Upgrade from Cayin TA-30?


Wondering if any of you ex ta-30 owners can give me some insight on what you have gone to and how you liked it better, or if you haven't. I am ready for a change, so I would like to find something that isn't just a little better, I want something in an integrated that is a lot better. SS or tube or hybrid, just let me know how it was better and why, much appreciated! Price is a consideration, so anything under 2000$
sean34

Showing 1 response by rwbadley

I'm still on my TAD modified ta-30 for going on the third year. I have rolled a few integrated and power amps through just for fun (Sansui au717, Pioneer 980, Bedini 25/25, Denon 2000, also four others I would rather not say as the mfr are a current model) and also compared it to several outside amps in a side be side competition. I still go back to the TA unit and love it. Sorry I can't recommend better, but after tweaking tubes and cords on the TA it just sings and has yet to be replaced permanently. I'm running it through some custom Dynaudio speakers and sometimes Altec 604's. The tubes are RCA 12au7a side getter, GE jan 5751, and EI 6ca7 (an el34 fat bottle type)

The only amp I have had approach it is a SS Musical Design d-150 power amp, a very nice amp. Very similar soundprint, but the ta-30 seems to better it slightly in the area of depth and dimension- while the 150 has a bit more power for higher spl or tougher speaker load, neither of which are huge concerns in my system.

When you find better for the money or otherwise, please let me know

Cheers

RW