2. amps-preamps
  3. 134997-154

So many integrated options -- McIntosh 8900, Levinson 585, Lyngdorf 2170, Anthem STR,

just to name a few that I'm considering.  Here's my current situation and what I'm thinking.  I'm currently running a Denon AVR X5200, which is a top level AV receiver, but I use a very powerful Krell power amp, the FPB 400cx, to power the front L/R speakers.  It actually sounds decent, but for my two channel listening, I'm limited to the quality of the pre-amp section in the Denon.  Now, the 400cx is a class A amp, runs very hot, and weighs over 100 pounds.  So, I'm wondering if I can improve my overall sound quality by going with a high end integrated amp for my two channel listening.  I'd also be getting rid of one huge, heavy, and hot box and reducing the need for interconnect cables.

Now, all these units include a home theater bypass, so I could continue to use my Denon for my Blu-ray movies and TV watching, thereby preserving my multi-channel system.  I also use my Oppo 203 to play multi-channel SACD and DVD-Audio over HDMI into the Denon.  With one of these integrated amps, I could then connect my Oppo's digital output, my laptop pc, and my turntable, to the IA.  I would think the DAC and associated analog output stages, as well as the phono stage quality of the integrated amps would be superior to that of the Denon receiver.

As to my integrated amp options, I really like the functionality of the McIntosh 8900 in that it can truly serve as a "one box" solution because it includes a nice phono stage.  It also has the upgradeable DAC module, which has the potential to somewhat "future proof" it in case McIntosh releases an upgraded module.  200 wpc.

The ML No. 585 has the highest list price and has great reviews, although it's been out a few years.  It does not offer a modular DAC or phono input, although I could easily obtain a nice phono stage.  200wpc.

The Lyngdorf is currently very hot here on Agon and people are heaping praise on its sound quality.  Again, it has a DAC but no phono stage. Not as much power as the 8900, STR, or 585.

The Anthem STR Integrated is new and also includes MM and MC phono inputs.  200 wpc.  Includes Anthem Room Correction.

Any opinions or experience here with these options?  Thanks much.
mtrot
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
If op goes route of adding a preamp then he is adding yet another box and cables into the mix, not what he was looking to do I think.

Obviously I am biased but the Lyngdorf2170 is a formidable piece and it may well be among the last integrated I own.
I went from a BAT VK600SE power amp (300wpc) and Exogal Comet Plus DAC/pre to the Lyngdorf with a few other integrated inbetween.

I do not miss the additional watts at all.
The room perfect software more than makes up for it.
It has possibly the best digital front-end I have yet heard.
Yes no phono or headphone jack.
I use a dynavector p75 into one of the analog inputs for phono and take the digital output to a Burson headphone amp and I am as happy as I have ever been.

Is it fatiguing at all ?
Lets just say I probably played vinyl through it yesterday for at least 12 hours, nuff said.

I also tried a Classe Sigma 2200I, and a pair of Hegel amps, h300 and h160. The Lyngdorf beats them handily in the sq department in my system to my ears
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Is it fatiguing at all ? Lets just say I probably played vinyl through it yesterday for at least 12 hours

@uberwaltz  This is NOT a 'negative' post regarding your Lyngdorf...rather, I am looking for clarification.

For me, recording qualities are variable enough and should come through. So when I read your post and statement regarding 12 hours of non fatiguing listening it makes me wonder about the system (not necessarily the amplification) editing to 'pleasant-ness.'  Barring very deliberate and conscious choices for each recording played.

Can you comment or elaborate? Thank you.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
@david_ten 

Not entirely sure I understand what you are looking for in that question?
And I do not wish to derail the ops thread at all.

What I meant was there have been lots of comments on other threads on digital or class d amplification leading to a sound that becomes prematurely fatiguing.

I think the Room Perfect software is a huge boon in ensuring this does not happen in my system. Tbh I cannot imagine playing music without it now. No more testing different cables as "tone controls" to tame the low end bass and other artifacts etc.

Not sure if that was the answer you were looking for though?
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Thanks, all.

I guess I'm most interested in reports along the lines of Uberwaltz, i.e., ones from a person who has used some of these competing integrated amps.  My main objective is to get a sense of the "house sound" of these various integrated amps, in terms of tonality, sound stage, imaging, treble quality, and bass extension and control, etc. 

Now, as to room correction and EQ systems in general, I've always pretty much eschewed such and tried to run my systems "flat", but I suppose that, given my room's definite bass null in the listening area and my inexorable high frequency hearing loss now that I'm in my 60s, I should be more open to them.

I don't feel that my Denon AVR, even with the Krell power amp, is capable of producing the natural, open, and airy high frequency sounds of instruments such as cymbals, and high notes of violins as I've heard through systems consisting of more high end amplification.  Hence, my interest in a possible integrated amp solution. 


Post removed 
More to discover