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
 
I did not really dislike anything about the VK600SE at all.
I just wanted to consolidate down to one box if possible.
The BAT, like everything in my system just produced too much low energy bass but I know that was a result of my room.
So with the room correction software of the Lyngdorf I thought it might be the solution.
And so far it has proven to be the case, as I cannot change the room anytime soon for sure.
Possibly in a much better acoustic room I may not have looked at changing although I did still have the urge to consolidate equipment.
The BAT was a very fine piece of muscle for sure, just for my needs the Lyngdorf has worked out very well
carmenc
293 posts
 
@jafant .....what do you use now with your Thiels?  What’s keeping you from demoing the BAT, Levinson or any other amp?  Just curious.

Oh, happy listening!
techno_dude
382 posts
 
McIntosh says the C47 is their most advanced preamp yet. ( along with its bigger brother the C52). If the brand is serious, it should be better than the older C48.
I find that the sound of their preamps have evolved more than the sound of their amps. Mac sound is more detailed and neutral that it was once, a little bit more punch also, but still have kept that midrange boldness and richness they are know for.

Personally, I totally dig their sonic signature and the eq they include permits you to tune the sound depending on the recording. At first listen, they may sound a tad warm or inoffensive compared to other brands, but engage the eq boosting the mids to highs and everything gets livier. Just Bypass the eq when you listen to a harsher recording, and the warmth returns and permits you to listen louder without fatigue...You can t do that with a Simaudio or ARC pre...you have to live with the signature they choose for you. And my experience is that some ´´shouty and brassy’´ recordings are though to live with if you have a livier pre in the loop.  
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,022 posts
 
Lack of local dealers/retailers - carmenc
browndt
97 posts
 
I have a Pass Labs INT-250.  You will be hard pressed to find a better
amp/preamp combination that can compete with this integrated
amp.  It is expensive, but worth it, in its clarity, simplicity and absolute excellence. I have it connected to a Herron phono amp
and B and W 802 D3 speakers, VPI Prime signature with Van den Hul Strat.

On a separate note I am surprised how many members of this forum make judgements on components before breaking them in.
It takes about 200 hours before some components achieve their potential. For cartridges sometimes more. In the case of my speaker about 1000 hours.
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