Considering Moving to an Integrated, Opinions Appreciated


Hi All,

I have converted a spare bedroom to an office/listening room. It is only 12x12. Like most here I have swapped gear in and out for years. I really enjoy the sound of my current system, but space is at a premium and I am considering moving to an integrated from separates.  I have stacks of gear around and am more inclined to get something I can set and forget and maybe even sell a bunch of this crap :)  This is my current system:

LTA microZOTL pre
McIntosh MC2505 amp
MHDT Labs Orchid DAC
PS Audio GCPH Phono Stage
Marantz TT15 Turntable
B&W Nautilus 805 Speakers

The system sounds very nice.  I am not opposed to keeping the DAC and/or phono stage, but it would be nice to have everything in the integrated if possible.  I was looking in the $2500-$3000 range. I might be able to extend my budget some if I can move some of my current gear.  I am not opposed to used.  I have been looking at things like the Lyngdorf 2710, Musical Fidelity M6si, Classe 2200i, Naim, etc. I did read the Lyngdorf vs Anthem thread, which was helpful.

The Lyngdorf seems like it ticks most of the boxes, but I am a little concerned about the amp stage.  Multiple people have described it as "dry" and my preference leans more towards warm.  I am aware that it is class D.  I am not opposed to that, I ran a Peachtree Nova 220SE for about a year and liked it.  However, I recently did some A/B testing with my current setup and the current one is the clear winner.  I also bought an Emerald Physics 100.2se based on rave reviews and I thought it would be a great much with my pre, but it really did not sound good at all.  Maybe it just didn't match well with the pre or speakers.

Most of my listening is digital.  My TT is actually not hooked up at the moment because I don't have room on my current shelf and I am missing it. 

Advice is appreciated, thanks!
 
why0why

Showing 14 responses by why0why

@yyzsantabarbara I have enough to pay for the Hegel if I sold all of my spare stuff, but I'm sure it will take some time.  The 390 looks great, I like the feature set.
sfseay, thanks for the input.  I hadn't looked at the M10, I do like the looks.  I will look into the 2200i more as well.

greg, You think there is a big difference in the 220 and 300?  i assumed they were fairly similar.  The Orchid definitely sounds better than the 220, but i think it will be hard to top in general, especially for the price.

Stereo5, I do love the McIntosh sound.  I have tried probably 10 amps with the ZOTL, and the old McIntosh sounds the best.  The 2505 was their first solid state amp.  It needed a recap when I bought it, but it really sounds amazing now that I have refurbed it.  I have looked at some of the newer McIntosh integrateds and they are appealing.  I do love the look and meters!  
@rbstehno I have looked at the Rogue in the past, but I am staying SS this go round.  I don't need a ton of power and I have read somewhere that the H190 sounded better than the H360(wattage excluded.) Maybe because it is a newer line?
@geof3 I like Peachtree's products and enjoyed the 220(which i still own), but it definitely does not sound as good as my separates.

The Classe 2200i is appealing for the reasons you listed.  I am still considering it.

My current thoughts are Hegel H190 and Classe 2200i as options that I unfortunately can't listen to around here.  I can listen to Naim and Anthem locally.  I am going to try to listen to them both if i can get some time this week.
@coffee-jerk Over the last 24 hours I have been doing a lot more research into the Hegel amps.  I really like what I am seeing.  Definitely on the short list.
@dorkwad I have heard good things about the Modwright, but am not familiar with them otherwise.  There is an integrated on USAudiomart for $2750.
@willgolf I think I am going to go SS this go round.  My speakers are not too efficient. I have a friend that is in the process of starting a transformer business and I may build a beefy tube amp in the future.  The Ravens do like nice though.
@bjesien I seemed to recall several people singing their praises in the past, but I wasn't looking at the time.  Now, I agree, I'm not hearing anyone on the bandwagon now! 

It is more difficult because I don't have local dealers for most of the good integrated amps.  I do have a dealer that will let me test Naim gear in home.
I really appreciate the continued feedback. Hegel definitely seems to have quite a few fans. I checked and the closest dealer is about 2 hours away. There might be a road trip in my near future.

If the choice was between an H190 and a used H360, which would be the better choice?  I'm aware of the power difference, but how much improvement is there in the new series?
@jsautter The 190 would definitely be powerful enough, but I don't want to shortchange myself on power and regret it later.  The McIntosh I am using is technically only rated at 50 watts(even though I think it is more like 75) and it does very well.  I don't plan on changing the speakers any time soon, but who knows in the future.

The MHDT Orchid  DAC sounds fantastic.  I am definitely not opposed to keeping it.  I will try it side by side with whatever I get and I will keep it if it is significantly better.  I am willing to give up maybe a tiny bit of SQ to have it integrated, but not a ton.
@grannyring I think your past posts about the Lyngdorf are what got me interested in the first place.

There are so many great options in this price range.  I have made a spreadsheet with options to try to narrow it down some.  It is tough, especially considering that my listening options are limited.
The Orchid DAC sounds really good.  I have rolled the tubes a few times and the one I am currently using is fantastic.  I usually bargain shop and/or prefer to buy used, but the reviews were so good on the Orchid and at only $1100 new, I think it is a great bargain.
@jbuhl I am a PS Audio fan, my phono stage is by them and I love it.  I wasn't familiar with that site, definitely a nice deal on the Classe.  Same price as used.

@kren0006 That is something that I would be interested in.  I am working on getting stuff in order to list, so I'm not in a hurry(other than getting the bug once I figure out what I want for sure.)

@2channel8 Not familiar with either of those, I'll check them out.
@jeffp13  Thanks for your response. I should have put a followup post for people searching. I went to my local dealer and compared the Naim XS3 and the Supernait 3. I took the Supernait home for a week and it really sounded fantastic. It cost more than I wanted to spend. He found a Supernait 2(identical to the 3 except no phono stage) that had never been used, only used as a display, with full warranty. I have been very happy with it.

Most of my system has changed since I started the thread. I am happy with my system and I am getting ready to do room treatments and then I am done(Ha, famous last words), for now anyway. My current system:

Naim Supernait2
Naim ND5 XS(streamer/DAC)
Naim Unitiserve
Technics 1210G
PS Audio GCPH
Tekton Electrons

I still have not heard a Hegel and I would really like to. As soon as I get the chance, I will check one out.