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
tyray
617 posts
 
@grannyring,

After doing more research, I'm really liking the Clayton Audio S40 Class A amp, The Truth preamp and MHDT Orchid dac in combination. In fact I see on the net, sold used Clayton Audio M70 Class A monoblock amps sold in pairs are priced lower than the single Clayton Audio S40 Class A stereo amp sold used by itself!  

My question is, what interconnects did you use between The Truth preamp and the Clayton Audio S40 amp? Thanks again.
jeffp13
6 posts
 
I love, love, love my Hegel H390.  I’ve been on the merry-go-round, having tried many integrated amps over the years

  • Rowland continuum II
  • McIntosh MA8900 
  • LFD NCSE
  • Primaluna dialogue
  • Unison Research simply Italy
  • Hegel H360
  • musical Fidelity M6
I was very happy with my H360, but splurged on the H390 based upon the reviews.   I’m glad I did.  It’s so much better sounding, especially the excellent DAC.   My Harbeth 30.1 have never sounded so good.  It’s by far the best sound I’ve had in my house.  The Rowland was also very good, I must say, but I’d still take the Hegel.  The Macintosh was shockingly mediocre.  I really wanted to like it, but It was just dull and lifeless to my ears.  But I loved the way it looked. 


why0why OP
70 posts
 
@jeffp13  Thanks for your response. I should have put a followup post for people searching. I went to my local dealer and compared the Naim XS3 and the Supernait 3. I took the Supernait home for a week and it really sounded fantastic. It cost more than I wanted to spend. He found a Supernait 2(identical to the 3 except no phono stage) that had never been used, only used as a display, with full warranty. I have been very happy with it.

Most of my system has changed since I started the thread. I am happy with my system and I am getting ready to do room treatments and then I am done(Ha, famous last words), for now anyway. My current system:

Naim Supernait2
Naim ND5 XS(streamer/DAC)
Naim Unitiserve
Technics 1210G
PS Audio GCPH
Tekton Electrons

I still have not heard a Hegel and I would really like to. As soon as I get the chance, I will check one out.
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