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Integrated amps and stereophile ratings confusion?

I've been looking to upgrade my tube integrated amp to a receiver as i listen more radio than cd's, and also need more power. Magnum Dynalab 208 is the perfect candidate. I even found Stereophile issue where this amp was reviewed. Upon further research i also found out that the Magnum Dynalab receiver, which is based an older, cheaper Simaudio integreated gets Class A, while the MUCH improved I-5 gets class B? I would like to hear from both Sim-audio I-5 owners and MD208. Thanks!
terri3003a5ad
artmaltman
769 posts
 
I owned the MD-208 and feel that class A rating is overly generous. It's a great piece, especially for a receiver, but I have heard class B integrateds whose sonics I prefer (e.g. LFD Mistral). All the class A separates I've heard are FAR better than the MD-208. If you limit yourself to the world of receivers than I'm sure it's tops. I would not hesitate to build a system around one if FM was a serious music consideration.
fzxguy
62 posts
 
My recollection is that stereophile compares integrateds to integrateds, and separates to separates. Meaning a Class A integrated is not sonically equivalent to a class A amp or pre-amp.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Sorry, I can't help. I too find Stereophiles position of apples to oranges strange. Stereophile claims to be a source of help to audiophiles and yet they don't seem to appreciate the fact that an audiophiles budget regarding these components comes from the same money tree towards the same recipe.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
I would agree...avoid receivers...get a quality intergrated...then add a Magnum tuner...better sound...for less money.....
mitchchavis
87 posts
 
I took home and auditioned the Magnum receiver over the summer and was disappointed with it's performance. I've owned the Magnum Etude tuner for a few years and I think it outperformed the receiver. In addition, I ended up purchasing the I-5 and am not disappointed at all with it's performance. I was a little surprised at the ratings in Stereophile as well.
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