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
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,909 posts
 

op a couple of points 

 

op you don't want to run two sets of loudspeakers from one amplifier as the load will be unstable and a speaker selector will kill transparency

we sell rega naim, nad synthesis unison research and many others

we would recommend the unison research unico hybrid line as the addition of tubes to the circuit will have that warm McIntosh like sound but with greater transparency and more manageable weight at lower cost then McIntosh products

 

Dave and Troy

audio Intellect NJ

unison research dealers

kennyc
1,885 posts
 

What your budget?

hgeifman
2,326 posts
 

@joekapahulu 

I own the Musical Fidelity M-6Si integrated amp (list price is $3,149).  I am VERY surprised it sounds this good.  The M6si offers excellent performance, facilities, and power.  As per the Musical Fidelity web site “Internally, the M6si is configured as 2 independent monobloc power amps with a separate preamp. It is, in fact, a preamp with 2 monobloc power amps that just happen to share the same casework. The M6si has 220wpc. It has very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio and extremely flat frequency response”.   The M6si offers excellent performance, facilities, power and sounds very good.  

I am very happy with my Musical Fidelity M-6Si integrated am.  My speakers, PMC Twenty5.21 Speakers, (small version) sound terrific, the magic has returned, and I am very happy.  I do not know.  Is this amp within your budget?

My audio friends said synergy between components is what makes an audio system sound great. I hope this helps.  Obviously, in my system the Musical Fidelity M-6Si integrated amp is a perfect fit for my PMC speakers. 

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