I have a new Bel Canto C5i, that is absolutely amazing. I have it matched up with an AppleTV and Klipsch Heresy II's with Crites crossovers, woofers and tweeter diaphrams, and it's absolutely stellar.
Great integrated DAC and it has a MM phono stage, which I have yet to use. Great for a second system for me, and it's beautiful as all of their gear is. |
has anybody heard or auditioned Atoll integrateds. someone told me about these and after some research they sound like what im looking for. i just dont know about reliability. |
Sorry, just realized that I got the original post and first response confused. The basic message is the same, though- if your target price is $2500 and under, the 840a would be a good addition to your short list. |
While it is true that all dealers say they like what they sell, in this case I think your dealer is not leading you astray. I just acquired the Cambridge Audio 840e/840w combination, and if they are any indication, the 840a V.2 should be a great value for the money. It pains me to say that, a little, because the units are made in China, but it is true. The controls and inputs are unusually flexible (I believe the front end on the 840e and 840a are virtually the same), and the sound is great. My impression is that CA's whole Azur product line is a winner. I think you could do much worse than to hop back down to your dealer and purchase, without fear of buyer's remorse. |
I am actually in the exact same position as the OP (PSB Goldi) - would the collective community here consider MF A308 or A5 to be decent candidates?
If not, why? |
No, Rowland would never work with this kind of music, forget it. They are very rare, and I want one!
Rowland of course. There is nothing better for the price, hard rock or whatever. |
Also. I listen tons lot of the same music you do I imagine. Huge NWOBHM fan (Holocaust, Blitzkrieg, Diamond Head, Limelight, etc). Up the Irons! |
dang - wish I could edit... that should be the Vincent Audio SV-236MK |
I would also say the "V2" model of the Cambridge Audio 840A, even though I'm getting ready to sell mine due to system consolidation. It's a fantastic integrated. I wasn't a big fan of the first version, but the V2 model is outstanding.
Another, that's actually a tad better than the 840A in my opinion, is the Vincent Audio SV-336MK. It's a hybrid integrated with a 12AX7 based preamp married to a 150w SS amplifier section. Outstanding build and sound quality. |
I've owned a couple of integrateds recently. PS Audio GCC 250, Krell 400xi, TAD 60 tube integrated, the Rowland Concentra that I recently sold FAR outclasses them all. I moved on to more expensive separates and sometimes wonder how much more I'm getting. Plus the Rowland is a piece of art to look at.
Good Luck in your search |
Yes, great integrated, but not for OPs speakers IMHO. 84db, 2.8 impedance dip in bass region and impedance swings all over the place based on 1997 Stereophile measurements, exactly what a tube amp does not want to see in a speaker. |
I would think a tube amp, most any tube amp, let alone a low powered one, would be a very bad match with the OP's speakers. His speaker likely needs at least 100 watts SS to drive them. SIM Audio is proabably a good match in terms of power and drive - not sure about sonic signature, but something of that wattage and ability to drive low and swinging impedances - not for a tube amp. |
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If you would consider a tube integrated I would suggest a Cary SLI-80 (Used) ....
Chuck |
"FYI,stores always love the brands they carry and their favorite model is the one the customer is thinking about buying. Just a thought." - Tpreaves
I can't argue this point in general terms, but the salesman knows that I have no plans to upgrade any of my equipment so they have no reason to push this particular product. On the last trip to the store I was actually there with a friend that was looking to purchase.
I've heard them rave about the 840A more than once. If circumstances were different when I upgraded my equipment I would have likely purchased one, but it didn't quite fit into the overall plan. |
Go no further, if you can find a used Cary Audio SLI80 F-1, you can get it for that. The non-F1 version is great as well, and would be a little less if found used.
Great integrated, with plenty of power. Sorry I sold mine. |
Vincent and Rogue should be considered too. |
Rowland Concentra or Concentra II, used, which show up here on the A'gon from time to time. You may have to stretch a little for the Concentra II (I think they usually go for low 3's). Warm sounding and built to last. |
Any of the Simaudio integrateds could work for you. I've had the I-5 and I-5 LE and been very happy with them playing everything from rock to Bach. |
Erikminer, he has PSB Stratus Golds. |
cayin 100 should be considered. |
The Exposure 3010s2 would fit your needs. |
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I recommend the Wyred4Sound STI-500. 250w/ch, many features and very well built. Prior the STI-500, I had a Naim XS and McIntosh C42 preamp/MC252amp. STI-500 betters them all. Read the reviews. Talk to Walter at Underwood. |
The choice will depend on the speakers you have or are getting.. No point in recommending amps that aren't a good match for the speakers you'll use with them. |
Correction,the CA 840.It's early!!!!! |
FYI,stores always love the brands they carry and their favorite model is the one the customer is thinking about buying. Just a thought. BTW,the VS 840 sounds great. |
VTL IT85 is fabulous. Warmth, detail and imaging. The new Anthem integrated and used Plinius. |
I really like the Creek Destiny myself. I have not heard the Krell but that seems like a good choice as well |
My local hi fi store gives rave reviews to the Cambridge Audio Azur 840A that retails for about $1,800 and on my last trip to the store I inquired if they still had one in the store since I didn't see it anywhere and the response was that they did. I pointed to the Krell S-300i and told them it was on my dream list and they told me that they liked it even better than the 840A.
I'd try to listen to both of them, but I doubt you could go wrong with the Krell, but the extra $700 might make the 840A a better value.
For reference, the 840A is the only Cambridge Audio product that my local hi fi store keeps in the showroom, they really love this particular model. |
