2. amps-preamps
  3. 158059-1749

What integrated should I upgrade to?

Hi folks,

Firstly, my apologies for yet another "what should I" post.  But I'd like to seek the advice of my Audiogon brethren.  

Currently, in my second system used mostly for TV viewing, I have a pair of Wharfedale Reva 3 floorstanding loudspeakers, a Cambridge Audio CXA80 integrated amp / DAC and an Auralic Aries Mini streamer.  Wired with transparent Music Link / Wave cables and Shunyata Hydra Talos conditioner and Voodoo Fire power cable to the CXA80.  

I've been itching to upgrade the integrated amp, as I figure it is what's holding things back from a resolution standpoint.  I moved a better DAC (PS Audio Direct Stream Junior) to the second system and it didn't make a discernible difference given the existing gear.  I then moved the Reva 3's up to my reference system and plugged them in and they sounded wonderful!  I've got a Luxman 590axII integrated in that system with the PS Audio Direct Stream Junior DAC.  The power foundation is nearly the same; using Shunyata Denali there.  

So it leads me to conclude that the CXA80 needs upgrading.  

I have been considering a nice used Luxman 550ax or trying the new PS Audio Strata integrated.  I kinda know what to expect with the Luxman.  The PS Audio would be a greater unknown, but has the nicety of everything in one box: DAC, Preamp, amp and streamer.  The money outlay will be more for the Luxman, but not a huge difference.  It will be used rather than new.  Though, I would need a cheapy DAC just to accept the optical from the TV.  

Thoughts on this?  
jasonsim
cd318
2,636 posts
 
jasonsim,

I’d also suggest checking out tube amps if you’re looking for something different.

Interesting conundrum.

"as I figure it is what’s holding things back from a resolution standpoint. I moved a better DAC (PS Audio Direct Stream Junior) to the second system and it didn’t make a discernible difference given the existing gear."

So far self explanatory. Why would a DAC make any difference? Don’t they all sound virtually similar?

But then comes this,

"I then moved the Reva 3’s up to my reference system and plugged them in and they sounded wonderful!"

Now this suggests that the Arcam amp could have a fault or maybe faulty wiring?

"So it leads me to conclude that the CXA80 needs upgrading." 

Not necessarily, unless it has fault of course. 

All of the Arcam amplifiers I’ve heard, the 7pre/power and the 10 have never sounded less than fabulous.

So to avoid disappointment, before doing anything else I’d suggest switching just the Luxman down into the second system, and seeing if the result is still the same. Just to be certain you could also try the Arcam in your first system.

Should be an interesting and useful experiment for the long term.
jasonsim OP
113 posts
 
Hi pdxdon, 

Thanks for the comments on the PS Audio Strata.  What have you compared it with?

Have you experienced any quirks or other issues.  I read on some PS Audio forums that the volume sometimes goes to zero when switching the inputs.  Other software gremlins too.  
jasonsim OP
113 posts
 
Thanks cd318 for the thoughtful advice!

While I don't have an Arcam - it's a Cambridge Audio CXA80 - I might do as you suggest and move the Luxman 590axII down to my second system.  The only difference will be the speaker and interlink cables really.  I have the same power cables in both systems.  

There is of course a big difference in those cables... Transparent Ultra compared with Musicwave.

Thanks,
Jason
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,004 posts
 
PS Audio might take the Cambridge in on Trade.  Plus they have a return policy.
jasonsim OP
113 posts
 
This is true jbuhl!  They will take almost anything in on trade.  So essentially the Strata will be as low as $2100.  
More to discover