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

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.

 

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A few years, possibly more. You will have joyful moments for sure, however relaxation will be progressively more important.

I would not give up on a simple 5.0 (no sub) surround system based on the OHM's as front l/r. 

I would give up on the meters and use an AVR for music/streaming/video. 

I used a very compact and inconspicuous center very happily for many years, Bose VCS-10. Mixed with my DBX Soundfield 100's (designed for wide imaging) very nicely.

I used a pair of very small speakers for rear l/r, laid them on their backs, firing up between wall and back of sofa. Recently replaced with larger Klipsch, eh, Bose was darn good.

Many times I change the AVR to 2 channel and used the DBX's f l/r only, many times the 5.1 was better, even at low volumes.

I have a single sub, but in your case, I would not bother with it.