@yogiboy Thanks--I was looking to get a recommendation that was not on my radar, and this may well fit the bill--The price is such that I would be able to keep both amps.
Looking for an integrated amp to replace my Cayin A-50T
I currently have a Cayin A-50T integrated amp, and I recently had one of the EL34s die (due to age--not the amp...). Given the current tube shortage, I had to pay an inflated price for a new quad of tubes, which has caused me to consider a solid state integrated as a back-up initially, and based on the performance, possibly replace the Cayin. My speakers are Reynaud Euterpe Jubile (89dB/4 ohm) and my source is an Oppo 205.
I have no complaints whatsoever with the Cayin--just looking for a back-up and possibly get away from tubes in the future. As such, I am looking for SS integrated that would lean towards the same sonic signature--in the $1000-$2000 range. Since the Oppo has a volume control, I may be open to a power amp--in which case I would be open to an older well regarded model that I could perhaps obtain for a good price...
Regarding the integrated options--I only need a couple of inputs, and do not require a phono stage. Digital inputs are not a requirement, but could prove useful. I have been out of this for a while, so I am just getting back up to speed. If I had to choose today, I would go with a Cambridge CXA-81. The Rogue Sphinx or a Rotel are other options. perhaps a one of the Parasounds or something else I am not aware of?
Thanks in advance for all input/suggestions!
Bob
Showing 11 responses by pretender
@jasonbourne52 Thanks! Another good recommendation of something I could at least have as a spare! |
@carlsbad Thanks--another possibility to check out! |
@philgo01 Yep, that is my dilemma--either find something under $1000 for a spare, or spend more and replace. Before I purchased the Cayin, I had a Belles Aria that I got for a good price here on Audiogon. I prefer the Cayin, but I could live happily with something like the Belles. (I know--Why not buy another one? I would definitely consider it, but there appears to be a lot of other interesting options to try out...) |
@thehorn Thanks! I do have a dedicated/treated room with no windows, albeit on the smallish side—12 x 14… |
Thanks for all of the suggestions--especially the ones that were not on my radar!
I do have a question regarding the internal DAC on some of these--It is not a "must have" at all, but I could foresee a use for it. I am curious as to how the Schiit Ragnarok or even the Vincent would compare to my Oppo 205--given the fact that it is now 5 years old? |
@dekay I paid almost $200 for a quad of Tung-Sol EL34Bs--which is close to double what Jim McShane was selling them for before the shortage, and the same price that I paid him for a quad of GL KT77s 18 months ago. I would guess that they have about 1500 hours on them before one failed. |
@panzrwagn Thanks--I have to admit that I initially dismissed Marantz (and other great products from the past) only because I assumed that the current products bear no resemblance to their predecessors. However, after doing a brief search, it is definitely worth checking out! |
@chipcalzone I hear you...I will more than likely keep the Cayin and use the other one as a spare--So that I am not forced to pay the premium prices, Who would have thought we would be paying NOS prices for new production?? Even though I don't like the prices, at least Viva has tubes available for sale. Upscale Audio had to shut down/limit sales to 1 tube per month because of hoarding, and I have not gotten a response from Jim McShane to an inquiry I sent over a month ago. I was able to get a quad from my fourth choice (The Tubestore) for a relatively sane price... |
@thehorn I was a bit surprised by your assessment that my speakers are hard to drive--I was of the thought that they were average compared to something like Thiels. Although, I can understand where you are coming from--given your moniker. However, I appreciate your input and it will definitely have an influence on my decision--I have gone from looking for a spare amp to searching for a replacement for the Cayin. Nevertheless, I would prefer to purchase something new, and I was close to choosing the Schiit Ragnarok. Given your comments I am not ruling out: 1) AVA Vision SET 120 2) Rogue Sphinx 3) Cambridge CXA-81 Interested in your thoughts regarding these alternatives. My primary reason for leaning toward the Ragnarok, is it that I may be interested in purchasing one of their DACs--and it appears as though there is a special synergy between their products. (It does have a 600VA transformer...) Also, as an aside--I find it interesting that nobody has suggested one of the Parasound integrateds... |
@helomech Thanks--Your experiences mirrors mine to some extent. Years ago, I had an Odyssey product--I can’t remember the details, but I do recall the poor customer service. I also had a Cronus Magnum for a brief period, and I liked it a lot--However, it had a hum that I could not get rid of. As a matter of fact, I traded in a Cayin A-50T that was dead quiet. The dealer would have been willing to send it back, but he sold it the first day. So--I ended up buying another one. Based on your assessment, that pretty much rules out Rogue for me. I have to admit that I never even considered a Yamaha--if for no other reason than I figured that now it was Yamaha in name only--like so many other great brands from the past. Since as a Cayin owner you know of what you speak, I will take a look at them. I understand that Vincent is coming out with a new integrated (SV-228) that I want to also check out. I just so happen to be in the same area as Audio Advisor, who carries several of brands I am considering. I can’t go there to listen, but it is convenient for returning/exchanging--So if comes down to 2 similar amps, I would prefer to purchase the one that they carry. |