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

My compliments for not selling off your reference components!  A bit of the same situation myself.

I have no experience with Arcam, but this "Stereophile" Best of 2018 review intrigued me. Paricularly if the unit will be doing double-duty for home theater.  Check out the entire list if you really want to be confused! Good luck!

@josephp732 

If tubes, make sure your parents are safe and heat generated is acceptable.

If from Japan, make sure amp can run on your voltage and frequency. Otherwise you'll need a voltage transformer which may affect sonics and it's an added cost.

If used, you can always sell to change amp with minimal $ loss.

@carlsbad 

What brand of op amps have you tried to tune the sound of a kinki ex-m1+ to sound a bit like a tube amp? Just curious.

@tyray I haven't yet.  Been busy.  Looking forward to it.  The stock amps sound great so any improvement would be wonderful.

 

fwiw i tried burson v6 and vivid as well as sparkos in my ex m1... preferred the sparkos

the 4 single positions make much more difference than the rear dual position one (which isn't in the audio circuit)