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.
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another hawaii seller https://www.stereophile.com/content/bryston-b-60r-integrated-amplifier-specifications
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Ok, thanks for the responses from all of you. Some feedback. I dont run 2 sets of speakers simultaneously. I do want, if possible, the option of being able to run an A or B. My Walshs are good for daytime and bad for night as they dont handle low volume well. So, that is why I have my old Spendor S3/5 monitors and Kef R300s. I use those at night as they sound better at low volume and I dislike headphones. ( I am looking down the line at potentially replacing most of all of these speakers but that is likely1-2 years out.) I use the Spendors in my home office most of the time. I rather not use a speaker switch as I have one and agree it reduces the sound quality. Budget is say $2-4k to as the stretch if I buy short term. I am replacing my wife's 2006 Honda and paying for a trip she wants to do, so that is depleting the "fun money" budget amidst stock market volatility. Kind of why I started with the Class D thing because of the illusion of cheap for a good amp....good but misplaced value proposition. I have a Marantz PM8005 in another system and I like the sound...just wanted to get better/different approach. The Rogue is not my favorite idea tho I like the Cronus but the heat and the fact it sounds solid state to me disqualifies that. A tube pre is ok but a full on tube amp that is hot wont work. Its almost 90 here today and its May. Adding more heat is not going to work. So, I am stuck in SS or hybrid world. The 2 Ebay ads are on another island and high freigt too. I am intrigued by the Bryston so thanks for that. I will contact that guy. My cousin lives over there and could check it out. I also know Bryston gear is well made though I think that unit is kind of old. I think the Hegel and Musical Fidelity ideas seem like the things to research some. I have never heard either but I know from reading on the forum that they both seem to be well received. Some noise about service from MF being bad but we will see. I have mostly focused on new, demo or maybe refurbed as they come with some form of warranty. BTW, I did go yesterday to the one shop on island with whom I have done business before. Owner is a nice guy but totally focused on tube amps and very high end. He played a wonderful sounding Sun Audio tube SET amp and some fabulous Audio Physik Sparks speakers for me...$13k I think. He kind of focuses on what he is promoting vs what you are looking for and because he knew me he was excited to show me something new. I did very much enjoy the system but it is not going to work for my needs right now. Best he could do was a new Luxman 505Z which he did not have to audition. So, I kind of go back to the idea of buying a "fill-in" to carry me...not because I am a gambler per se but it is a coping mechanism for living in the middle of the ocean. Sorry, getting diverted....I appreciate all the input and wisdom and experience from all of you on this site. As music/audio are my main hobby in retirement, this is one of the sites that keeps me from boredom... |
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