Finally upgrading my amp


My budget is $2500.

My system currently consists of a pair of B&W 630's, an old Denon 50 watt reciever (DRA-550) from the mid 80's,  and a Marantz 5004 cd player.  And a technics 1500c Turntable.

Is integrated the way to go with my budget?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

128x128jjbeason14

You could get used Peachtree Gan400 and the PreDac (preamp) used for around 2k and be done. 

The PeachTree GAN400 is rather good for the $1000ish used price. I had it 2 times on my Magnepan LRS+ until I finally found the Sanders Magtech amp which is better for much more money.

I used to own the older PEachTree NOVA 150 and found out via some testing that the amp section was good, and the preamp section was lacking. Not sure if the new preamps from PeachTree are better.

Those Hegel integrates mention above are also pretty good.

 

ricmech23

 

yyzsantabarbara

I don't know anything about Peachtree or Class D amps

 

I found this Peachtree Unit for Sale. Comments?

Powerful Class D amp: what about Class D?

Peachtree Audio X-1 (FLAGSHIP) Grand Integrated Amp/DAC/Tube preamp

 

 

 

6 Moons Review

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/peachtree5/1.html

 

I do believe an integrated amplifier is the way to go at your budget.

I assume you are using the phonostage within the Denon receiver and the CD player as a stand alone.  If this is true you will need a new phonostage as well. Also, if the CD player is working well you might want to consider the purchase of a new DAC and use the CD player as a transport via the coax digital output on the player.  

One consideration is that Integrated amplifiers can be purchased as line level (amplification only) or with either an internal DAC and phonostage, or with both.

Another consideration is how much power you feel you need. Does the 50wpc Denon suffice? 

Your thoughts on the above would help us help you.

 

 

 

 

Great suggestions here: Rogue, Peachtree, Hegel.

Shopping at The Music Room will net you a great, checked out piece. Here's a search result with a bunch of good options selected.

Here's the  CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED list I chose from what is currently available:

  • Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL MZ3 Tube Headphone Amplifier; Integrated; LPS+ $2,549.00 
  • Hegel H120 Stereo Integrated Amplifier (1/2) $2,249.00 
  • Hegel H120 Stereo Integrated Amplifier (1/3) $2,099.00 
  • Hegel H120 Stereo Integrated Amplifier $1,979.01 
  • Cary Audio CAD-300 SEI Stereo Tube Integrated Amplifier $3,999.00 
  • Jolida Audio DJ1000 RC Stereo Tube Integrated Amplifier $1,175.14 
  • Peachtree Carina GaN Stereo Integrated Amplifier; Gloss Mocha; MM Phono (Unused) $2,771.01 
  • Peachtree Nova 300 Stereo Integrated Amplifier; MM Phono $1,066.36 
  • Cary Audio AiOS Wireless Stereo Integrated Amplifier; Roon Ready; BT $1,425.54 
  • Lyngdorf TDAI-2170 Stereo Integrated Amplifier $2,823.50 
  • PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium Stereo Tube Integrated Amplifier; (No Remote) $1,551.51 
  • PrimaLuna EVO 100 Stereo Tube Integrated Amplifier; EVO100 (No Phono) $1,835.10