Location change means compromise


The second bedroom in our apartment, I am told, is no longer the place for my audio system. I am in the process of moving the system out of the back room into the front room. Now I have also learned the front room is not to be cluttered (as far as possible) with multiple big black boxes. What boxes you ask?
Bryston 2b (early 80's pre-2blp)
Conrad Johnson pf-1
Vandersteen 1c
source:
project rpm4 turntable

Now my budget is not very large (close to 500) but I can hopefully sell components to increase my budget. To reduce the number of boxes, I am thinking of moving to an integrated amp. Considering the age of these components (bryston, conrad johnson) is a new entry level integrated going to be much change in sound quality? Or should I look for a used integrated amp? How about keeping and hiding the power amp with a pre-amp? Since I have been granted a budget and I feel I best use it, I am not a big fan of the remoteless CJ so I would like to replace that.

-buy an integrated
-buy a preamp (hide bryston)

I am leaning towards going with something like the NAD 325bee or CA azur 540a so that I can eventually get a cd player that matches and the combo won't be too visually obtrusive.
Thanks for your input
jvano1867

Showing 1 response by soulbrass

Lindisfarne is spot on...sell your amp and pre and get a used integrated w/ onboard phono. Musical Fidelity, Creek, Arcam, Cambridge Audio, Exposure, Naim, etc. Do a little research and you'll end up w/ better WAF, better features (remote!), and probably better sonics.

Worst case is you find a good integrated w/o phono - no worries...many good standalone phono preamps that are easy to hide!

Good luck!