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What integrated should I upgrade to?
Hi folks,
Firstly, my apologies for yet another "what should I" post. But I'd like to seek the advice of my Audiogon brethren.
Currently, in my second system used mostly for TV viewing, I have a pair of Wharfedale Reva 3 floorstanding loudspeakers, a Cambridge Audio CXA80 integrated amp / DAC and an Auralic Aries Mini streamer. Wired with transparent Music Link / Wave cables and Shunyata Hydra Talos conditioner and Voodoo Fire power cable to the CXA80.
I've been itching to upgrade the integrated amp, as I figure it is what's holding things back from a resolution standpoint. I moved a better DAC (PS Audio Direct Stream Junior) to the second system and it didn't make a discernible difference given the existing gear. I then moved the Reva 3's up to my reference system and plugged them in and they sounded wonderful! I've got a Luxman 590axII integrated in that system with the PS Audio Direct Stream Junior DAC. The power foundation is nearly the same; using Shunyata Denali there.
So it leads me to conclude that the CXA80 needs upgrading.
I have been considering a nice used Luxman 550ax or trying the new PS Audio Strata integrated. I kinda know what to expect with the Luxman. The PS Audio would be a greater unknown, but has the nicety of everything in one box: DAC, Preamp, amp and streamer. The money outlay will be more for the Luxman, but not a huge difference. It will be used rather than new. Though, I would need a cheapy DAC just to accept the optical from the TV.
Thoughts on this?
Firstly, my apologies for yet another "what should I" post. But I'd like to seek the advice of my Audiogon brethren.
Currently, in my second system used mostly for TV viewing, I have a pair of Wharfedale Reva 3 floorstanding loudspeakers, a Cambridge Audio CXA80 integrated amp / DAC and an Auralic Aries Mini streamer. Wired with transparent Music Link / Wave cables and Shunyata Hydra Talos conditioner and Voodoo Fire power cable to the CXA80.
I've been itching to upgrade the integrated amp, as I figure it is what's holding things back from a resolution standpoint. I moved a better DAC (PS Audio Direct Stream Junior) to the second system and it didn't make a discernible difference given the existing gear. I then moved the Reva 3's up to my reference system and plugged them in and they sounded wonderful! I've got a Luxman 590axII integrated in that system with the PS Audio Direct Stream Junior DAC. The power foundation is nearly the same; using Shunyata Denali there.
So it leads me to conclude that the CXA80 needs upgrading.
I have been considering a nice used Luxman 550ax or trying the new PS Audio Strata integrated. I kinda know what to expect with the Luxman. The PS Audio would be a greater unknown, but has the nicety of everything in one box: DAC, Preamp, amp and streamer. The money outlay will be more for the Luxman, but not a huge difference. It will be used rather than new. Though, I would need a cheapy DAC just to accept the optical from the TV.
Thoughts on this?
77 responses Add your response
You need tubes!A good push pull KT88 or EL34 will put you where you want to be.Ayon is on sell for the same $ as the Hegel H120 and would SLAY it in head to head soundoff(yea yea EXCEPT MAYBE in the bass)! Luxman makes a nice Tube Integrated,also look at Icon Audio,Rogue Audio,Raven Audio & a few others it will take a little digging to find... |
my understanding is that the hegel h120 and h190 share the same dac implementation... i would get h190 if your budget can handle it as i have always felt having more power reserve is a good thing... well designed good sounding powerful amps have an ease to their presentation that is very appealing and easy to listen to |
Thanks Freediver. I am certain that tubes arguably have a sweeter sound, but this thing will stay on for hours at a time and I want to be able to turn it on with a remote. Most of the tube amps I have seen need to be turned on from a physical switch on the unit. Needs to be warmed up etc. i do appreciate the suggestions. I’ve heard of all those brands. Just think for my application, SS is the way to go. |
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jasonsim, I’d also suggest checking out tube amps if you’re looking for something different. Interesting conundrum. "as I figure it is what’s holding things back from a resolution standpoint. I moved a better DAC (PS Audio Direct Stream Junior) to the second system and it didn’t make a discernible difference given the existing gear." So far self explanatory. Why would a DAC make any difference? Don’t they all sound virtually similar? But then comes this, "I then moved the Reva 3’s up to my reference system and plugged them in and they sounded wonderful!" Now this suggests that the Arcam amp could have a fault or maybe faulty wiring? "So it leads me to conclude that the CXA80 needs upgrading." Not necessarily, unless it has fault of course. All of the Arcam amplifiers I’ve heard, the 7pre/power and the 10 have never sounded less than fabulous. So to avoid disappointment, before doing anything else I’d suggest switching just the Luxman down into the second system, and seeing if the result is still the same. Just to be certain you could also try the Arcam in your first system. Should be an interesting and useful experiment for the long term. |
