Upgrade Time


I hate to post another integrated vs separates discussion but I could use some input. My current system is Olympica Nova II's, Cambridge 851N (streamer/DAC/preamp), Cambridge 651W (amp).

I'm planning on spending <$10K on my next component upgrade which I'm thinking will be a new amp. I'm curious how folks here would allocate that money. My initial thought is to use that money towards a separate amp and just go all in on that. In a year or two I can upgrade the preamp or DAC. I certainly wouldn't be spending more than $10K for this future upgrade. Probably closer to 5-8K but who knows, maybe I'll feel compelled to go big again.

Given how far integrateds have come, however, I'm wondering if I'd actually be better off spending the 10K going that route.

Either way, I'm curious to hear which models you recommend. 
jpearson3131

Showing 1 response by ghasley

There are many ways to go about this and your preferences should rule the day. With that said....

While every integrated is different, most do not have an active inboard linestage, in other words, they are basically an amp with a volume control.

Consider aquiring an amp and a pre-amp. On the used market, you might even consider a pre-owned McIntosh new/recent reissued version of the C22/MC275 combo. It would match up well with the Olympica Nova's as Sonus Faber worked with that combo when developing the speaker. While not the last word in tube goodness, the McIntosh combo would retain its value and demand when you are ready to sell and move up qualitatively. Your Cambridge DAC/streamer would be fine for now as a source only, especially given the opportunity to not use its volume control, leaving those duties for your C22. This would be a good match with your Olympicas and frankly, your next upgrade could come on the DAC or speaker front as an investment with either of those would probably yield better results in the future as the C22/275 combo can scale up another level or two.

It might come as a shock to MillerCarbon but the gear he owns isn't one size fit all for everyone's application. The Raven's won't drive the Olympica Nova's as effectively as a 275 as the Nova is a solid 4 ohm load.

Disclaimer: I am not a dealer nor do I own any of the aforementioned equipment although I have owned a C22/275 in the past. I have heard a Raven amp but have not owned one. They are fine amplifiers but the 6L6 can run out of gas with some speakers and some volume levels.