2. amps-preamps
  3. 176911-6837

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

 

 

 

pretender

Showing 2 responses by thehorn

thehorn
111 posts
 

Your running (89dB/4 ohm) speakers with a Cayin A-50T?

It's a miracle your driver tubes lasted as long as they did!!! What a load.

Power handling capability according to the manufactor is 40-120 watts. If there was ever a case of pulling a rail car (your speakers), with a Shetland Pony (your Cayin), instead of a 1/4 horse, or better yet a draft horse, this is it.

It's a good thing you are using a tube amp instead of a SS amp, because the likelyhood of you clipping your speakers to death by now is very high.

$1000-$2000 isn't much of a budget to drive (89dB/4 ohm) speakers, unless you go used, & even then.

In a SS amp look for something with a massive power supply, with 120-200 watts of power. Not only will this give you impact at any volume, low or high (caveat, SS amps have a smaller sweet spot than tube amps), it will also give you the safety of "head room" so you don't clip/(damage) your speakers, or your amp.

If you can find a used Bryston B100 Integrated Amplifier, or a Krell KAV-300i Integrated Amplifier, you will have an integrated SS amp that will realize the Stradivarius violin potential laying in your Reynaud's, that can safely run those thirsty speakers for years to come.

Enjoy the experience.

 

thehorn
111 posts
 

Hey Pretender,

As for the Schiit Ragnarok, or the AVA Vision SET 120, not my beat. I got nada.

As for Cambridge ... I'd group them in with Rotel & the like, meaning IMHO your Reynaud's deserve better upstream components.

As for Rogue Sphinx, I'm not familiar with that model. I am familiar with Rogue's Cronus Magnum, but now you're back to tubes. That said, the emphasis on the Cronus above it's other attributes was it's value for the money, not it being part of a sonic coterie. Potentially this could be altered to a given degree by swapping out the pre-amp tubes with NOS tubes, and then again with a snob capacitor upgrade. But there goes your budget.

Parasound .... you're onto something there. John Curl has a reputation for a reason. Question is which one of his designs is optimal for your application. The Halo Hint 6 integrated amplifier is there premiere piece, but you may be using an elephant gun on an elk hunt. They're NewClassic 200 Integrated might suit your application better. Take note that Hi-FI sound shines when it's being pushed to a given degree.

In choosing your purchase concern yourself less with features. Instead steer towards quality of power supply, type of capacitors, transformers being used, binding posts. Contact a Parasound Rep, gettem on the phone, build a rapport, lay out your questions, and tell him you want the best without being up sold.

This is all dependant on your listening room. If you have a fair sized dedicated sound room with better than average acoustics, knock yourself out. You can justify the added effort/time and expense. If you're in an L shaped room, or your gear is being put in the wife's tightly packed Victorian tea room, save your money, the results won't be there.

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