2. amps-preamps
  3. 143421-123626

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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leemaze
330 posts
 
Wow the outlaw recommendation post was removed - was it really a plant?

I got a Yamaha A-S801. Super fantastic, crystal clear and detailed but not analytical sounding. Came from an 80s NAD receiver with a similar profile that you’re describing on your old Yamaha and I haven’t looked back. 

The yamaha has a hi-res DAC that can be used with the USB from your Mac. Also includes a decent phono pre-amp. Recommended!
motokokusanagi
189 posts
 
Me again. Totally forgot about the Anthem 225; I used to own that! It’s OK, fine, on the same level as the Exposure. But still the Simaudio Moon was a cut above; more engaging with better imaging. I think it’s the best option on your list. This last is of no help but their I7 was also a solid improvement over the I5.
gcdrum
62 posts
 
Upscale Audio has the Musical Fidelity M2si for $599 (while supplies last). I bought one for my second system and it’s a great piece!
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
Seeing as how a recommendation for Outlaw was removed, I would also recommend them, good review and measurements from Stereophile (JA mentioned the DAC was just ok, but looking at the measurements, I doubt you’d hear any coloring/distortion/noise).
tomcarr
1,536 posts
 
NuForce or NuPrime. Avoid new NAD (were wonderful, now reliability is their downfall).
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