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Integrated vs Separates, New vs Used - Rogue Audio, Simaudio, McIntosh??? Input Needed!

Hey everybody - I'm getting back into Hi-Fi after a few years off (three kids will do that!). Prior to marriage (2007), I owned a McIntosh MA7000, Logitech Transporter, Focal 1027BE bookshelf speakers, and HSU VTF-3. Great system for my small bachelor pad. I'm a bass player (upright bass from 4th grade thru high school in chamber group and 5-string electric bass since college) and tend to favor setups on the warmer side of the spectrum. I listen to a wide range of music - Willie Nelson to Radiohead, Neil Young to DMB. The McIntosh with the Focals was a nice combination but after listening to higher end equipment, I'd like a little more soundstage, dynamics, etc with my new system.

OK, enough background. I'm struggling with integrated versus separates and new versus used. Here are some options that I worked through (in no particular order).

1. Simaudio Moon Neo 340i (New). This integrated sounded good at the dealer. I wasn't blown away but know that i could be happy with this amp. In order to spread out cost, my bigger picture plan would be to buy this amp and trade up within a year using SimAudio's "To the Moon" program to purchase the Simaudion 700i. A KILLER integrated.  Total cost over two years = $14K plus I'll need a buy phono (TBD) and DAC (Mytek Brooklyn?).

2. Parasound JC-1 Monoblocks (Used) and Rogue RP-7 Preamplifier (New). I liked the RP-5 coupled with the Simaudio 330a power amplifier at the dealer but think the combination could be improved with more gas in the amplifier department. The new RP-7 is a fully balanced tube pre and supposed to be even sweeter in the midrange department (vs the RP-5). Total cost = about $10K ($5K for the used monoblocks + $5K for the new pre). Like #1, I'll still need to purchase phono and DAC.

3. McIntosh MC275 (New) and Rogue RP-7 (New). Tube driven by tube! As a bass player could this be harmonic bliss? Total Cost = 10.5K. In the long run, I'd want to add an addition MC275 for 150 watts (16K total plus Mac cost increase). I'm fearful of cooking with all the tubes and a relatively small office, the high system cost, and I haven't heard this setup. 

4. Rogue M-180 Monoblocks (New) or Rogue Stereo 100 (New) and Rogue RP-7 (New). Same idea as above but with more juice and possibly a mono block configuration. Total Cost = 11K with mono blocks or $8.5K with Stereo 100. I have no experience with the Rogue amplifiers.

5. Sit tight for a (newer) used Simaudio Evolution separates. An 740P preamp and 860A power amp was just on Audiogon for about $13K (versus $24.5K new). My fears that once I enter the world of uber high-end, matching  interconnects, speakers, etc becomes mission critical. I'm not interested in this end of the Hi-Fi spectrum...just want to enjoy the music!

As for speakers, the set-up will be in my office driving KEF LS50's (total overkill I know). Once I'm confident the kids fingers wont be poking the drivers, I'll be looking at floor standing speakers (Focal Supra No 2, Sonus Faber Olympic III - both pretty....Golden Ear Triton?....decisions for the future).

I'd appreciate any insight and/or recommendations! All the options has my brain scrambled!!!
Thanks,
Ken
keoliphant
keoliphant OP
86 posts
 
gdnrbob - Not the first time I've heard that recommendation. I think that i will take it to heart and instead upgrade my office amplification and DAC (Rega Brio Integrated, Parasound Zdac) with a middle/upper-priced integrated amp to drive the KEF LS50's. Good advice.

Randy-11 - KEF's are not active. Thanks for the Creek Evo recommendation. I'll take a look!

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
+1 gdnrbob! Speakers first as they will be the ultimately responsible for the final sonic outcome from your system - from all sources.

Kef LS50’s aren’t the only bookshelf speaker to be mounted high enough to keep little probing fingers away. Besides, that’s what grills are for - if you look at models that offer removable grills as most do.
beernut's avatar
beernut
297 posts
 
gdnrbob gave great advice and I concur. I have owned the LS50's, IMHO great with acoustic music. Not as good with amplified music like blues which I like. Anyway, start with the speakers that appeal to your listening tastes then find the best partnering amplification. I prefer integrated amps for their simplicity and convenience. Models I have owned fairly recently and enjoyed, Rogue Sphinx, Yamaha A-S2100, Wyred4Sound STI500 (for sale). All have their own flavor but I will say McIntosh has always had my heart...

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,689 posts
 

I'd also say speakers first and in that get something efficient 92db and up as this will open the door to a better selection of amps like  lower powered tube amps. Your should audition more tube integrated amps I think you may like the sound of tubes more being a musician. I played electric bass for years and I always seem to end up with tube gear in the end its more musical In my opinion (Or Class A SS done well like some of the Pass Labs, Luxman etc). living in Canada all the audio dealers are plastered with Moon and Mac stuff I've never been a fan I always found then detailed but boring, again my tastes.

something like ProAc speakers and a nice 45-60wpc tube int would be wonderfully musical and ProAc's have great base for the size. Of course that's one suggestion out of many.

nycjlee
286 posts
 
+3 on @gdnrbob comments. For now, I would get a relatively inexpensive amp like a Peachtree or a used Hegel (both have decent built-in DACs) to power the KEF LS50 and once you’re confident that your child is not going to do anything harmful, sell everything and upgrade, starting with the speakers. Good luck!
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