Temporary Down Sizing - Integrated Amp Recommendations


Moving into a small condo, as I need to take care of my parents for a few years, so my reference system is being put in storage.

My current reference system is:

  • T+A PA3100HV integrated Amp
  • T+A CRITERION TCD 110 S Floor-standing speakers
  • Cary Audio DMS 700 Digital Source & DAC
  • Clear Audio Ovation Turntable

The new system will perform double duty for both music and two channel cinema - (no more surround sound equipment either - ugh).

Because of the limited space open floor plan of the condo (having to keep the speakers close to the front wall) and needing to create a omni-directional sound stage - appealing to a wider listening group, I have decided to go with Ohm Tall 1000 speakers. I will also keep my Cary Audio DMS 700 as my digital music/NAS/ Streaming source & and use it’s DAC for ingesting the digital audio from the video feeds into the system.

For the amp - based on the decor (read wife) I’ve decided to go with a bit of vintage look, UV meters, on the integrated amp - which will be displayed as a center piece on the entertain console under the TV.

With a budget up to ~$3k I have been thinking about:

  • Yamaha A-S2200
  • Luxman L-505uXII
  • Vincent Audio SV-228 hybrid

Since I don’t need any digital capability the Yamaha and Luxman are very appealing, but I am a bit concerned with the reviews of those units and the references to those companies house sound signatures, as my T+A leans on the warm, analog side of neutral - not typically the way the Japanese brands are described as. The Vincent with a tube front end might be closer to what I am use to, but it doesn’t have balanced inputs and has a built-in DAC which I don’t need.

Long story short I would appreciate any constructive input, advise, recommendations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

josephp732

Had a chance to demo the Luxman and  loved the musicality, detail and performance.  That's my vote.

Since no one has mentioned it, if you are OK with Luxman you may want to look at Accuphase, you may prefer it to the Luxman.

Demoed Hegel 190 and Musical Fidelity m6si and a lot of others last year.  They both sounded great and were the last 2 standing.  Went with the MS due to more power for my Thiel CS 1.5s and $1k cheaper. Very happy with it.

Check out LSAs new LSA70 tube amp. Getting GREAT reviews. Ask them if it's compatible with the Ohms. Only $1200!!! FYI, they also have excellent speakers

hth

I love my Peachtree Nova 300 and so do many critics. It has a built in DAC, incredible noise floor and THD, gobbs of power and very musical. Ohh, and it's a beautiful piece of equipment to boot.