2. amps-preamps
  3. 134997-154

So many integrated options -- McIntosh 8900, Levinson 585, Lyngdorf 2170, Anthem STR,

just to name a few that I'm considering.  Here's my current situation and what I'm thinking.  I'm currently running a Denon AVR X5200, which is a top level AV receiver, but I use a very powerful Krell power amp, the FPB 400cx, to power the front L/R speakers.  It actually sounds decent, but for my two channel listening, I'm limited to the quality of the pre-amp section in the Denon.  Now, the 400cx is a class A amp, runs very hot, and weighs over 100 pounds.  So, I'm wondering if I can improve my overall sound quality by going with a high end integrated amp for my two channel listening.  I'd also be getting rid of one huge, heavy, and hot box and reducing the need for interconnect cables.

Now, all these units include a home theater bypass, so I could continue to use my Denon for my Blu-ray movies and TV watching, thereby preserving my multi-channel system.  I also use my Oppo 203 to play multi-channel SACD and DVD-Audio over HDMI into the Denon.  With one of these integrated amps, I could then connect my Oppo's digital output, my laptop pc, and my turntable, to the IA.  I would think the DAC and associated analog output stages, as well as the phono stage quality of the integrated amps would be superior to that of the Denon receiver.

As to my integrated amp options, I really like the functionality of the McIntosh 8900 in that it can truly serve as a "one box" solution because it includes a nice phono stage.  It also has the upgradeable DAC module, which has the potential to somewhat "future proof" it in case McIntosh releases an upgraded module.  200 wpc.

The ML No. 585 has the highest list price and has great reviews, although it's been out a few years.  It does not offer a modular DAC or phono input, although I could easily obtain a nice phono stage.  200wpc.

The Lyngdorf is currently very hot here on Agon and people are heaping praise on its sound quality.  Again, it has a DAC but no phono stage. Not as much power as the 8900, STR, or 585.

The Anthem STR Integrated is new and also includes MM and MC phono inputs.  200 wpc.  Includes Anthem Room Correction.

Any opinions or experience here with these options?  Thanks much.
mtrot

Showing 5 responses by mtrot

mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Thanks, Dave.

Just to be clear, my FPB 400cx is a single stereo amp.  Just clarifying this, since you used the plural, "amps" twice. 

I would have thought that the pre-amp sections of any of these integrated amps might be superior enough to that of my AVR to still beat the sound of the Denon AVR/Krell combination.
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Thanks, all.

I guess I'm most interested in reports along the lines of Uberwaltz, i.e., ones from a person who has used some of these competing integrated amps.  My main objective is to get a sense of the "house sound" of these various integrated amps, in terms of tonality, sound stage, imaging, treble quality, and bass extension and control, etc. 

Now, as to room correction and EQ systems in general, I've always pretty much eschewed such and tried to run my systems "flat", but I suppose that, given my room's definite bass null in the listening area and my inexorable high frequency hearing loss now that I'm in my 60s, I should be more open to them.

I don't feel that my Denon AVR, even with the Krell power amp, is capable of producing the natural, open, and airy high frequency sounds of instruments such as cymbals, and high notes of violins as I've heard through systems consisting of more high end amplification.  Hence, my interest in a possible integrated amp solution. 


mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Update: After being counseled NOT to give up my Krell class A amp, I’m now considering going with a pre-amp that has home theater bypass. My original thinking was that I could pretty much fund a new integrated by selling the Krell. But if I’m going to miss the class A audio quality of the Krell, well maybe I won’t go that route.

Specifically, I’m looking at the new Anthem STR pre-amp, which includes DAC, phono input, and home theater bypass, and looks to me like it will do everything that I want. That would allow me to use XLR connections to my Krell. Regarding McIntosh, their pre-amps don’t seem to be as versatile.

@ uberwaltz,

Yes, I’m looking for hands-on experiences.

Edit:  Actually, the McIntosh C47 pre-amp is more versatile than I thought, as it does offer home theater bypass.  And it's actually a bit cheaper retail price than the Anthem STR. 
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Wow, at AXPONA, I heard the Mark Levinson 585, and it may relegate all my other options to the dust bin. Although admittedly more expensive, the Mark Levinson 585 integrated sounded awesome in a very simple system. All it consisted of was the 585, a set of the new Revel F228 be speakers, and a streaming device. This system delivered everything, including deep visceral bass, beautiful vocals with precise placement of the singers, powerful attack on transients, great tonality, and sparkling highs. Has anyone had experience with the 585?
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
@ snafujg

Well, that's true, but in my situation, I've never had any audio equipment that even approaches the audio quality that I heard out of that room.  So, I feel like the DAC in the 585 might be great for me for some time.  Also, I suspect that, once you get to a certain level of DAC, the overall sound quality you hear will be more dependent on the quality level of the pre-amp and power amp sections of an integrated amp, and the 585 has that in spades.

BTW, there is a newer version of the 585, the 585.5, which incorporates the top flight phono stage from their pre-amps, but they get you for another $4000, bringing the retail price of the 585.5 to $16,000.
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