2. amps-preamps
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Integrated amp question.....around $1000..could use some help!

  I am looking for an integrated amp and can spend right around $1000.....give or take a little.
I have been out of the hi-fi game for awhile and could use some help.
My speakers are bookshelves 88db sensitivity at 8 ohms and they are on the warm side.
I will be using my mac running Audirvana most of the time in a relatively small room in an apartment.
I was initially going to get a NAD 388 (around 1200 refurbished) or a Nuprime ID-8.
I am looking for the best sound quality I can get and I tend to like detail more than warmth if that helps.
I am currently using my very old Yamaha rxv-2090.
Anyone who has ever used this amp knows it has a very rolled off high end.........very warm, but no detail at all.
before that I had an NAD 3020 (years ago) and liked it a lot even though it was lacking in the power dept.
I have been checking out the used stuff on here and it is daunting to say the least.......
If anyone can give me any input on these amps or the two mentioned above I would really appreciate it!
I have a DAC but it is older so if the amp had one great but but I want the best sounding amp I can get first, and will worry about a phono preamp etc. later.
Obviously I am concerned about reliability with some of the older units...
This is the used list..........Thanks in advance.

Exposure 2010s2
Bryston B60
Creel Evolution 50A
Primare i22
Simaudio i.5
Classe cap-151
Sony TA-A1ES
Rotel RA 1570
Magnum Dynalab MD 308
Wyred 4 Sound Mint
Marantz PM 15s2
Musical Fidelity M2Si





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robelvick's avatar
robelvick
619 posts
 
Take a look at Cambridge Audio CXA80. Pretty nice DAC built in, and it’s much more detailed/ than warm sounding. Enough power for your speakers/space too.

I had one when I was living in an apartment and it worked wonderfully.
leemaze
330 posts
 
Does outlaw pay for these posts?
jfuquay
112 posts
 
Based on your stated preferences I’d second the Musical Fidelity M2si. I found it just a bit too bright with my Maggie MMGWs, but it has a very clean, energetic sound that might suit you. I paid $600 for one new at Upscale Audio and kept it thinking I’d find a place for it. I previously auditioned NAD 358 (I think) for another system but found it gave acoustic instruments and voices an amplified timbre. I bought a Rogue Sphinx v.2 instead for Maggie 0.7s. Love it.  And I think DACs should be separate components. So many advances in digital compared to amps. Good luck!
motokokusanagi
189 posts
 
I’ve heard a few of the amps on your list in various incarnations. Seems like you want a neutral, analytical sound more than euphonic so I’d say cross the Primare and Creek off your list. Musical Fidelity, too - but not cause it's warm rather than boring and average/below average sounding. The Exposure I thought was ok but the Simaudio was more detailed and muscular sounding. 
fivestringsdown's avatar
fivestringsdown OP
13 posts
 
Thanks for all of the input so far!
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