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
The Marantz KI-PM Ruby is interesting.  I would have never thought to consider a Marantz. Does it really compare to Luxman and Esoteric?
Let me 2nd the Marantz KI PM Ruby.  For those of us who thought we'd never go near class D, you'd never know it. 
I would consider the Cambridge Audio 851A and 851N integrated and DAC if you're generally happy with the CX. I found significant improvements upgrading both amp and DAC to their Ajur line for reasonable money.
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 
Given all the input for Hegel, I think I will scratch them from my list.  Interesting product, but I really appreciate build quality.
I lugged the Luxman 590axII downstairs...a back breaker...and will listen with it connected in the same way with the same cables as the Cambridge CXA80.  

From an initial listen, the Luxman is better - wider soundstage, more separation and air around instruments.  Punchier sound.
Luxman, Hegel, PS Audio etc. will give you different presentations.  What kind of sound/improvement are you aiming for.  Personally, I'd go for the Luxman.  Years ago I auditioned Hegel against Sim Moon, and preferred the Sim.  YMMV.
This is true jbuhl!  They will take almost anything in on trade.  So essentially the Strata will be as low as $2100.  
PS Audio might take the Cambridge in on Trade.  Plus they have a return policy.
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
Hi pdxdon, 

Thanks for the comments on the PS Audio Strata.  What have you compared it with?

Have you experienced any quirks or other issues.  I read on some PS Audio forums that the volume sometimes goes to zero when switching the inputs.  Other software gremlins too.  
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.
Hegel seems to have many supporters. I find their build quality mediocre for the price they are asking. The volume control is very poor, nearly impossible to adjust the level in smaller increments.

You may want to consider an AVM integrated. I have a A6.2, I can confirm the rave reviews.
If you are on budget the Luxman for sure otherwise a used Gryphon Diablo 300.Hegel is midfi compared to Luxman and Gryphon.
+1 on Hegal 
+1 on tubes...I have PrimaLuna HP but there are lot's of good choices. 
I heard an Anthem str integrated amplifier. Hot dang! 
PS Audio also excellent choice.
But have you driven tubes lately?
I have one of the beta test PS Audio Strata amps and am very happy with it. However, I do not use it as an all in one, since I love Roon so use an Auralic G1 Altair. The sound is excellent, it is well made, and PS customer service is legendary. 
Well I just this week demo'd the Hegel H590 driving Harbeth M40.2 speakers & cabled with $10K worth of Cardas cables & I much prefer the sound of SimAudio,except through headphones,then the Hegel was better...
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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...
Thanks jjss49.  Was also considering a new Hegel H190.  Would be slightly more costly than the used Luxman.  But it would have the DAC.  Like the PS Audio Strata, I'm not happy that there is no Roon support on either.  

Do you think the H120 would be an upgrade?  Or is H190 the place to be?