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Best integrated for my needs????

I've recently come into some funds, and it is time to upgrade my 2 channel system to something far more serious and enjoyable. First stop is here...

Current system: Extensive digital library (FLAC)/Tidal > SOtM SMS-200 > Peachtree Nova 300 > Acoustic Zen Hollogram II > Paradigm Ref Studio 40's. This system was relatively cheap to build and has been a very enjoyable platform cost/benefit wise.

About me: Love music, don't get enough time to just relax and enjoy, time for a change. Have worked in and around the audio ODM industry, so have had a chance to listen to some amazing systems over the years, and have developed some good relationships that I will lean on once I go to purchase (F&F). I listen to mostly Jazz & Classical at modest volumes w/ periodic need to turn it up to rock out a bit. My listening room is 12'x18', with the system facing the shallow side. Prefer a bit of warmth vs totally neutral sound, but abhor muddy or noisy digital reproduction. My preference would be towards a very quiet, more neutral, fast and clean musical experience with a defined sound stage. Not looking for perfection, but want to achieve 95% w/ an easy listening (no fatigue) experience.

Budget: $20k, Leaning towards a top notch integrated as the core of my system. Will pair DAC, Speakers etc. based on the integrated I choose.

Comments/Questions on integrated's:

So I've spent a bit of time reading about the current generation of Integrated Amps (all in ones). From my reading the Luxman 509x, Accuphase E-480, Gryphon 120/300 seem to resonate. Curious about Devialet though I'm not quite sure I understand the concept, and Hegel seems to be something I should also consider.

1. What if any manf/devices, am I missing from this list?
2. What is the deal with Devialet. Is this something I should consider, if so which model?
2. Which of these is likely to be most reliable and present the best possibility for future proofing (thinking 5 year time horizon). Seems some are concerned about Gryphon's long term reliability?
3. Best bang for buck?
4. Given my preferences, and assuming I start with the amp, which system will be easiest to build around in pursuit of the musical experience I want to achieve? Most flexibility?
5. Lastly, given that it is essentially impossible to trial systems in the age of covid, is there a "safe" choice here that I can proceed without trialing, knowing that I can tweak around the Integrated with high probability of success?

Am I missing anything?

Thanks all!
ratbastrd
headphonedreams
527 posts
 
$10k for the amp sounds a bit much. I would probably aim for a $6k amp with a $4k source and $10k speakers. I know some audiophiles just split it even. In your case it may be $7k each for a $21 k total budget.
Good luck with whatever you do!
headphonedreams
527 posts
 
Another choice is to get an amp with dac built-in. Then you only need to add a streamer and a pair of speakers. I've heard a Bryston B135 cubed with a dac card connected to Orangutan O/93 speakers and really liked it. Hegel 590 also has a dac.

Or go all in one with active speakers with a dac like Kii 3 or Dutch&Dutch. Kii 3 is around $17k and all you need to add is a streamer.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
get a hegel, be done

superb sound excellent build good value

no affiliation other than being a very happy customer after trying so so many...
bubba12's avatar
bubba12
440 posts
 
Decide on speakers and choose your amp accordingly. 
madavid0
214 posts
 
So....why can't the high-end industry build a decent linear all-in-one integrated for budget consumers? They know what kind of circuits sound good. Why not build a basic version of these designs using cheap but not-awful parts, use simple casework, keep it lightweight -- use a fan if needed. Use a simple IC-based line stage and slap in a Chinese DAC card or one of their own units. Sell it for $500 MSRP. Why must they shove class D junk at them? It doesn't have to be high-current, just enough to run people's cheap bookshelves in a decent manner. So why can't someone make a decent little class A integrated at that price point?
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