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
tweak1
3,643 posts
 
Since PSA went direct, and kept the MSRP, they are pocketing ~ 40% more, so they get your trade for free

Now, W4S integrateds are excellent and Underwood HiFi has a couple left under $1500.

hth
jasonsim OP
113 posts
 
Hi Tweak1, 
Yes that is probably true.  I would have thought PSA would have lowered their prices a bit once going direct.  That hasn't happened.  

Thanks for the info on W4S.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,346 posts
 
Parasound Hint6 integrated with dac and phono stage. 
jasonsim OP
113 posts
 
For those that have recommended the Marantz KI PM Ruby, how do you connect your subwoofers?

The only way I can think of is using speaker level inputs.  Is that a good option?  
jpipes
28 posts
 
REL subwoofers prefer use of a fairly simple Speakon cable that connects to the speaker terminals on the amp side. You can use bare wire or attach you own termination connectors if you wish. REL's Youtube channel offers excellent videos explaining these connections to various amp types.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYoAoFjONrGaZuyEjdd9nFQ

I use banana connectors from my speaker cable on the amp side into the Marantz (spades on the speaker side), and use the Marantz bare wire entry port on the same speaker terminal for bare wire from the REL Speakon cable. Both can connect simultaneously. As you probably noticed, Marantz 2 channel amps do not support LFE.
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