2. amps-preamps
  3. 1357624804

Which integrated amp?

Hi all,

I need help. I am trying to decide between the following integrated amps:

Exposure 2010s
Unison Research - Unico Primo
Vincent SV 236MK II
Musical Fidelity M3i

I have included below a list of my current gear. Any suggestions and/or advice would be most welcomed as I am having trouble making up my mind. I was trying to keep things under a grand, but have since upped my budget to around $2000. Please check out my list to match an amp to my current gear, and get back to me with any thoughts, suggestions, recommendations, etc.

Thanks so much!

I currently run the turntable through a phono amp connected to the auxiliary 1 input and a USB DAC connects to the auxiliary 2 input. I am also running a line out from the aux 1 that I connect to my laptop with an RCA to mini so I can record/rip vinyl. Any new amp I purchase would need to have a line out that I could use to rip vinyl. So, keep that in mind. I mostly listen to Rock music and a bit of Jazz with occasional Funk and Soul thrown into the mix at times. I also would need a line (or pre?) out to connect a headphone amp, as my current amp has a headphone jack, and the amps listed above do not.

Also, I am using basic thick black rubber encased RCA interconnect cables. Not sure what brand they are. They are a step (or a few steps above) the basic cheap RCA cables, anyway. I know that cables can make a difference in sound quality, but my budget will not allow for expensive cabling (at this time). Any suggestions on relatively inexpensive but high quality cables would also be appreciated.

Thanks again for your time!
- G

My Gear List:

Speakers: B&W CM4s
Specifications:
21/2-way floorstanding front L/R speaker Drivers: 1" aluminum-alloy
dome tweeter, 6.5" woven Kevlar-cone bass-midrange, 6.5" aluminum-cone
woofer
Frequency response: 38Hz-20kHz, ±3dB
Impedance: 8ohms nominal, 4.4ohms minimum
Sensitivity: 90dB/W/m
Recommended amplification: 50-150W

The Amp I am replacing - > Integrated Amp: ROTEL RA-02

Phono Amp: ClearAudio Nano
SPECIFICATIONS
Mode:
MM / MC mode
switched by jumpers on the bottom of the unit
Amplification:
54 to 69 dB (MC – Mode)
34 dB to 49 dB (MM – Mode)
Input load:
47 kΩ / 220pF / MM
Individual / User / MC
MM / MC – input:
switchable (at bottom)
RIAA:
75μs / 318μs / 3180μs
RIAA accuracy:
± 0,4 dB
THD:
0,04 %
S/N ratio:
67 dB (A) (MC – Mode)
84 dB (A) (MM – Mode)
Channel separation:
> 80 db (1 kHz)
Max. output voltage:
10 V eff. (1 kHz)
Power supply:
16 V AC (< 500 mA)
In/ Outputs:
asymmetrical (RCA)

Turntable: REGA RP3 W/ELYS 2 CART & Groovetracer Reference subplatter

CD Player: ROTEL RCD-02
Specifications: Burr Brown PCM 1732 D/A Converter, HDCD decoding,
coaxial digital output, 12v trigger input

USB DAC: FIRESTONE ILTW
Specifications

* Amplifier Structure: Low pass filter with 2Vrms output
* Power Structure: High frequency switching DC-DC regulator
* USB Support: 44.1/ 48/ 88.2/ 96/ 176.4/ 192 kHz - 16 or 24 bit
rates (176.4 and 192 kHz asynchronous mode only)
* Operation Mode: Supports adaptive and asynchronous mode
* Digital Interface: Direct I2S data format transmission
* Circuit Protection: Output Short/over current protect
* DAC Chip: WOLFSON WM8740
* USB Chip: TENOR TE8802
* LPF Opamp: National Semiconductor LM4562
* Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
* Noise Level: (1kHz, A-weighted) -106.7dB
* Dynamic Range: (1kHz, A-weighted) -106.9dB
* THD%: 0.012%
* Crosstalk: -102.7dB

Power supply for DAC: FIRESTONE AUDIO SUPPLIER
SPECIFICATIONS
24VDC ± 5%; 300mA max. output
gizmology
gizmology OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestion, Miner42. It looks like I could buy that combo new from a sealer with a warranty, etc. for about the same price if I decided to do so, but...I think I want to try something different. That, and the fact that the amp is pretty large and I currently have limited space will keep me looking elsewhere. But, I do appreciate the heads-up!

G
dayglow
1,905 posts
 
Gizmology-The Exposure 2010-S2 will prefer a near steady 8ohm load over a speaker that dips into the 4ohm or less region. Rotel amps are fine value performers but still(IMO)have a SS harshness/stridency. The amps I have mentioned have a solid taste of true hi-end sound where a harsh/mechanical sound is nearly eliminated and they also have the ability to drive lower impedance speakers. Also add(all used <$2k) a Marantz 11s2, Roksan Caspian M2 and a Valve Audio Predator(own one) to your list.
gizmology OP
15 posts
 
Thanks Dayglow! I'll look into those and keep them in mind. Do you know of or have any experience with the Anthem 225?
dayglow
1,905 posts
 
No, I have not heard the Anthem but the build/parts quality are not on the same level as the amps I mentioned, that usually correlates to sound quality. The power rating is also a little suspect. My best advice is to look into the Quad 909/99 amp/pre or an AVI Lab-S21 both units have PRAT/power/current. Overture Audio in Ann Arbor MI(no affiliation)may still have a couple demo or used AVI S21 intergrateds in stock.
gizmology OP
15 posts
 
OK, so I checked out the Quad and AVI Lab and...here's the deal: my wife hates how they look! ; ) I am not exactly drooling over the aesthetics either, but...I could sacrifice style for sound. That said, I'm not the only one who has to stare at them everyday, so...unfortunately, those are no longer options. Someone in another forum just suggested TEAC AI-2000. Apparently, it is somewhat new and part of their Distinction series which is a line that attempts to bring some of the quality of their Esoteric brand stuff down to the masses at a more affordable price. Let me know. Other than that, I think I just need to go do some listening while keeping an eye out online for deals.
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