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Seeking Constructive Equipment Ideas

Mid 80's I had an NAD 2200 and NAD 1240 preamp driving a pair of MG1 Maggies.  Yep, first model.  Had the setup for years. The Maggies eventually got sold due to new lifestyle (marriage). Bought a pair of Energy RC10 bookshelves 15 years ago (relegated to smaller space) and the 2200 finally quit. Replaced it with an old Adcom 535ll. Still using that NAD 1240 38 years later (with one service).

Anyways that's the backstory.  So my listening will be confined to a 12x12 bedroom in our new house. I have a Technics 1200 GR table and Rotel Tribute CD player. Thinking it's time to spend some money and looking at the Wharfdale Lintons or similar and now looking at preamp and amps. I can drop around 5K excluding speakers. I was looking at the Benchmark preamps and amps but thinking that for my limited space it's probably overkill. So I started thinking maybe an integrated is all I need? Fact of the matter is a good deal of my listening is probably going to be through headphones of which I have a pair of Senn 600 but have ability to do splurge on 1K pair as well at some point. I have already looked at some headphone amps. Most of my listening is LP or CD but also have a large Dead FLAC collection and other music files.

So just looking for some opinions on integrated and if that's sufficient for my needs and some makes. Checked out the Peachtree Nova 300 as it looked like it would do fine with the Lintons but have no idea what Class D sounds like and if I should bother or stick with an A/B. Or if I should also consider different smaller speakers.

Thanks in advance for comments.

vinyljones1
blisshifi's avatar
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blisshifi
1,192 posts
 

You should go to a few stores and figure out the speakers first. Wharfedale Lintons are attractive speakers, but they are not as clear and resolving as many other speakers. In a 12x12 room, I would worry about the space you can give them as they are rear ported as well. You may have better luck with a few other options from Elac or JBL, or the KLH Model 3 or 5.

You can absolutely get a great integrated for $5K or less, especially on the used market. Check out Primaluna. The Primaluna HP Dialogue is an older model but sounds nearly as good as the latest top model and will beat out many other amp separates up to $10K+, and you can find the amp used generally for $3K. You can then invest the rest in better tubes, cables, etc. The headphone section on the unit is also superb, as it uses the full tube stage for the output.

vinyljones1 OP
9 posts
 

Thanks bliss. Yeah that is one thing about the Energys. They were incredible value back then and still sound nice but I always found them either a little boomy without port inserts and too bass light with the inserts. I had KEFs too years ago and really liked they seem over the top pricey for what they are offering now.

deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
714 posts
 

I agree with @blisshifi , listen if you can to a few speakers. Based on what you listen too, Totems, KEF's (pricey compared to what?), B&W's and Harbeth, you can check out the new KLH's.  I have a small room, so having the port in the back of the speaker was not a good match, so I went with Harbeth. I myself have a huge Dead collection (if it's not obvious). The Harbeth are very accurate, but a bit laid back however compared to the other ones mentioned. So you may or may not like Harbeth's. I think they make Jerry and Bob sound great. If you listen to more acoustic/vocals/'mellower' rock then you will like them. Death metal not so much. 

Your NAD was a Class D, I had NAD a long time ago, very good sounding. I changed over to Class A, and although some newer Class D sounds amazing, such as the new Technics integrated (NAD has some really nice stuff too), I went with Luxman class A/B (you can get a used one for about $5K) they have great headphone amps and turntable preamps built into them (keep an eye out, some integrated amps do not have phono inputs), plus tone controls, great for late night listening. Primaluna only if you want to deal with tubes, but a very good sounding choice. Rotel has some very nice stuff, I loved the CD player I had, but I do not  have experience with their other electronics.

You have lots to choose from, but choose the speakers first, they are more critical, especially in a room your size (Mine is 10x16 so barely larger then yours). Good luck.

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