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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
paradisecom
304 posts
 

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. 

goldprintaudio's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
goldprintaudio
502 posts
 

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).

dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 

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.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,892 posts
 

Another vote for the Rogue integrated. Cronus os Sphinx.
If the phono stage in it is as good as the one in RP-1 (you can call Rogue and confirm) it will take a $500-$600 external phono to beat it. Schiit Mani doesn’t compare to it at all. But you will need external DAC or a Bluesound Node

Sphinx V3 for $1200

Parasound should be nice.

I would also add Hegel H90 to the list.
Marantz integrated used should also be around your price range.

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