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
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
Regarding PS Audio, there's a thread on that forum hyping a new, expected-next-month integrated amp that includes a a streamer for about $3k, 200wpc, ES9016 dac based.

But there are lots of threads on that forum about expected new products that end up being delayed or never released, so until it is released it's speculation I guess, even though the CEO is commenting but again, that's happened before (see speakers, server, new dac - hopefully they eventually are released, sounds interesting).
why0why OP
70 posts
 
@jbuhl I am a PS Audio fan, my phono stage is by them and I love it.  I wasn't familiar with that site, definitely a nice deal on the Classe.  Same price as used.

@kren0006 That is something that I would be interested in.  I am working on getting stuff in order to list, so I'm not in a hurry(other than getting the bug once I figure out what I want for sure.)

@2channel8 Not familiar with either of those, I'll check them out.
pragone
15 posts
 
I have a Modwright Kwi 200 running Maggie. 7 in a 12 x 13 room.  Upgraded from rogue Sphnix II. It was a  Game changer.  Couldn't be happier 
91490
10 posts
 
Buy the Parasound Hint 6 and don't look back. You will be amazed every time you turn it on. Mine drives my Tyler Acoustics Highland 2's in an impressive fashion.
kmslason
6 posts
 
You should not overlook Rogue. I bought a Pharaoh and have never looked back! Using it with Studio Electric monitors and it sounds great. Plus you get customer service that is unsurpassed!!!
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