Need a new integrated, what say you?


I’m in need of a new integrated amp. My old ML 383 had developed issues and was in need of a refurbish. This wasn’t in my budget so it was sold, along with some other hifi items that were no longer needed, to allow for a new integrated. My budget is roughly $2,000 or less. Room specs are roughly 12x12 with an extended outcove area of approx 5x7. My speakers are about 6.5ft apart (center to center) and I sit roughly 8ft away. So my system is in a small room and in a nearfield-ish arrangement. Speakers are Revel F30’s and source is Cambridge 851C. As for integrateds, I was thinking about the matching Cambridge 851A, Parasound Halo (original), and Hegel H160. A friend of mine is selling a Primare I21 and had thought about that too. This is a 75 at 8, 125 at 4 integrated, but reportedly has grunt to push bigger speakers. Looking for other suggestions and guidance.

jsbach1685

nice speakers!

low efficiency 87-88 and 6 ohm dipping to 3 ohm, that is a combo that needs the right choice. Your friend's unit, 125 wpc at 4 ohms seems to fit. Will he let you hear it with your speakers?

Nothing I own is right for that, and past McIntosh 300wpc was amp, not integrated.

I'm interested to see what people recommend and you choose, best of luck.

Go with a cayin h80a hybrid integrated. It’s pure class A up to 80wpc. It has 2 preamp tubes so easy to tailor the sound to your preference. I’ve heard one running 2 Uber high end focals and it was awesome. The best thing is you might be able to find one around 2k. Very well built, very heavy. Good luck 

I certainly like the sound of my Cayin A88T, but not enough power for you, 22 wpc triode; 45 wpc ultra-linear

mikeyb’s suggestion seems a good one with enough power.

Cayin build quality is excellent, take the bottom off, beautiful.

This review is what made me try it, glad I did

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/cayin/a88t.html

 

I have a Buchardt i150 integrated amplifier. Room correction, full blown parametric eq, great subwoofer integration, remote, stste of the art Class D amplifier section and if simply used as a preamplifier it is sonically hard to beat! I have a basement full of great HiFi and I love the Buchardt….