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
Post removed 

A few years, possibly more. You will have joyful moments for sure, however relaxation will be progressively more important.

I would not give up on a simple 5.0 (no sub) surround system based on the OHM's as front l/r. 

I would give up on the meters and use an AVR for music/streaming/video. 

I used a very compact and inconspicuous center very happily for many years, Bose VCS-10. Mixed with my DBX Soundfield 100's (designed for wide imaging) very nicely.

I used a pair of very small speakers for rear l/r, laid them on their backs, firing up between wall and back of sofa. Recently replaced with larger Klipsch, eh, Bose was darn good.

Many times I change the AVR to 2 channel and used the DBX's f l/r only, many times the 5.1 was better, even at low volumes.

I have a single sub, but in your case, I would not bother with it. 

ps.

My Sony BluRay is like a Smart TV: ethernet connection: DVDs, CD’s SACDs, STREAMING Services: netflix/prime/ ...... so if their TV is not Smart, you use the BluRay player to get there. Mine goes thru Sony AVR so one remote can do all.

It seems like the Technics SU-G700M2 Grand Class would fit the bill.  Beautiful looking (with meters!) and sounding.