2. amps-preamps
  3. 128147-2211

Integrated amp upgrade

I'm using a Classé Audio CAP-151 to drive my Thiel CS 3.7s at the moment.
I'm not sure if i should upgrade, anyway if i do so i'm looking for a used integrated amp in the $2K to $3K price range with balanced inputs.
I've seen a Sugden IA4 for $3K and a Musical Fidelity KW 550 for $2,4K but it's not balanced.
If i upgrade it would have to be really worth it otherwise i'd rather keep my CAP-151.
I have someone who would like to buy my CAP-151 for $1,6K.

thieliste
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
I'm not sure if i should upgrade, anyway if i do so i'm looking for a used integrated amp in the $2K to $3K price range with balanced inputs.

If i upgrade it would have to be really worth it otherwise i'd rather keep my CAP-151.  I have someone who would like to buy my CAP-151 for $1,6K.
What exactly is wrong with the Classe or the sound of your system that would get you to think about upgrading?  What are you hoping to improve?

Your statements above indicate uncertainty.  Are you sure you just haven't come down with a case of upgraditis because you have a good offer on your current Classe?  You have a very good amp and to trade it for either of the ones you mention, is just trying a new flavor.  But what will it improve?


mgreen27
147 posts
 

"My source is a Hegel HD12 streaming music from Qobuz via USB."

If that's what you are using for a source, there's no need to worry about balanced operation. Your dac isn't fully balanced. At best, you may notice a slight difference, but nowhere near enough to not go with a single ended component that you like.

The upside here, is your dac has a volume control, and if that's your only source buying just a high quality amp can be a very big upgrade. The biggest problem with integrated amps in your price range is that the preamp section is usually the bottleneck. Its difficult to find a good sounding preamp for 2-3k, let alone finding one in an integrated amp where the cost has to be shared between 2 components. So, if you can't get a good preamp, don't get on at all. There's no shortage of good used power amps within your budget. You can even find a good, high power tube amp like an ARC VT-100 or a VAC PA 100/100. Most tube integrated won't have enough power to properly drive your speakers. 

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,524 posts
 
The Parasound Halo Integrated  has both balanced inputs and outputs. 
thieliste's avatar
thieliste OP
831 posts
 
paraneer there is nothing wrong with my Classe except that i might add a pair of Thiel CS 7.2s to my Thiel collection.
CS 7.2s are difficult loads for modest int amps like my Classe.

mgreen27 yes my Hegel has a volume control, it might be a good idea to look for a solid amp you are right.


mani-2
42 posts
 
If you’re thinking of a pair of 7.2s, you can’t fiddle around with little amps. You need big power, so look to Threshold or Pass or Krell, etc. If you like the sound of the Classe, look to one of their bigger amps. With a volume control on the Hegel you might not need a separate preamp so more of your resources can go into the amp. Couple of possibilities:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-threshold-stasis-7-0-2017-01-20-amplifiers-75243-dalla...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-pass-labs-x250-solid-state-amplifier-2017-01-21-amplif...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-classe-ct-2300-balanced-stereo-amplifier-2017-01-21-am...
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