2. amps-preamps
  3. 1357624804

Which integrated amp?

Hi all,

I need help. I am trying to decide between the following integrated amps:

Exposure 2010s
Unison Research - Unico Primo
Vincent SV 236MK II
Musical Fidelity M3i

I have included below a list of my current gear. Any suggestions and/or advice would be most welcomed as I am having trouble making up my mind. I was trying to keep things under a grand, but have since upped my budget to around $2000. Please check out my list to match an amp to my current gear, and get back to me with any thoughts, suggestions, recommendations, etc.

Thanks so much!

I currently run the turntable through a phono amp connected to the auxiliary 1 input and a USB DAC connects to the auxiliary 2 input. I am also running a line out from the aux 1 that I connect to my laptop with an RCA to mini so I can record/rip vinyl. Any new amp I purchase would need to have a line out that I could use to rip vinyl. So, keep that in mind. I mostly listen to Rock music and a bit of Jazz with occasional Funk and Soul thrown into the mix at times. I also would need a line (or pre?) out to connect a headphone amp, as my current amp has a headphone jack, and the amps listed above do not.

Also, I am using basic thick black rubber encased RCA interconnect cables. Not sure what brand they are. They are a step (or a few steps above) the basic cheap RCA cables, anyway. I know that cables can make a difference in sound quality, but my budget will not allow for expensive cabling (at this time). Any suggestions on relatively inexpensive but high quality cables would also be appreciated.

Thanks again for your time!
- G

My Gear List:

Speakers: B&W CM4s
Specifications:
21/2-way floorstanding front L/R speaker Drivers: 1" aluminum-alloy
dome tweeter, 6.5" woven Kevlar-cone bass-midrange, 6.5" aluminum-cone
woofer
Frequency response: 38Hz-20kHz, ±3dB
Impedance: 8ohms nominal, 4.4ohms minimum
Sensitivity: 90dB/W/m
Recommended amplification: 50-150W

The Amp I am replacing - > Integrated Amp: ROTEL RA-02

Phono Amp: ClearAudio Nano
SPECIFICATIONS
Mode:
MM / MC mode
switched by jumpers on the bottom of the unit
Amplification:
54 to 69 dB (MC – Mode)
34 dB to 49 dB (MM – Mode)
Input load:
47 kΩ / 220pF / MM
Individual / User / MC
MM / MC – input:
switchable (at bottom)
RIAA:
75μs / 318μs / 3180μs
RIAA accuracy:
± 0,4 dB
THD:
0,04 %
S/N ratio:
67 dB (A) (MC – Mode)
84 dB (A) (MM – Mode)
Channel separation:
> 80 db (1 kHz)
Max. output voltage:
10 V eff. (1 kHz)
Power supply:
16 V AC (< 500 mA)
In/ Outputs:
asymmetrical (RCA)

Turntable: REGA RP3 W/ELYS 2 CART & Groovetracer Reference subplatter

CD Player: ROTEL RCD-02
Specifications: Burr Brown PCM 1732 D/A Converter, HDCD decoding,
coaxial digital output, 12v trigger input

USB DAC: FIRESTONE ILTW
Specifications

* Amplifier Structure: Low pass filter with 2Vrms output
* Power Structure: High frequency switching DC-DC regulator
* USB Support: 44.1/ 48/ 88.2/ 96/ 176.4/ 192 kHz - 16 or 24 bit
rates (176.4 and 192 kHz asynchronous mode only)
* Operation Mode: Supports adaptive and asynchronous mode
* Digital Interface: Direct I2S data format transmission
* Circuit Protection: Output Short/over current protect
* DAC Chip: WOLFSON WM8740
* USB Chip: TENOR TE8802
* LPF Opamp: National Semiconductor LM4562
* Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
* Noise Level: (1kHz, A-weighted) -106.7dB
* Dynamic Range: (1kHz, A-weighted) -106.9dB
* THD%: 0.012%
* Crosstalk: -102.7dB

Power supply for DAC: FIRESTONE AUDIO SUPPLIER
SPECIFICATIONS
24VDC ± 5%; 300mA max. output
gizmology
telescope_trade
555 posts
 
You need to check out the Harman Kardon HK990, it is one fantastic integrated and has all you would ever need on it.
geph0007's avatar
geph0007
184 posts
 
I have owned the Vincent and the Exposure. The Vincent is very nice but in my system with my chair, beer, cable, speakers and so on I found it ever so slightly thin sounding but pretty good overall. The Exposure is something else. it is stunning what comes out of that little box. I had a Creek Destiny here one on one and the Creek was very clean and detailed but the expousre just plain sounds like music and makes everything else sound mechanical. I had an Anthem 225 here and the Exposure
sounded more powerfull and more musical
Now I have heard many things and am picky but not rich. I also worked in the audio biz but I still had a hard time believing what I was hearing so I called a dealer out of state who carried both the Creek and Exposure and told him what I heard. He laughed and said they see that all the time with customers. He used the term organic to describe the 2010S. It reminds me of an NAD 3020 upgraded.

FYI I moved us to the 2010S2. it is warmer with more bass but I think I may have liked the original better. Had to sell to pay the bills.
gizmology OP
15 posts
 
Hi all,

Thanks for the input. I will take all your considerations into account.

Geph0007: do you agree with Dayglow, that the Exposure may not be enough power if I decide to upgrade my speakers in the future? Might the Anthem 225 be needed, and Asa a result a "better" choice, or...do I really also just need to listen to each of them? I am gonna try and do just that soon. There is shop by me that carries both of them, so at least I can do an in-store listen.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
geph0007's avatar
geph0007
184 posts
 
Power numbers are a funny thing. From an electrical point of view and then the there is the sonic reality. My experience was the Anthem was effortless but somewhat dry. The Expouse sounded like the more powerful of the two with great punch and dynamics HOWEVER at very very high levels I did notice the bass on the Vincent and the Anthem would hold up better then the Exposure but we are talking ear splitting levels. Some amps seems to sound like a much larger amp then they are. The NAD 3020/7020 always shocks me. The Exposre was the same way. The Anthem sounded like what it was. I reall wanted ther Anthem as it had everything I wanted feature wise. The only way to know for sure and the only way to do it is to get them together and compare side bi side. Can be very very educational. let your ears and emotions decide.
gizmology OP
15 posts
 
Hmmm. I just revisited the web site to the local store that I THOUGHT had both amps available to do a side by side, but I guess I was mistaken. They only carry the Anthem. So...not sure I can do a side by side comparison. Shoot! In any case, I was reading another thread in another forum:
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1334659/integrated-amp-suggestions-2000

One guy was talking about the Exposure clipping at high levels and getting so hot you could not even touch the volume knob. Others who owned it said they experienced no such thing. What is your take? Did you ever experience anything like that?

Finally, my Rotel is only 40W/channel and it gets pretty loud and mostly holds together, so...I am wondering/assuming the Exposure would be fine with my B&Ws. However, if I do go with the Exposure and I find it lacking, could I not just ad an amp using the pre-out at some point in the future? And if so, my only question then would be: would there still be some way to use a headphone amp or would I loose that option? My guess is I would loose it since I need the record out to rip vinyl and with the pre-out going to an amp...there would be no way to use/add a headphone. Am I correct in this?

And, one MORE thing: have you heard the Unico Primo? If so, do you also agree it might be too soft for Rock music? I am wondering as I saw a 3 year old demo online for sale in good condition from a dealer for almost $1000 less than a new one.

Get back to me and let me know. I truly appreciate all your help!
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