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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!
 
why0why
sfseay's avatar
sfseay
496 posts
 
I sold a bunch of equipment in my similar size office and bought an NAD M10 which is in your price range. The M10 has built in integrated amp, streamer, DAC, equalizer, tone controls and runs BlueOS and is Roon ready. It sounds great, has a great app, and drives my KEF LS50s easily. Also has internet radio, connect to Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon HD, and tons of other services. Great big clear touch screen display and can be easily programmed to work with any remote.

i work from home full time and use it constantly throughout the day unless I’m on conference calls.

Very happy with the sound, features and quality of this unit!

The Classe Sigma 2200i is a step up from the N10 and less money used.  I just replaced my 4 month old Sigma 2200i in my main system with an Ayre AX-5.  It is listed on USAudiomart for $1995.00 and has a transferable warranty with over 4.5 years of warranty left.
big_greg
6,560 posts
 
You might give one of the newer Peachtree units a try, like the Nova 300. I use mine in my home office.  I haven't compared my Orchid to the DAC in the Peachtree with the same components,  but I think it would be close, with the edge going to the Orchid.  The system the Orchid is in is driven by an ARC Vsi55 integrated, with Harbeth P3ESR speakers. It rivals my main system in terms of sound quality. It's about a 12 X 12 room. I'd keep the Orchid if you can.

I've heard the Anthem integrated at my local dealer a few times and like it.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,265 posts
 
If you like your McIntosh, you could pick up a MA6600 200wpc McIntosh integrated from AC.  They have them listed on the site for more than you want to spend, but I got mine for 3200 two years ago from them and they were listed at 3600 at the .  Worth a try oif you like the Mac sound.
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