Integrated all in one for a second system


Hello.  Looking for suggestions for an Integrated amp that incorporates streaming / DAC into one unit.  I am moving my primary 2-channel system into a more dedicated room with a home remodel.  I still want to listen to good music in the current room.  It is a huge room that includes the family room, kitchen, and living room into one big space.  

Looking to pair it with Focal Diablo Utopia speakers and can use a B&W DB1-D to help with the low end.  I do need a home theater pass through as it will be running with a Marantz CInema 30 to use for multichannel for our TV.  These components will be in a vented closet, so looking for something reasonably sized and not running excessively hot.  Interested in something less than 7000-8000 and fine with the used market.

Any advice is appreciated.

wjcasey3rd

Showing 1 response by cundare2

Definitely need to look at the T+A line.  I had a similar setup to yours, and needed extensive connectivity.  I wanted to use a high-quality integrated both as a stereo system for "critical" listening to my sub-enhanced Harbeths, but also as the FL/FR/LFE driver for a 5.1 home-theater.  The R 2500 R, the company’s current $19K flagship integrated had every feature needed for both those applications and, as icing, is sonically impressive in every way.  Even the headphone amp and phonostage punch way above for a sub-$20,000 integrated.

I realize that this is out of your price range, but T+A makes a # of less-expensive integrateds that offer similar connectivty and not-unsimilar SQ.  T+A is only beginning to be known here, but is a huge name in the Eastern Hemisphere, especially for its unique  DAC/streamers, amps, and preamps.  I think that these boxes would fit your requirements as well as anything, with Hegels and Ayres running a close second.  As you might guess, I spent months comparing $5-10K integrateds in great detail, before finally being so wowed by the R 2500 R that I wound up springing for a box that cost twice what I’d originally intended to spend.

Re: dealers, I worked with Juan at Bliss HiFi in MN (not to be confused with other "Bliss" dealerships across the US).  The guy is very knowledgable about T+A, being one of the company’s first US retailers, and is a nice guy to boot, always willing to answer questions at length.