pair well with the Totem 1s ?
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Great reply Wester!
tonight I’ll look into the Benchmark. To be honest, I was focused on something simple (all in one integrated, streamer and room correction, but if this is going to give me killer results then I’m open to dealing with a slightly more complicated solution.. So, I’m assuming this will drive the Totems .
Anyway, I’ll hop off ow and look into that Benchmark, thank you.
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Wester17, pardon my ignorance - I haven’t been around audio systems for a long time and when I set out on a quest for a small but good integrated I started noticing streaming capabilities and room correction systems built in and now I want these features - what exactly should I looking for as a streamer and a room correction system and can this be incorporated into the Benchmark setup?
Just a week ago I decided to buy the Martin Logan Forte and promised myself I’ll be content with that but I went down that rabbit hole again.
That Forte is arriving tomorrow - I haven’t got a clue about connectivity, but can this be used with the Benchmark for streaming and room correction, and if so, is there a better way to go. I don’t mind spending a little more and since this will hopefully be the last system I will buy I’m looking to make it the best it can be.
thank you
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Wester17, digging around on the Benchmark and you had mentioned the DAC 2 HGC and I headed off to look for that and found 3 possible options and would love some advice - I have a chance to buy these options and would love pointed in the right direction……
Option 1…..Benchmark DAC B D/A converter Remote, DAC -3 Silver DSD …( full description in case I’m missing something), same with following…
Option 2…..Benchmark DAC3 BDAC
Option 3 ….. Benchmark DAC 3 L DAC
Option 4…….Benchmark DAC 3 HDC DAC
so, I dont have a clue about the difference in the above - just looking for the best one for my system.
Thank you
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Thanks Fastfrieght, this is all being done in a rush as I’m limited for time before I fly home….very easy to get pointed to and jump from system to system but I think ive settled on the Benchmark amp and the Benchmark DAC to fit my needs but I much appreciate your input!
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Thanks Soix….given that this has to go on a plane with me and it is very heavy I decided to go with a Ben h ark set-up. I’ll have to figure out a room correction set up with this but I think I have made a good choice given my limitations.
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Thanks Soix , but I’ve already went with a Benchmark set-up
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