Need a new integrated, what say you?


I’m in need of a new integrated amp. My old ML 383 had developed issues and was in need of a refurbish. This wasn’t in my budget so it was sold, along with some other hifi items that were no longer needed, to allow for a new integrated. My budget is roughly $2,000 or less. Room specs are roughly 12x12 with an extended outcove area of approx 5x7. My speakers are about 6.5ft apart (center to center) and I sit roughly 8ft away. So my system is in a small room and in a nearfield-ish arrangement. Speakers are Revel F30’s and source is Cambridge 851C. As for integrateds, I was thinking about the matching Cambridge 851A, Parasound Halo (original), and Hegel H160. A friend of mine is selling a Primare I21 and had thought about that too. This is a 75 at 8, 125 at 4 integrated, but reportedly has grunt to push bigger speakers. Looking for other suggestions and guidance.

jsbach1685

If you can find the old Ayre Ax7e integrated I think you will be amazed at the sound. Only 4 inputs in case you’re old school with a tuner, tape deck, etc and need 6! I have never tired of Ayre in decades of ownership of CD players, amps, preamps, integrated, DACs and phono pre which I still use with my Linn LP12 with the Keel bottom end. Can’t really hear a difference from my VPI Classic Sig with Allnic phono and much more $$ cartridges. That Linn/Ayre combo is so good. 

And meant to add the AX7e should be well under $1500. I’ve owned them twice and may buy another one, if it comes up, for my musician/chef/electrician nephew.

 

@jsbach1685 

You might want to check out the Yamaha R-N1000A. If I was in the market for an integrated I would definitely have this on the list. Exciting time for you. Lots of great stuff out there. Good luck in your search.

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/r-n1000a/index.html
 

Cheers,

Scott

nice speakers!

low efficiency 87-88 and 6 ohm dipping to 3 ohm, that is a combo that needs the right choice. Your friend's unit, 125 wpc at 4 ohms seems to fit. Will he let you hear it with your speakers?

Nothing I own is right for that, and past McIntosh 300wpc was amp, not integrated.

I'm interested to see what people recommend and you choose, best of luck.