2. amps-preamps
  3. 179835-121443

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
elliottbnewcombjr
5,202 posts
 

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. 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,202 posts
 

ps.

My Sony BluRay is like a Smart TV: ethernet connection: DVDs, CD’s SACDs, STREAMING Services: netflix/prime/ ...... so if their TV is not Smart, you use the BluRay player to get there. Mine goes thru Sony AVR so one remote can do all.

crozbo
32 posts
 

It seems like the Technics SU-G700M2 Grand Class would fit the bill.  Beautiful looking (with meters!) and sounding.

ryder
1,683 posts
 

Luxman is generally considered to be better than Yamaha in both sound and build quality. The Yamaha sounds flatter with reduced detail and dynamics while the Luxman has a bolder and more engaging sound. It’s a more 3-dimensional sound with the Luxman, more 2d with the Yamaha. The Accuphase sound is fuller or warmer in comparison to Luxman.

crustycoot
595 posts
 

The Lux will do very nicely to fulfill the priorities you set out.  With it, you are not buying redundancies, and it has a classic design.  If you can find one for your stated budget you will not be disappointed with its performance.  The Ohm Walsh 1000s are a nice choice for your speakers.  Enjoy...and it's good of you to care for your elders, who evidently raised you right.

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