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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
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,438 posts
 
My speakers are Dali Epicon 6 with major crossover upgrades. My digital front end is the Innuos Zen mk3, my USB cable, SOTM switch and SOTM top of the line Cat7 Ethernet cables.
 
I build my ICs with the KLEI Absolute Harmony RCAs and have done so for about 1.5 years now. Chris at PC got the idea from me I am sure :). The 16ga sounds best with these KLEI connectors. Better than the 20 gauge in most systems. Actually a double IC sounds best with 4 runs of the Duelund 16ga per individual IC. I sell lots of these doubles now. Wonderful sounding, but a lot of work to build!
radiohead99
79 posts
 
I went through many system changes in past couple of years (including 4 speakers) and one thing that remained constant is Lyngdorf TDAI 2170. It's an unbelievable value. When I replaced my ~15k separates (tube amp and preamp), with Lyngdorf I thought it sounded almost 99% as good. With carefully chosen component, you can of course beat the Lyngdorf under 10k separates but under 5k would be VERY hard. Personal preference is always a factor though.
tyray's avatar
tyray
562 posts
 
Yes! Oops. I meant to say Chris (not Jeff) Webber at PC. Sorry Chris!
Jeff is from ’Jeff’s Place’ from my initial google searches. You could imagine my surprise when I realized Chris Webber was the Chris from Jeff’s Place!

I actually got the idea of using the KLEI™Absolute Harmony Plugs from YOUR post here on Agon on Duelund wire (go figure) with others chiming in and using both the 16GA and 20GA IC’s in their rigs as Chris at the time, initially used Switchcraft 3502AAU connectors but I noticed PC sold KLEI™ plugs also.

I did reach out to you back then but you graciously suggested I look elsewhere cause at the time you were not making shielded IC’s and I needed shielded for my turntable IC's to my phono preamp in. From the phono preamp out I used unshielded Duelund IC's with KLEI™Absolute Harmony Plugs.

Duelund double IC’s!? Dang! That’s more money on upgrades!

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,438 posts
 
Oh no! Nuts! 
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
902 posts
 
I didnt read through the thread so apologies if someone already suggested PS Audio stellar pre and amp.  I know its seperates but they wouldnt take up any more room than a Hegel or Classe Sigma.  They will take your mac in on trade and you can return the gear if you dont like it during the trial period. If you decide on the Classe www.listenup.com  has those things for like $1600.  I suppose others have them on sale as well.
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