2. amps-preamps
  3. 149094-122222

Help with picking new integrated for under 3k

Hi all, I'm seeking advice in purchasing a new integrated amplifier. Max budget is 3K. Slowly upgrading as I get more into the hobby.

Current set up is as follows:
Preamp  - Cambridge CXA 60 running as pre
Amp - Rotel RB 990BX
Phono Stage - Musical Surroundings Phonomena ii+
Speakers - Anthony Gallo Reference 3.1 
Turntable - VPI Aries Scout
Cartridge - Ortofon 2m Bronze
Interconnects - Audioquest Diamondback
Streamer - appleTV

80% of my critical listening is on the turntable but when I'm reading, have company over, and/or just hanging and don't want to get off the couch out I'll stream over my appleTV.

Presently strongly considering Parasound Halo Hint 6 and Musical Fidelity M6si. There's also a local listing for a Mcintosh MA6500 and a Hegel H3600 that I could probably get for around my budget, although the Hegel would be a bit of a stretch. So any thoughts on those two amps as well would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance. 
sammyshaps

Showing 4 responses by soix

soix
10,015 posts
 
Congrats on the new preamp.  Since you now have $1800 burning a hole in your pocket I'd recommend upgrading your amp while you're at it.  If you sell the Rotel you could pick up either of these, which would likely show similar types of improvements to those you experienced by replacing the Cambridge with the Rogue.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649542736-clayton-audio-m70-monoblock-amplifiers/

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9fehd-mccormack-dna-1-smc-gold-special-solid-state?refsource=hi...
soix
10,015 posts
 
@sammyshaps -- great description of what you're looking for.  Given that, I think you'll be very pleased with the Hegel.  It will certainly tame the highs a bit while adding more heft and meat on the bones in the mids and bass.  I think you'll also find the soundstage will expand in all directions and elements within the soundstage will more solidly and believably occupy their own space within the stage. 

The M6si might work too, but I'd be less confident recommending it over the Hegel.  Read some reviews and see which one more reflects what you're looking for if you haven't already.  I think the MA6500 will roll off the highs to much given what you're used to, but I could be wrong.  Again, best of luck. 
soix
10,015 posts
 
Would help to know what sonic characteristics you prefer and which are most important to you, otherwise we're just blindly throwing darts at a board here. 
soix
10,015 posts
 
I think it depends heavily on what kind of sound or improvements you’re looking to achieve with the new amp. I’d call the Hegel more on the neutral side, the M6si perhaps a touch warmer, and the MA6500 probably the warmest and fullest sounding but with a still softer and less-detailed treble. No idea about the Hint 6. All good -- but just depends on what you like and what works best with your system. Best of luck in whatever you choose.  BTW, if the H360 remains out of your price range an H300 will probably come up for sale soon in your price range and give you lots of the same sonic qualities.  Just a thought if you really want the Hegel. 
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