2. amps-preamps
  3. 152434-84270

Considering Moving to an Integrated, Opinions Appreciated

Hi All,

I have converted a spare bedroom to an office/listening room. It is only 12x12. Like most here I have swapped gear in and out for years. I really enjoy the sound of my current system, but space is at a premium and I am considering moving to an integrated from separates.  I have stacks of gear around and am more inclined to get something I can set and forget and maybe even sell a bunch of this crap :)  This is my current system:

LTA microZOTL pre
McIntosh MC2505 amp
MHDT Labs Orchid DAC
PS Audio GCPH Phono Stage
Marantz TT15 Turntable
B&W Nautilus 805 Speakers

The system sounds very nice.  I am not opposed to keeping the DAC and/or phono stage, but it would be nice to have everything in the integrated if possible.  I was looking in the $2500-$3000 range. I might be able to extend my budget some if I can move some of my current gear.  I am not opposed to used.  I have been looking at things like the Lyngdorf 2710, Musical Fidelity M6si, Classe 2200i, Naim, etc. I did read the Lyngdorf vs Anthem thread, which was helpful.

The Lyngdorf seems like it ticks most of the boxes, but I am a little concerned about the amp stage.  Multiple people have described it as "dry" and my preference leans more towards warm.  I am aware that it is class D.  I am not opposed to that, I ran a Peachtree Nova 220SE for about a year and liked it.  However, I recently did some A/B testing with my current setup and the current one is the clear winner.  I also bought an Emerald Physics 100.2se based on rave reviews and I thought it would be a great much with my pre, but it really did not sound good at all.  Maybe it just didn't match well with the pre or speakers.

Most of my listening is digital.  My TT is actually not hooked up at the moment because I don't have room on my current shelf and I am missing it. 

Advice is appreciated, thanks!
 
why0why
yyzsantabarbara
4,937 posts
 
@whyOwhy I was going to suggest the Hegel 390 if you raised another 3 grand.
However, I realized you have the same issue as I do. You need to fit a big speaker into a small room. 
why0why OP
70 posts
 
sfseay, thanks for the input.  I hadn't looked at the M10, I do like the looks.  I will look into the 2200i more as well.

greg, You think there is a big difference in the 220 and 300?  i assumed they were fairly similar.  The Orchid definitely sounds better than the 220, but i think it will be hard to top in general, especially for the price.

Stereo5, I do love the McIntosh sound.  I have tried probably 10 amps with the ZOTL, and the old McIntosh sounds the best.  The 2505 was their first solid state amp.  It needed a recap when I bought it, but it really sounds amazing now that I have refurbed it.  I have looked at some of the newer McIntosh integrateds and they are appealing.  I do love the look and meters!  
why0why OP
70 posts
 
@yyzsantabarbara I have enough to pay for the Hegel if I sold all of my spare stuff, but I'm sure it will take some time.  The 390 looks great, I like the feature set.
yyzsantabarbara
4,937 posts
 
I got pulled away to put my kid to sleep before I could finish my thought.

There is a interesting review of 3 of the top semi-affordable integrateds.
https://www.hegel.com/images/reviews/H390hificriticuk.pdf

AMPLIFIER GROUP TEST - Hegel H390 vs Krell K-300i vs Mark Levinson No5805

However, I would think any of these units would only work if you have the appropriate sized speaker for your room. In my room (same as yours) my KEF LS50's only work with room treatments, using the Peachtree NOVA 150. See photos. The Peachtree is very good for the price so I do not critique it too much 

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/7605

Another unit that would work with my KEF LS50 would be the SimAudio 390 Network player, but I would need an amp with that, but used cheap amps are easy to get.


big_greg
6,670 posts
 
I haven't heard the 220. My only other experience with Peachtree was a Grand X1 integrated which I no longer have. 
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