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Need help finding atypical integrated amp

Hey guys,

I've been an audiophile for about 20 years and am a former industry vet, but I have a need for a product that I can't seem to find.

In short, due to space/wife requirements, I need to give up my Audio Research gear and move to an integrated amp. In the process, I'm giving up an amp, pre-amp, DAC and outboard phono pre-amp. I'm not going to kid myself that going from separate to an integrated will get me the same kind of performance, especially with my budget, but those are the breaks.

Anyway, I'm looking for an integrated (one chassis) amp that can do all of the following at some level:

* Would like to have a toslink digital input
* Need to have analog (RCA) inputs (at least one)
* Would like to have a built-in phono pre-amp
* Need to have a pre-amp out for use with a powered sub
* Need to have a remote
* Needs to be compatible with use in a cabinet... a "class d" or similar design would be preferable
* Needs to be QUIET (using with 101 db sensitive Zu Druids)
* Needs to be in the $2,000-$2,500 range

For the life of me, I can't find anything that meets these specs. I've found ones close... Peachtree Nova has all but the phono... NAD 375 has all but the digital input... TacT 2150 has all but phono... Rega Mira 3 has all but the digital input... Cairn 100 range with modular components might work, but I can't find enough info on them to pursue it.

Does anyone have any ideas? I know I'm asking for a lot, but considering so many products come close, I'm hoping there's a "hidden gem" out there that I'm just missing.

Thanks for the help!
128x128pmindemann
shazam
205 posts
 
We seem to be on a similar journey, though I'm just beginning to look for an integrated with phono stage.

For the Bryson, the phono and digital are modular addition options. See here: Bryson info

Alas, it will run you ~$4,000+ new.

There is also, of course, the new NAIM digital amp, but that is also in the $5,000 range.
volvosound
17 posts
 
I think the phono module for the bryston b100 cost $400 to add.
pmindemann's avatar
pmindemann OP
8 posts
 
The B100 definitely looks like what I'm after, but I just can't swing $5k... I could go up to $3k, but I'm just not seeing anything.

Oh, and over the weekend I received this from a Harman/Kardon rep:

"Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, HK990 is not available in the USA or Canada. This is strictly sold overseas on 220 volt countries and it is not available here."
pmindemann's avatar
pmindemann OP
8 posts
 
So with that reply, I asked a few other questions, and got the following...

"There are no plans to release this product in USA because this is international product. Yes, you can use a step-up transformer for use in the U.S. Regarding the availability in Japan, you need to contact the concerned dealer in Japan."

Anyone had any luck with step-up transformers for use in audio?
pmindemann's avatar
pmindemann OP
8 posts
 
Just found this out from H/K:

"We've just learned that the HK990 unit will be available here in the USA starting sometime in the fall. Until then, I am sorry to say, it will not be available."

Now, who knows if it'll actually show up, or if it'll magically disappear... ;)
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