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Need a new Class AB SS integrated...$2-3k due to hurricane

Well the same hurricane induced windstorms that took out Lahaina, blew heavy against Oahu and caused crazy power fluctuations that flipped out my lights and appliances and over-surged my surge protectors. One of them went kinda crazy and something got thru and blew out one of my integrateds, the one in my home office. While not a super high end unit, it was these days the one I used the most on a daily basis. After multiple different attempts to reset and looking at the boards, I have concluded its toast and time to get a replacement. I had embarked on that quest a few years ago looking for a decent small footprint unit but Covid, the declining stock market and some house repair needs kind of depleted the discretionary fund. So, now its crunch time as working without music could call serious household strife...I am thinking I am going to move my 2nd system unit to the office, a Marantz PM8005 and get a replacement for it. This means a new SS unit than can drive Kef R300s with a remote. This is the wife’s most used system so it needs to be "easily operated". I was thinking about units like the Belles Aria (which I have heard and liked), maybe the AVA SET 120 which I have read about and was intrigued by, possibly a mid-range Rega unit above the Brio which I heard and liked a few years back,  maybe the Hint6 before I saw current pricing of $4k. I have not heard any Class D amps that I liked so far in my life (rejected, Rogue Sphinx, mINT from W4S, some others I cant remember). So, looking for some ideas, maybe some new stuff I have not heard of? I am getting off island for a bit in late September so I may be able to hear some if I am targeted in my search. No tubes as they are too hot. I want new because the odds of reliability are higher and shipping off island for repairs is a $300-400 round trip cost on top of the acquisition cost so Ill pay more to get new and a warranty. Probably need a minimum of 50 watts with good current. I think the price range is workable for entry level high end though it seems like everything has gone up as I am also looking for a new car and shocked at how little $40k buys you.

Appreciate all input and feedback. Mahalo.

joekapahulu
panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
543 posts
 

Marantz Model 40 is a complete solution: 80 w/Ch, Streamer, DAC, FET phono stage, HEOS wireless, subwoofer manage ment impeccable build quality. I own it's little brother, the PM7000N, and it drives my LS-50s, Monitor Audio S300 7G, and Magnepan LRS all without issue. The Model 40 should provide another couple dB of headroom for you R300s. 

For context I also own various Luxman, McIntosh, APT, and Adcom pieces, a VPI Prime Scout w/a Hana SH cert, and Grado and HiFiman Sansara headphones. 

I also live on the Big Island half time, so I can empathize with your power issues. I strongly recommend a whole house surge protector ($200-300 installed) in addition to local power conditioning - I like full sinewave UPS. 

I would also be very hesitant to invest in otherwise great gear that requires off-island service. In addition to normal wear and tear failures, Hawaii's humidity, temperature, and temperature salt corrosion are brutal on electronics.  In 7 years in our new house, I've written off a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a 65" TV.  Boutique manufacturers simply don't have the resources to develop and test for environmentals as major manufacturers do.

Good luck in your search!

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mwinkc
369 posts
 

Not sure where you see the Hint 6 for $4000.

Most places i see, sell it for $3100.

I downsized 2 years ago to the Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated and found it to be very nice. Have driven Kef Q350's and also B&W 606 s2 Anniversary  edition speakers very well. It's class D, but it's worth a listen. You won't find a better, more fully featured, user friendly remote.

gramophone_canada
47 posts
 

Audia Flight FL3S Integrated. Sounds much better than any NAD under $6000. Made by a great Italian company.

dxbwineguy's avatar
dxbwineguy
64 posts
 

In Class D I recommend the PeachTree Nova 300. I got them recently and they power these not so well known speakers Volent 3.5 Paragon easily. It has a remote and also a built in MM phono stage if that matters.

 

in Class A/B would recommend the Quad Vena II/Play. Haven’t heard them but heard a lot about them. 
 

another good one is Lyngdorf. There is another one called the ASR Emitter 1- a beast and not sure about the remote. Currently one is available used from them directly for around €2.1k

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