Best intergrated amp for under $2000


Hi, I'm looking for some help assembling my first real 2 channel system. Total budget is $5000 (amp, speaker, cables, and maybe an entry level turntable).
I'm no audiophile, I'm just looking for great sound quality. I listen to pop, rock, acoustic, jazz. here's some items I've been checking out:

Amps---Rotel RC-1090 & RB-1080 or 1090, Unison Unico, PrimaLuna ProLogue 2, Musical Fidelity Ac3.2cr, A300cr or 308,
Pathos Acoustics Classic One, Krell 400xi.

Speakers-----PSB Platiumn M2, B&W 705,704,805, ATC active 10's, Please give me some suggestions. Thanks, Robert
theb2826

Showing 1 response by sputniks

Three weeks ago I started with the same goal - to build nice sounding audio system around analog turntable. As I realized later there were some "underwater rocks" there...
From what I learned:
1. Most likely you would have to buy a phone pre pre-aplifier (step-up device). The signal that is being delivered from turntable is too low for "regular" amplifier to process. And as it was mentioned above you would have to have an integrated amp with build-in Phono Stage (or you would have to buy Phono Stage as separate device).
2. Moving Coil cartridges are considered to deliver better sound (but lower signal) than moving magnet ones.
3. Every cable you use to connect audio elements could cost more than actual devices it connects.
4. Most likely there won't be Bass or Treble knobs on your amp (since it is going to be hi-end :) So in order to tailor a sound to your preferences you would need to buy/replace/substitute different elements of your system searching for THE RIGHT ONE. It could be expensive and time consuming (but for many people it is where the real fun is).
5. If I would buy speakers now I would buy them new. The speakers seem to loose their original quality over time.
6. You would need a "special" phone cable to connect turntable to other equipment (I couldn't find it even in Magnolia HiFi).
6. Soon you get to the point when price doesn't matter any longer. What matters is WHEN it will be delivered!
Good luck.