2. amps-preamps
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Temporary Down Sizing - Integrated Amp Recommendations

Moving into a small condo, as I need to take care of my parents for a few years, so my reference system is being put in storage.

My current reference system is:

  • T+A PA3100HV integrated Amp
  • T+A CRITERION TCD 110 S Floor-standing speakers
  • Cary Audio DMS 700 Digital Source & DAC
  • Clear Audio Ovation Turntable

The new system will perform double duty for both music and two channel cinema - (no more surround sound equipment either - ugh).

Because of the limited space open floor plan of the condo (having to keep the speakers close to the front wall) and needing to create a omni-directional sound stage - appealing to a wider listening group, I have decided to go with Ohm Tall 1000 speakers. I will also keep my Cary Audio DMS 700 as my digital music/NAS/ Streaming source & and use it’s DAC for ingesting the digital audio from the video feeds into the system.

For the amp - based on the decor (read wife) I’ve decided to go with a bit of vintage look, UV meters, on the integrated amp - which will be displayed as a center piece on the entertain console under the TV.

With a budget up to ~$3k I have been thinking about:

  • Yamaha A-S2200
  • Luxman L-505uXII
  • Vincent Audio SV-228 hybrid

Since I don’t need any digital capability the Yamaha and Luxman are very appealing, but I am a bit concerned with the reviews of those units and the references to those companies house sound signatures, as my T+A leans on the warm, analog side of neutral - not typically the way the Japanese brands are described as. The Vincent with a tube front end might be closer to what I am use to, but it doesn’t have balanced inputs and has a built-in DAC which I don’t need.

Long story short I would appreciate any constructive input, advise, recommendations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

josephp732
dill
2,525 posts
 

May I suggest a Pathos Classic One MKIII. I use this amp with a pair of T+A Criterion T100 Speakers with excellent results.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 

I owned and enjoyed this. Moved to separates. Possibly of interest. 

 

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

Better than anything on your list is the Kinki Studios EX-M1+.   I have one you are welcome to listen to if you find yourself in Socal.  Also has a swappable op amp to tune the sound a bit like a tube amp.

david_ten
5,480 posts
 

T+A PA 3100 HV and T+A SDV 3100 HV owner. Feel your pain regarding storing your current system.

The memories and value from your sacrifice and from taking care of your parents, though it will be difficult, will be with you for the rest of your life.

I won’t link as the listing is on another site...take a look at the Line Magnetic 805 300B integrated. 40 watts will work for your Ohm Walsh Talls. Asking is 3,5K.

Pair of VU meters as a bonus. : )

soix
9,456 posts
 

You’ve gotta ask yourself if burning tubes to watch movies is something you desire. Plus, from what I’ve read both the Yammy and Luxman both exhibit sound characteristics similar to your T+A gear while giving you a nice retro look in the bargain (not sure what reviews you read, but from what I read I disagree that their sound profile is all that different from you’re used to). What would tip the scales for me is that this is a relatively temporary system so I’d side with spending less rather than more if something can get the job done. The Yammy is available through accessories4less.com where you can get a $1000 discount for basically a new unit with a 3-year warranty, and that’d seal the deal for me in this particular situation. Here’s a link, and best of luck.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamas2200bl-rb/yamaha-a-s2200-stereo-integrated-amplifier-black/1.html

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