I didnt read through the thread so apologies if someone already suggested PS Audio stellar pre and amp. I know its seperates but they wouldnt take up any more room than a Hegel or Classe Sigma. They will take your mac in on trade and you can return the gear if you dont like it during the trial period. If you decide on the Classe www.listenup.com has those things for like $1600. I suppose others have them on sale as well.
Considering Moving to an Integrated, Opinions Appreciated
Hi All,
I have converted a spare bedroom to an office/listening room. It is only 12x12. Like most here I have swapped gear in and out for years. I really enjoy the sound of my current system, but space is at a premium and I am considering moving to an integrated from separates. I have stacks of gear around and am more inclined to get something I can set and forget and maybe even sell a bunch of this crap :) This is my current system:
LTA microZOTL pre
McIntosh MC2505 amp
MHDT Labs Orchid DAC
PS Audio GCPH Phono Stage
Marantz TT15 Turntable
B&W Nautilus 805 Speakers
The system sounds very nice. I am not opposed to keeping the DAC and/or phono stage, but it would be nice to have everything in the integrated if possible. I was looking in the $2500-$3000 range. I might be able to extend my budget some if I can move some of my current gear. I am not opposed to used. I have been looking at things like the Lyngdorf 2710, Musical Fidelity M6si, Classe 2200i, Naim, etc. I did read the Lyngdorf vs Anthem thread, which was helpful.
The Lyngdorf seems like it ticks most of the boxes, but I am a little concerned about the amp stage. Multiple people have described it as "dry" and my preference leans more towards warm. I am aware that it is class D. I am not opposed to that, I ran a Peachtree Nova 220SE for about a year and liked it. However, I recently did some A/B testing with my current setup and the current one is the clear winner. I also bought an Emerald Physics 100.2se based on rave reviews and I thought it would be a great much with my pre, but it really did not sound good at all. Maybe it just didn't match well with the pre or speakers.
Most of my listening is digital. My TT is actually not hooked up at the moment because I don't have room on my current shelf and I am missing it.
Advice is appreciated, thanks!
I have converted a spare bedroom to an office/listening room. It is only 12x12. Like most here I have swapped gear in and out for years. I really enjoy the sound of my current system, but space is at a premium and I am considering moving to an integrated from separates. I have stacks of gear around and am more inclined to get something I can set and forget and maybe even sell a bunch of this crap :) This is my current system:
LTA microZOTL pre
McIntosh MC2505 amp
MHDT Labs Orchid DAC
PS Audio GCPH Phono Stage
Marantz TT15 Turntable
B&W Nautilus 805 Speakers
The system sounds very nice. I am not opposed to keeping the DAC and/or phono stage, but it would be nice to have everything in the integrated if possible. I was looking in the $2500-$3000 range. I might be able to extend my budget some if I can move some of my current gear. I am not opposed to used. I have been looking at things like the Lyngdorf 2710, Musical Fidelity M6si, Classe 2200i, Naim, etc. I did read the Lyngdorf vs Anthem thread, which was helpful.
The Lyngdorf seems like it ticks most of the boxes, but I am a little concerned about the amp stage. Multiple people have described it as "dry" and my preference leans more towards warm. I am aware that it is class D. I am not opposed to that, I ran a Peachtree Nova 220SE for about a year and liked it. However, I recently did some A/B testing with my current setup and the current one is the clear winner. I also bought an Emerald Physics 100.2se based on rave reviews and I thought it would be a great much with my pre, but it really did not sound good at all. Maybe it just didn't match well with the pre or speakers.
Most of my listening is digital. My TT is actually not hooked up at the moment because I don't have room on my current shelf and I am missing it.
Advice is appreciated, thanks!