Integrated vs. Separates on a Budget

I realize this is outside your budget… but it might be something to go listen to and see if you think the stretch would be worth it. The new Audio Research I/50 integrated. A friend of mine has listened to it and it is great sounding (I really like their higher powered integrateds). This has a very similar sonic character. Buying new you can usually get help on spreading out the cost over time… like zero interest. Might be something to consider. I am a big Audio Research fan. 

I'm a big fan of the Marantz PM7000N. It's the most flexible, best sounding, reliable integrated amp available for $1200. Factory rated at 80w/ch into 4 ohms, it drive most demanding speakers like my KEF LS-50s and Magnepan 1.7s easily. It also a streamer, and has above average DAC and phono preamps as well as both preamp and subwoofer outputs.

While I can't fault the Chronus Magnum III in its analog performance, it has no digital capability whatsoever, so a streamer and DAC are still required to meet the modern definition of an integrated amp. And at 4X the cost of the Marantz. 

With that leftover change in your budget, you could step up to the $1000 class turntables like a Rega Planar 3 or Mo-Fi Studio Deck. And still have money left for a decent set of headphones or to take a chunk out of a speaker upgrade. 

It's all in about Vp = SQ/Sum(C1 ... Cn) * K. Value Perceived equals Sound Quality divided by the sum of your component costs * K, where K is the qualitative enjoyment factor. K is what allows someone to rationally drop an additional zero or two on the price of their system. Quantitatively, a $100,000 system isn't going to sound  10X better than a $10,000 system, so a qualitative factor accounts for that. Negotiating the value of K is also the foundation of achieving acceptable SAF (Spousal Accepance Factor) levels. 

I noted in your comments you desire a warranty if used. That is not usually the case unless from some dealers in demo units. I think generally a $2-3k integrated will be superior to $1500 or so each separates. There may be some exceptions but you will need to include cabling which adds more expense and you take the risk of needing to find synergy...not always apparent. Parasound makes good performing, high value gear and there is a NIB Hint6 here on the Gon. I would be all over that at $2400, with warranty, $600 below retail. I would also check out Audio Advisor online and shipping out of MI. They offer good brands and returns. I have bought various items from them over 20 years. I recently heard both the Rogue CM and Sphinx v3 and was impressed for the cost. I dont see the CM as a tube sounding amp and there is the heat output issue. It would not work for me in HI but that would be the only reason I would not buy one. It sounds very good. Heard the earlier HINT a number of years ago and was impressed but bought instead the Marantz PM8005, now 8006. It was vergy good sounding, had good power, made in Japan, 3 year warranty and could bypass or use tone controls, also enabled 2 sets of speakers. It has perfromed well for the last 5 years in a main system and now an office. The suggestion of the new Marantz 7000 is a good one for a goo entry level quality amp with dac and streamer. I have had good luck over 40 years with various Marantz pieces and even with other good high end brands in sysems I still find this brand delivers. BTW, Wally Underwood has an excellent NIB Marantz PM KI amp for $2400 vs 4k retail. I saw it on his site tonight. That would be a great amp AND a steal. Good Luck.

I always believe the sound path should be as shortest as possible.  Therefore, no preamp is necessay.  What you need are a powerful, high current, clean sounding amp, a well-versed, articulate DAC and a streamer if you desire.

Parasound NC 2250 - $1600; DAC - $900; Streamer - $500

NC 2250 has a sweet, warm sounding and it will pair well with the B&W speakers that tend to be bright.  I had its little brother NC2150 and the older model A23.  A23 is articulate on top but lack a bit punch on the low end relative to NC2150.  NC2150 is more toner balanced with a weighty low end.  I think the NC2250 won't disappoint you.  $3k is tight on the high end gear and the Parasound NC series is high-end gear without a intimidating factor.

I can only speak to my experience as I’m in the same budget range. I am happy with a $950 Freya+ and a little tube rolling I have not heard the Vidar at $700 but a pair of Aegir class A amps with 80 WPC would cost you $1600. Throw in a good interconnect XLR and you hit your $3k limit. You will not be disappointed in the sound. I tried a Unico Primo integrated with a single 1AX7 in the preamp state. Good amp but a little too lively for me. $2K until 1.2.202 then goes back to $2500.

One that I’m interested in that people see to like is the Vincent SV-237 at $2705. Tubes in the preamp and a reputation for being on the warm fuller side of things. Not that well review but I liked on Upcale Audios web site and it has five stars.

I think the build quality on the Vincent and Unico are a step above the Schiit. For what it’s worth. I own also own a Schiit Ragnok and it’s a good solid integrated. Solid hitter at $1500. Probably better than some selling for at least $500 more just to keep a lid on the hyperbole.