Integrated Amplifier

I use a Kinki EX M1 with my R900 speakers. Lovely. 

@maritime51 I just looked up the kinki because I hadn't heard of it.  Looks to be a very good amp!  I just wish it had an HT Bypass option. 

@pjpicket - You don't have to have an HT bypass, it's just a minor convenience. You can use any unused analog input, select that input and set the volume of the integrated amp to a pre-defined setting, something like top dead center, etc. Of course, you have to run the setup app on your HT receiver, with the integrated amp in the chain, in order to account for the difference in gain between your integrated and your HT receiver. You also have to run setup if your new integrated amp does have HT bypass.

BTW, I've run a combo 2-channel/HT system on several different system iterations and it worked just fine, with HT bypass, and without.

Given a choice, I would choose the extra (though minor) convenience of having an HT bypass/processor loop. But it's only a minor difference in the convenience. 

Anthem has an integrated that should drive the R700. Is there a reason you didn't want to stick with Anthem? 

I don't mean to side track but why would you need an integrated to use you R700 speakers in 2 channel? Can't the MRX720 be used like a preamp  and connect a 2 channel power amp to the left and right pre outs then to the front main speakers? Does that mess up the surround somehow? 

You would be very pleased, I'm sure, with the SimMoon, the Belles (when it comes out), and probably the Plinius.  In this category, the world is your oyster...

@pjpicket  contact Alvin, the worldwide distributor for kinki and for a fee may be able to convert one of the inputs to a ht bypass. 

That’s a great idea!

If you have interest in tubes, a Primaluna Dialog HP is a nice combo. That is what i use to drive my R700's. It has a HT bypass. Great sounding integrated.

Reubent, thank you I didn't know that. I really shouldn't let the fact that there's not a dedicated ht Bypass on an amp prevent me from considering it. 

Djones51, I haven't heard much about it, does it utilize ARC?

Twoleftears, I'm loving researching all the different gear and seeing what's out there. 

Mboldda, maritime51, I just emailed them and asked them! I'll let you know how they respond.

Brian27b, I have considered tubes!  Would they be fine for HT use as well?  My wife watches a lot of TV.  Of course I only care about the music. 

Yes the Anthem STR integrated has ARC. 

Lyngdorf Tdia2170 or 3400. 2170 is the best component I've ever owned. 

I was glad to see Musical Fidelity on your list. I've been in love with my Tri Vista 300 for so many years. It has that perfect balance of power and finesse, regardless of speaker load. I don't know about the current options...because I'm never interested in messing with a great thing.

In my opinion, I would say the Belles Virtuoso would be the no brainer choice of the group.

pjpicket
I think the Musical Fidelity M6500I is discontinued. Too bad because I have heard this amp and it is spectacular in every way. Dead quiet, true dual mono, and very powerful. If I could have afforded to buy it from my local dealer I am sure I would have been very happy with it.I have been using a Parasound A21 for a few years now and I don’t think the Parasound HINT would be that different except the power would not be as much. Parasound has made a JC5 now that is basically two JC 1 mono amps into one box. If that amp was paired with the right preamp, it would be as good as the M6500I.https://theaudiophileman.com/halo-jc5-power-amplifier-parasound/

How can the Virtuoso be a "no brainer" when it is already months past it's projected release date.  

The new anthem STR integrated is very  compelling. I’m in the same boat where I’m getting into 2 channel from a HT environment but don’t want to outlay for new speakers at the moment so HT bypass would be a nice feature to have for cost and convenience. I’m torn between 1. The Anthem STR because it’s new and “modern” looking and seems to be a nicely built, feature rich INT, 2. a used MAC7200 because I’ve always wanted to get into MAC gear and they hold their value surprisingly well, or 3. The PrimaLuna INT option that was already mentioned because it seems to be well built and gets great reviews as a way to get into a good tube amp for little money. I’m hoping to find some good real world reviews on the Anthem STR before I make my decision. I seem to be leaning towards the Prima Luna at the moment because I hear good things and I could add a decent TT for less than ether the anthem or used MAC gear. 

Sorry, not trying to hijack your thread, just providing my three options that may suit your needs as well as they are all close to your mentioned budget and all have HT passthru.

Guys, you might want to rethink using a tube integrated in a combo 2-channel HT system. You'll be using the tubes all the time, for 2-channel as well as TV/HT. Do you really want to wear out your tubes watching TV? If reduced tube life is not a concern for you, have at it. The tube life would be a concern for me. Plus, I like to leave my amp on most/all the time. Not a good idea with tubes....

I use the Cambridge CXA80 . Its reasonably priced and sounds great. Using it with Golden Ear Triton1's and B&W CDM N1's.  the CXA60 is less expensive, puts out less watts, and is an outstanding integrated.  

Why not just get an Anthem P2 power amp, I have an Anthem MRX520 that I use for HT and watching TV, and I have the P2 hooked up to the preouts along with a sub so when I listen to just stereo 2.1 channel I just switch everything with the remote, it really is very easy to set up and my system was set up with the ARC by the place I bought my MRX520 from for $50.00
The P2 can drive any speaker down to a short so from 8ohms basically down to 1 ohm

I wondered why you couldn't just hook a 2 channel amp in using the MRX as a pre. Thanks for that info alucard. 

pjpicket

I don't the use the HT bypass on my Primluna. Would be to much ware on the tubes and to costly. Not worth it imo. I purchased a Parasound A52 plus 5 channel amp for HT.

You must try Pass Labs Int250.  It is a bit over your budget but well worth the extra.

I also like the Cambridge Audio CXA80! I actually love mine! It’s only $1K and a true bang for the buck. If you are looking for something up-market, I bet the Cambridge Edge A integrated sounds even better. It’s $5k and man it looks beautiful!

I’d also add a Luxman integrated as a potential option too! I love my L-590AXII; love the VU meters and it sounds stellar! If you think you need more power than the Class A options, their L-507uXII is an awesome piece with Class AB power a plenty or for the top dog, go for L-509X. I would think any of these would be your last stop to audio nirvana.

I’ve not listened to one, but I was also considering an Esoteric F integrated, before I settled on the Luxman. I have an Esoteric CD player (K-05) and I know their stuff is top shelf quality. Expensive of course.

Kind regards,
Jason

Used Mark Levinson 585. I had one and sold it. I’m still looking for another used one to replace it with.  Beautiful sound, great DAC and lots of power.