2. amps-preamps
  3. 194518-1541

Need New amp or integrated...have some options

OK, posted a few days ago looking at a CLASSDAUDIO option to replace a dying McIntosh MC250. After lots more research, I dont think I am going that way now just to get this done, no time for testing. Thinking I am going to go integrated and use later as a backup. Been looking around on the Gon/USA/TMR etc for options and have seen a few things that I am either familiar with or have actually heard. In Hawaii, so it is a "blind faith Hail Mary" kind of buy for the most part. I see a Rega Elex mkii that gets good writeups at a good price for a demo unit. Also, some Rogue Sphinx V3/Magnum and Rotel A14mk2 and a larger Rotel 1572mk2 units and a few Marantz Model 50 and 30 and an Exposure 2510. Only one of these I have heard is the Rogue Sphinx in V3 form. All have enough power on paper, some allow for 2 sets of speakers which is a plus, some even have pre out option so I can use it as my pre with remote down the line. I probably sound a little crazy right now but I am trying to solve multiple problems (2 dead amps actually) and balance good sound now with options for down the road with this eventually being either a backup unit or moving to my office. I am interested especially in the Rega and Rotel input. I heard a Brio years ago and it impressed for what it was. Never heard modern Rotel. I like Marantz and had a PM8005 but thinking that I should try a different sound/pov. This stuff is entry level or one step up I know. (My wife quashed going into a higher investment by reminding me of other priorities (new car, paying for a river cruse she wants to do) so marital harmony takes precedence after 35 years.)  Anyone familiar with the sound, operation or reliability of these units, I appreciate your input. There is no substitute for others considered opinions given no options to listen. I kind of just want to get this done as I have other pressing things to address.  Mahalo.

joekapahulu

Showing 1 response by chenry

chenry's avatar
chenry
269 posts
 

A budget figure might help the discussion.

My vote on class D is the Peachtree Carina GaN. 200W. Has a DAC. Lovely sound. Very accommodating footprint and would have generally high WAF. Not a 2-pair speaker amp, though. $3K. But you are setting aside class D, now. Not a difficult ship to Hawai'i.

I would vote for the Yamaha A S1200/2200/3200 units. Very clean, lovely cabinet. Excellent sound. ~90W. You would need a separate DAC.

The JBL SA750 is a one-box solution 120W Class"G" which is a hybrid class-A/AB. Has a DAC and streamer. Vintage look in a good way.

The new Heaven 11 Billie Mk3 is about to hit the market, offering a hybrid tube pre with class D amp, with a choice of either Hypex or ICEPower. I haven't heard it but the pre-release reviews are good.

If you are considering a tube integrated, I can suggest the Audio Research i/50 which is excellent. Class-AB, operates on 6550s in the power section. It can be optioned with both an AR DAC and a MM Phono pre, as in-the-box modules. $6.5K-8K new but there are regularly nice examples used at about $4K, some even with the module upgrades. I bought one used, fully optioned, and like it very much.

 

 

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