When I listened to the Sopra, it was love at first sight.
I knew it couldn't be the sound. 😏
Best upgrade: amp or pre-amp?
Of course, it depends...
So here is my setup:
- Amp: McIntosh MC7100
- Pre-amp: McIntosh C712
- Others: Focal Sopra 1 and Bluesound Node
I was thinking to upgrade to an integrated (McIntosh, Hegel or Pass Labs are on top of my list), but I might decide to go for the long game: get the best amp/pre-amp for the same budget as the integrated (max 10k CAD) and update the other half later, in 5 years-ish..
So I'm open to suggestion! But remember a suggested a pre-amp, must match the MC7100 and an amp must match the C712 as I plan you have them together for a little while.
Thanks for the hive mind. I realize this is a tricky question!
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- 49 posts total
This is just my personal opinion. Solely on sound quality, separates only have the advantage if the speakers are a difficult load (big power or current requirement). Nowadays high quality integrateds costing up to $20k or more are capable of stellar performance, surpassing the quality of separates in the same price range. There are many great sounding integrateds in the $10k mark thereabouts. My experience is only limited to integrateds costing up to $10k. The sound quality of the $9k integrated which I currently own actually surpassed the performance of the costlier separates costing up to $15k, which I also own. In summary, in my book you need to spend considerably more to beat the performance of a good integrated amp. If the integrated costs $10k, you may need to spend 20k or more to beat it. A $10k separates will likely sound worse or inferior to a $10k integrated amp. |
@erik_squires , I heard Luxman and I knew it was for me. The L590AX MKII sounds spectacular. It will be a rare gem down the line if it is not already, especially if they decide to stop making Class A. |
- 49 posts total