Integrated Amp Shopping Decisions


Looking to replace my 1987 NAD 1240 preamp and Adcom 535ll. They have served me well for years but are now both very long in the tooth and probably time for caps but not interested in investing as it would be a poor investment to update them. So I am looking to go integrated. Have a Technics 1210GR and Music Hall 7 so vinyl is a given. Also need USB for my Dead flac files.  So my needs are decent MM phone preamp, USB and can run either RCA or coax out from my Rotel Tribute CD.   Don't really need Bluetooth. Preferable to have tone controls. I am looking at a new speaker purchase which may likely be Wharfedale Lintons or Evos.  Price point around $1800 max.

So, I have a list of possibles.  Cambridge CXA81 but no tone controls or phonestage so not sure about this one, Parasound HINT6 preowned puts me $1800 (Its got the phono and DAC, ) Bel Canto C5i gives me phono and DAC (if I can find preowned) Rogue Sphinx (plus add Schitt Mani DAC) Musical Fidelity M5si (preowned), Yamaha S801 gets good reviews but lower price scares me.  Any contenders I am missing?  Thoughts?

vinyljones1

I went from the Parasound Int to a Pass INT 60...it was a step up...but not huge. The Parasound will also give you a basic Phono pre-MC/MM not the best but better than entry level. I also thought the DAC was better than I expected.

+1 on the rogue phono stage implementations.  If Sphinx phono stage  is anything like my RP-1 it’s good as the Moon LP 110 separate.

Just a touch over your budget would be the Rotel RA-1572mkii. I have the 1570 I bought as a stop-gap piece a while back and it turned out to be way better than I thought it would.  I really enjoy it. 

I'm a dealer for several of lines you mentioned (Rogue, Bel Canto, Parasound).  The Sphinx is a great choice and very flexible unit with its power output and onboard phonostage.
Another option you didn't mention that you may want to consider, the new Rega Elex-MK4.  Nice onboard MM stage AND a nice on-board Dac as well (although no USB input).

Yamaha A S801 is a solid piece, sounds natural and has plenty of power and features.  Use the extra money for some music or an upgrade elsewhere.