Thanks cd318 for the thoughtful advice! While I don't have an Arcam - it's a Cambridge Audio CXA80 - I might do as you suggest and move the Luxman 590axII down to my second system. The only difference will be the speaker and interlink cables really. I have the same power cables in both systems. There is of course a big difference in those cables... Transparent Ultra compared with Musicwave. Thanks, Jason |
I was in similar situation with my second system and ended up getting the Marantz KI PM Ruby. Made a big difference compared to an old Marantz integrated I was using. Got it for less than half off here on Agon . It doesn’t have digital inputs so that may be a problem for you. I use a streamer and dac fed into analog inputs |
Also folks rave about Schitt and Peachtree https://www.schiit.com https://www.peachtreeaudio.com Did I mention I like Tubes (unless it's a very high end SS)? |
Third thumbs up for the Marantz PM KI Ruby integrated. I upgraded from Parasound Halo separated to the Ruby and feel it has better sound resolution and placement. It is beautifully built, with a simple, subtle interface. I considered the Hegel 190 as well, but opted for Ken Ishiwata's full analog approach. |
The Luxman 550AX is a very nice choice. If you find one used, I would be all over it. If that’s the kind of sound you’re after, your list should also include LTA ZOTL Ultralinear and LTA Z40 Integrated. Pass Labs INT-25 would also be a great choice, although a bit neutral and dry when directly compared to the LTA offerings. However, I would not consider the PS Audio Strata unless you audition first. It is not in the same ballpark as the other amps mentioned in this thread. I have a strong aversion to dry sounding amps, that’s just my personal preference. |
If resolution is your thing, then consider the Kinki Studio EX-M1 integrated. I doubt you'll find anything better without spending multiples of it's asking price. I still have my Marantz Reference PM15-S2b which Ken Ishiwata worked on using some of the tricks he used in his Ruby series and as fine as it is, the Kinki easily wins out on the resolution front, as well as dynamics and sound staging. It all goes hand in hand when the resolution factor is upped: everything improves. All the best, Nonoise |
Wow. Lots of great upgrade suggestions for a system that is "mostly for TV viewing". It appears to me, you have a very good system right now for TV viewing. And quite capable for casual background music. For more serious listening, walk upstairs. Put your dollars up there. Your Stereo Nirvana. If you are aiming for a fabulous Home Theatre experience for TV viewing, this would be another path to undertake. |
Kingsleuy many thanks! That’s sound advice! What I have is definitely great for TV viewing and the occasional time I want to listen and cook or just don’t want to walk upstairs. You make valid points! I should just walk my ass upstairs when I want to really listen! Haha. At least while I still have enough bends left in my knees! Thanks to all who have weighed in! Much appreciated! |
REL subwoofers prefer use of a fairly simple Speakon cable that connects to the speaker terminals on the amp side. You can use bare wire or attach you own termination connectors if you wish. REL's Youtube channel offers excellent videos explaining these connections to various amp types. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYoAoFjONrGaZuyEjdd9nFQ I use banana connectors from my speaker cable on the amp side into the Marantz (spades on the speaker side), and use the Marantz bare wire entry port on the same speaker terminal for bare wire from the REL Speakon cable. Both can connect simultaneously. As you probably noticed, Marantz 2 channel amps do not support LFE. |
Thanks Erik_squires! I already have a Luxman 590axII, so well acquainted with the sound. It's great! I'm seriously considering a 550ax for my second system. My concern is that, because I will leave it on for long durations (sometimes all day and night) that it will heat up my room quite a bit. So, I'm considering the following options, which I will also put dollar costs next too; since that is also an influencer. 1. Luxman 550ax (used) - $2925 2. Marantz KI PM Ruby (new openbox) - $1800 3. PS Audio Strata (new) - $2100 4. Do nothing and stick with my Cambridge CXA80 - $0 |
Erik and others... Down to: 1. Used 550ax - $2925 2. New 505uxII - $3300 Some folks tell me there is a big sonic difference between Mark I and Mark II versions of these amps. I only have experience with my own Mark II version of the 590, so have nothing so go on confirm this notion. Sonics aside, the new 505 of course comes will full manufacturers warranty. |
