2. amps-preamps
  3. 149094-122222

Help with picking new integrated for under 3k

Hi all, I'm seeking advice in purchasing a new integrated amplifier. Max budget is 3K. Slowly upgrading as I get more into the hobby.

Current set up is as follows:
Preamp  - Cambridge CXA 60 running as pre
Amp - Rotel RB 990BX
Phono Stage - Musical Surroundings Phonomena ii+
Speakers - Anthony Gallo Reference 3.1 
Turntable - VPI Aries Scout
Cartridge - Ortofon 2m Bronze
Interconnects - Audioquest Diamondback
Streamer - appleTV

80% of my critical listening is on the turntable but when I'm reading, have company over, and/or just hanging and don't want to get off the couch out I'll stream over my appleTV.

Presently strongly considering Parasound Halo Hint 6 and Musical Fidelity M6si. There's also a local listing for a Mcintosh MA6500 and a Hegel H3600 that I could probably get for around my budget, although the Hegel would be a bit of a stretch. So any thoughts on those two amps as well would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance. 
128x128sammyshaps
sammyshaps's avatar
sammyshaps OP
43 posts
 
@goheelz thanks for the response, appreciate it. I should have mentioned in my first post that I am taking the cambridge out to put in my second system. I like the Rotel a good amount but think that it would be outclassed with the kind of upgrade I want so was going to bargain list it on craigslist. 

The more I've been researching the more I think integrated is the right call for me as I want to be able to forgot about upgrading for a few years. It seems that some of the newer integrated amps offer a lot of options and some really nice sound, and are easier on the wallet. But I am interested in hearing your thoughts now that you know the cambridge is out of the equation. Also open to hearing some McIntosh or other used amp/preamp combo recommendations. If I could get a used amp and pre that meets or exceeds any of my above mentioned integrated options, I'm listening :-) 
ericsch
753 posts
 
You may be able to find a Luxmam 505 on close out. It was recently replaced by a MK 2 version.
robelvick's avatar
robelvick
619 posts
 
OP,

I'm guessing you have an older version of the AppleTV that has optical output? If that's the case, the the Musical Fidelity probably wouldn't be a good fit, as it only has USB input for digital.

You also have a pretty nice phono preamp, so you won't need an integrated that has one included (HINT6, M6i).  The  Phonomena ii will sound better than most integrateds that have a built-in phono in your price range.

I think Hegel is a great choice, and even a used H190, H160 would have enough power for your speakers.

I own the Rost, and love it.  Great sounding DAC.  The Rost might be a bit underpowered for your speakers though.  Depends on how loud you like/want to listen.
sammyshaps's avatar
sammyshaps OP
43 posts
 
@robelvick Thanks for the response. And yes it's the older one with the optical out. I was considering upgrading/updating to a Blue Node or something like that at some point, so that's why I'm still considering the Musical Fidelity.

And I hear your point on the phono preamp. I was wondering what opinions on that would be. I've been reading that the phono preamp on the Musical Fidelity is quite nice, but perhaps not as nice as what I have, something more to consider.

And yes the Hegel would be my choice if I can talk the seller down closer to my budget and thanks for those other recommendations, I'll take a look.

I have a fairly tricky and large listening room so tend to play/listen loud.
soix
9,558 posts
 
I think it depends heavily on what kind of sound or improvements you’re looking to achieve with the new amp. I’d call the Hegel more on the neutral side, the M6si perhaps a touch warmer, and the MA6500 probably the warmest and fullest sounding but with a still softer and less-detailed treble. No idea about the Hint 6. All good -- but just depends on what you like and what works best with your system. Best of luck in whatever you choose.  BTW, if the H360 remains out of your price range an H300 will probably come up for sale soon in your price range and give you lots of the same sonic qualities.  Just a thought if you really want the Hegel. 
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