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Integrated Amp Question for a Newbie to the Forum

Hello Audiogon Community!


First time posting to this forum. I’m somewhat of a novice when it comes to hifi audio gear. I’m looking to replace a busted McIntosh MX110 preamp and an outgoing MC225 amp and have been looking to consolidate and upgrade to an integrated amp. My current setup is:


• Jolida JD9 II phono preamp

• Pro-ject 2Xperience Classic Turntable 

• Monitor Audio Silver RX6 Floor speakers 

• CD player to buy soon

• Streaming player to buy soon


For the integrated amplifier, I’ve heard a lot of good things about -

Luxman L-509X and L-590AXII

Hegel H390 and H590

Mark Levinson 5805

McIntosh 7200

We play everything from rock to jazz to R&B, hip hop and everything in between. I’m looking to keep the integrated amp in the sub 10k range and will eventually add the streaming player (I hear good things about the Lumin T2 and the Lynn Selekt) and the CD player. 


Do you all have any recos on what you think would sound good with the setup I have? We like a dynamic and warm sound. Appreciate any advice!


Cheers


fourminutesong
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
I owned the 4329’s and they were exactly what you desire...the L100’s are ok but not as dynamic.  The B&W budget range won’t do it IMO.  Klipsch May be a possibility as well...very lively and engaging with real presence!
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Actually, the B&W 603S2’s  are out ...maybe with new midrange and tweaks they did it could work!  $2000 pair and 30 day free returns from B&W direct.
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
These look pretty nice. 

https://www.bowerswilkins.com/home-audio/600-series-anniversary/603

Would they pair better with the Hegel or the Luxman? Or something else?
geof3
1,124 posts
 
I think coming from tubes the Pass would more to your liking. Having said that, the Hegel is on the warm side as well. If anything, the Pass setup is a bit tighter in all aspects. They are different than good v bad. Also, my setup is separates now, so not a fair comparison IMO. 
elliottbnewcombjr
5,112 posts
 
those speakers do look very nice, I imagine sound terrific

I have three reservations

1. rear port. are you able to keep the speakers far enough away from rear wall, to avoid muddy reflected bass?

2. sensitivity 88 db/1w/1m. I always prefer higher efficiency, 90 or perhaps higher, to keep power needs low, keeps cost/weight/size/heat of amp lower, now and future upgrade and much less cost/heat if/when you try tube amp.

3. 8 ohms, minimum 3 ohms, combined with 88 sensitivity, I’d keep looking for options.

https://www.bowerswilkins.com/home-audio/600-series-anniversary/603

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