2. amps-preamps
  3. 158059-1749

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?  
jasonsim
donjr
1,335 posts
 
Good choice with the Luxman. I had Hegel and I wasn't a fan of the build quality or sound. Luxman is on a different level. I have an Accuphase, also on a different level.
jasonsim OP
113 posts
 
Thanks Don Jr. i would really like to check out Accuphase someday, but they seem hard to find here in the states. I’ve never come across any in all the times going to Capital Audio Fest or the FL show. I might have missed them, but cannot remember ever seeing or hearing them. 
Thanks to all for the kind and thoughtful advice and recommendations. 
Now I need recommendations for a nice DAC. This is mainly for my TVs optical out. So not looking for high end. I stream music straight from my Auralic Aries mini and use its built in DAC. Sounds rather good to me. So if a reasonable DAC can upgrade that so be it, but if not I am fine with using the built in DAC. 
Was considering 

Cambridge DAC magic (similar time my old CXA80s built in dac I presume)

Topping E30 ( has a remote which is nice)

Parasound zDAC version 1 used

Wyred 4 Sound DAC2 v1 used (a stretch in what I really wanted to spend, given the outlay for the 505uxII)

geoffrey098
5 posts
 
What about Music Fidelity?   They are always getting great reviews. They are not over  priced either.

Krell makes great stuff

Bryston too.

Best Integrated amp for the money would be Music Fidelity.  You could all their stuff new.

Luxman integrated amps are super but are twice the cost
jasonsim OP
113 posts
 
Thanks Geoffrey. But I’ve already acquired the Luxman 505uxII. I hadn’t considered Music Fidelity, but thanks for the suggestion. I which I would have had a dealer near me to audition one and the many others that have been recommended. I know the sound of Luxman well, having lived with a 590axII for over a year now. I have grown found of it: sound, fit and finish. So decided, to go with another Luxman for my family room system. 
At the moment I’m in need of a good inexpensive DAC. 😁
relaks
63 posts
 
Lavardin IT, if you find it used, but owners rarely sell them.  I won't ))
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