2. amps-preamps
  3. 167148-529

Considering an integrated

 

I’ve been thinking about downsizing my system but am concerned about SQ. I would like to get an all in one integrated (or receiver). New or (slightly) used, tube or SS. It would need a built in phono section (LOMC) and a headphone amp/ jack. I have a budget of maybe up to $10k  but would consider going higher if need be. I want to part with everything but my speakers (Zu Def 4), TT and CD player. Obviously I don’t need much power. My concern is mainly the phono section. Sound now is glorious with virtually no ticks or pops. Do you think it’s possible to achieve the same (or better) SQ with a built in phono stage?  

Current setup;

Art Audio Carissa (16 wpc)

Art Audio dm- vps

Art Audio Vinyl One


markpao

Showing 3 responses by arafiq

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,599 posts
 
@jeffreyw +1 on Luxman 590 AXII. I have one, it drives anything without breaking a sweat and never getting unruly.

Pass Labs INT-60 is another great contender - tube-like but with dynamics and slam like there's no tomorrow.

Both options take the speaker specs out of the picture. Low sensitivity, medium sensitivity, high sensitivity, any impedance, whatever -- these two amps will drive anything with aplomb and finesse. 

Raven Blackhawk or Osprey are also great choices as long as you stick with high sensitivity speakers. If you're going down this path, consider Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III and Quicksilver integrated amps as well.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,599 posts
 
@earlflynn -- I had been considering a Qualiton to replace my Blackhawk for a few months. Almost pulled the trigger on the a50i, until Uncle Sam hit me with an unexpected tax bill :(

I was not even aware of the X200 model. Sounds like it will actually be a better fit for my home office. Please share your impressions once you get it. I hope to get one in a couple of months.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,599 posts
 
I forgot to mention that the headphone amp on Luxman 590AXII is pretty amazing. I had Focal Clear headphones that I was driving with the Quicksilver headphone amp. I never paid attention to the Luxman headphone section, but one day I thought I'd try it out. I was surprised how much better the headphone section was. Focal Clear can be a bit bright at times, which is hard to tame for less than stellar amps. The Luxman drove them beautifully. It was the closest I had heard my headphones to an actual two channel setup. 
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