2. amps-preamps
  3. 1249063069

Best Integrated Under $3000

I tried this in a earlier thread and did not receive any responses. So, I will try this another way. I am a newbie and am looking to purchase a new integrated or an immaculate used integrated. However, the more I look and research the more indecisive I become. I will be mainly using a two channel set up listening to mostly vinyl through a Clearaudio Emotion TT but some CD's as well. I will also be using the system as part of a HT (80% 2 Channel-20% HT). I have a Marantz SR-6400 to power the rears and center. The speakers are Kirksaeter Prisma 210 (very efficient). I was initially leaning toward Musical Fidelity (A5.5 new, or Nu-Vista, Tri-Vista used), but I like the McIntosh MA-6300 as well. Then a friend told me to look at the Rega Elicit which also reviews well but does not have much power. Finally, my dealer advised to look at the Atoll IN200, which also looks like a great piece and reviewed great in 6moons.

So please experienced Audiophiles, I bow to your expertise. Please grant me more knowledge from your experience on any of these models or one that is not on the list.
sebraasch
sebraasch OP
17 posts
 
I have decided to go with the Atoll. I will update with a review once I have it broken in. I was still on the fence between MF and the Atoll, but I was nervous about the China link now with MF. Atoll has all the features I need plus more than enough power.

Thanks to everyone for the input.
bjesien
1,284 posts
 
I've owned a few of the above and would rate the AX7e on top, 6300 second, luxman next, and last the Sim I5.

Ayre is clean, clear, musical, powerful. A little thin if your speaker is thin.

6300 warm, not as focused, good power and looks, a lower-end mac, but still a mac!

Luxman is a little too rolled off, relaxed, awesome user interface, great for that speaker that needs some loudness, nice phono. Less clarity than mac. The next step up on Luxman gear kills all but is $$$.

Sim, I wanted to like but felt too much grasp and control and not enough flow. Dry. Perhaps this is the amp I should appreciate the most because it is opposite my taste!

Never heard of Atoll but hope it works out.
oikawa
2 posts
 
Luxman L-505u is not too rolled off nor veiled like McIntosh's integrated speakers. It's a neutral to warm amp, with awesome bass control. In fact, it's capable of producing accurate speed tight bass. Midrange is sweet, but not oversweet and the clarity of mids is very good. There're amps with more clarity than Luxman, but it's not the case of McIntosh MA6300 or MA6500. Luxman L-505u clearly outperforms the mentioned models.
More to discover