2. amps-preamps
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Help with picking new integrated for under 3k

Hi all, I'm seeking advice in purchasing a new integrated amplifier. Max budget is 3K. Slowly upgrading as I get more into the hobby.

Current set up is as follows:
Preamp  - Cambridge CXA 60 running as pre
Amp - Rotel RB 990BX
Phono Stage - Musical Surroundings Phonomena ii+
Speakers - Anthony Gallo Reference 3.1 
Turntable - VPI Aries Scout
Cartridge - Ortofon 2m Bronze
Interconnects - Audioquest Diamondback
Streamer - appleTV

80% of my critical listening is on the turntable but when I'm reading, have company over, and/or just hanging and don't want to get off the couch out I'll stream over my appleTV.

Presently strongly considering Parasound Halo Hint 6 and Musical Fidelity M6si. There's also a local listing for a Mcintosh MA6500 and a Hegel H3600 that I could probably get for around my budget, although the Hegel would be a bit of a stretch. So any thoughts on those two amps as well would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance. 
128x128sammyshaps
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 
For the money, Rogue is spectacular.  

Check out the Hydra.  You can get them used for ~$1800.  I have had one for years and it is what I use in space constrained areas.  It runs cooler than you can believe and no one would ever guess it is a Class D.  You will want to roll in new tubes.   For a more sparkly sound, NOS Cifte’s are amazing.  For a warmer sound, NOS Mullard long plates.  




celtic66
1,616 posts
 
Used Sugden A21SE Class A integrated will easily drive what you have.  The Duelund speaker wire matches well with this amplifier.  Don't let the 30wpc fool you as they are substantial.  It is a ballsy amp.  And it is very quick which matches well with the Gallos.
larryro2
137 posts
 

I just tried a

Peachtree nova 150

cambridge CX 81

Arcam A10

i was running PS Audio Stellar pre. And S300

Before that Primaluna Prologue pre and amp

Of all above Peachtree Nova 150 was the best  clean sound not “ tubby”

effortless

why did I again change? Who knows!

Rotel now 

After 55 years of audio swapping starting off with Dynaco 70 and PAS 3x I’m convinced room acoustics rules irrespective of all !

 

 

 

 

 

larryro2
137 posts
 

Nothing I’ve used sounded that different from others

auditory memory is weak

well it’s nice to support the economy and have met some great people 

 

 

kennyc
1,208 posts
 

+1 Hegel - the H360 seems to be a significant sonic upgrade to the H190 while the H590 seems a marginal improvement over the H360.

+1 Rogue Audio - high value

If you’re open to separates, Audio Alchemy DDP-1 (preamp) + DPA-1 (amp). Designed by audio guru Peter Madnick (Constellation Audio, Elac….). Great reviews 

 

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