Anthem 225
Integrated w/phono but no DAC
Another integrated thread:
Could you recommend some integrateds that include a phono stage, but do not have an internal DAC?
Budget: $500-$1000
Speakers: Wharfdale Diamond 10.7 (long 25ft run)
Does anyone make something that also includes a Tuner anymore? Used or new ok!
Thanks!
Could you recommend some integrateds that include a phono stage, but do not have an internal DAC?
Budget: $500-$1000
Speakers: Wharfdale Diamond 10.7 (long 25ft run)
Does anyone make something that also includes a Tuner anymore? Used or new ok!
Thanks!
46 responses Add your response
@leemaze - An integrated amp, with phono and a tuner would be a receiver, so you can look under receivers to see what is available. Regarding an integrated: I have the Rega Elicit-R and love it. However, it's a bit over you budget used. I've heard that the Rega Elex-R sounds similar, so it might be a good pick. |
Thanks guys! @djones51 Yeah the Outlaw seems to be the only game in town these days for a 2 channel integrated with tuner. I've heard a couple mixed messages on this item - do you have one? @reubent It seems like receiver these days means Home Theater AV receiver, so google is little help. I love my Brio-R so Rega is certainly on my short list if I can't find something with a Tuner. @jl35 I had a PM6005 and didn't love it - sounded a little flabby. Especially when turned up. Does the additional power on the PM8005 take care of this? Thanks! |
@leemaze - Yep, not too sure if there are any current/new 2-channel receivers. Quality vintage models have a big following and many people love they way they sound. But good ones are starting to get pretty expensive. You used to be able to pick up high line Pioneers and Sansuis for a few hundred bucks. Now they are often $1000ish or more. I did just see a fully serviced Kenwood KR-9600 on my local Craigslist for $750. Not sure if that is a good price, or not, but I think they are well known to be a great vintage receiver. Good luck in your hunt.... |
This: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis96e9g-exposure-electronics-3010s2-linestage-with-remote-solid-state Probably the best value you'll find with those stipulations. You could spend a heck of a lot more and get lesser SQ. |
I also own Wharfedale Diamond 10.7's as well and listened to a number of integrated amps through them including Parasound Halo, Rogue Cronus Magnum and Rogue Sphinx. To my ears the Rogue Sphinx sounded the best. With the Cronus imaging had more depth but the top end was softer. The Parasound Halo, (which has a DAC), although a very good integrated seemed to make the Wharfedale's sound a bit thin. |
I'm thinking you should look at a vintage restored receiver. Marantz, Luxman, Sansui, Accuphase etc. all made full featured receivers that are quite good if you get one that has been recapped. Late model Luxman's and Sansui's from the late 70-early 80s are very good after a recap same for Accuphases older stuff. for example I sold last year a Luxman L560 a wonderful 50wpc class A amp that's the direct predecessor to the current top L590axii at close to $9k so 95% of the sound quality of a $9k amp for $1000-1500 not bad. that particular one did not have a tuner but there are many very good vintage receivers that are a lot better then you may think. new there must be a NAD, Yamaha in that price range. their new stuff is quite good. |
The Yamaha A-S801 got a great review from 6 moons. I own one and like it. Great value and great sound. But, it has a dac, and does not have a tuner. Over the last few years, yamaha has released other 2 channel models, in addition to the A-S: R-S : Tuner, phono, no dac R-N: Tuner, phono, bluetooth and wifi, dac The R-S and R-N lines appear to share the same amp sections as the equivalent A-S models. The R-S line was replaced by R-N, but you can still find used and few new ones out there. The R-S700 and R-S500 would meet your needs. If you don’t mind bluetooth and wifi, and a dac, check out R-N602 or R-N803. All models listed above, including discontinued, can be compared at Crutchfield. |
"@jl35 would you consider the R-N803 and A-S801 in their “upper level”?" The R-N803 is a network stereo receiver that I personally would not mind having with one of my secondary stereo rigs. The A-S801 is the top model in the DAC/integrated amp line that from all I have heard and read is a very nice performing piece. Pretty hefty also at over 26 pounds. "A-S1000,1100,2000,2100,3000" are the upper level all analog line that are built to another level and all have real wood side panels that offer a very classic look. Look into these. https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamas1100blk/yamaha-a-s1100-integrated-amplifier-black/1.html Bill |
@hatz How does your Sphinx sound at low volumes? Do you detail and depth or do you get the feeling that you need to turn it up to hear everything? @veroguy @willland Same question to you guys regarding your Yamahas? @jl35 How about the Belles for low-level listening? Thanks all! Very helpful suggestions! |
I had the anthem 225 first with B&W 804 then Paradigm Prestige 85f neither of which made it break a sweat. I found it to be neutral amp , I guess it did what you want an integrated to do forget it was there. Sounds good at low levels and as loud as you can stand it. I would still have it but I moved to a small patio home and my listening room is now my living room so I wanted an amp with room correction so I sold for funds to buy a new amp. I will mention again there was a problem with the volume control moving on it's own and the only way to stop it was unplug it, anthem put out a firmware update that fixed it and I think it only applied to the first generation. Anthem sent me the update and I flashed mine, easy fix if needed. |
I got a Micromega M100 with MARS. To be honest I never tried the Anthem in my new place after having a large dedicated listening room I just figured I would go the room correction route and sold the Anthem before I moved. I know it's hard to go by memory but in my old house the Anthem sounded as good as the Micromega in my new one with the Paradigm speakers of course that's using room correction. |
So I’ve only had it for a day but I’m loving it. Sounds crystal clear and detailed and dynamic, but not clinical or harsh. Only using CD and phono inputs but you can turn everything else off with the Pure Direct button and it’s a clear improvement. It’s funny, one of the reasons I bought it was to have tone controls, but the Pure Direct button bypasses them and it doesn’t need them at all - sounds fantastic. Also telling is that I can listen at a volume that you can't hear on the other floors of my house without feeling like I *need* to turn it up. It does sound good turned up too though. |
To follow up here - still really enjoying the Yamaha A-S801 amp for CD and Digital playing. Super clean and clear and detailed even at fairly quiet volumes. The DAC sounds good (optical) though i don't use it really. The remote works really well for adjusting the volume - doesn't jump around. Volume control in general is really smooth. It sounds great at all volumes and I don't suffer from that feeling that I always need to turn it up to hear more or turn it down because it sounds harsh. The Pure Direct mode is fantastic and jumps in your ear. If you want to have conversations or background music the tone controls and loudness dial are very helpful. My wife doesn't ask me "can we turn this down a little" anymore. 3 negs: 1) I thought I'd be able to charge my phone via the USB port but it doesn't work for some reason. 2) The phono input sounds a little sharp when in Pure Direct mode. Can take the edge off with the tone controls but that's not something I'd expect with vinyl... I don't listen to much vinyl so it's not a big deal, and it's doesn't sound horrible or anything. Could be that it's revealing the inadequacies of my turntable or stylus. 3) The "CD Direct" mode, which according to the manual should sound best, sounds harsh and "ouchy" (wife's description). But that's ok, I just don't use it. Anybody else have one to share their experience? |