The Marantz KI-PM Ruby is interesting. I would have never thought to consider a Marantz. Does it really compare to Luxman and Esoteric?
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?
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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)? |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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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. |
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 |
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... |
