need recommendation re integrated amp

[Folsom]

Audio Alchemy DPA-1 w/ whatever $500 buys you for a volume controller preamp. That's a very nice option. Sorry I'm not sure on integrated. If something else comes to mind I'll come back to the thread.

[malloy]

Hi Nick,

Unless you are totally opposed to solid state, I'd recommend a used Plinius integrated - a 9100, 9200 has 200wpc and remote. Very tube-like midrange but not the bloom of tubes, of course.

[Nick B]

Good suggestions, guys......but I may have solved my issues and questions about speakers and amplification. Pls see my new post in Bipolar System Disorders.

[Nick B]

The "neutral etched sound" is the Timepieces. The McCormack is a musically balanced amp, it's not the problem, imo. You probably would have tired of the TPs sooner without the McCormack. You can pile on distortion to try to tame the TPs, or you can move on.

SP Tech was never a final destination speaker, cuz the sound is so dominating over the music. If you can find a more musically balanced speaker I think you'll be happy, after a little jonesy.

Rich,
I think you're right re the SPs and I may have found a solution. I'm preparing a new post
Nick

[Nick B]

Just an update. As I'm waiting for my two pair of speakers to sell, I'm continuing to look at integrateds. The integrated is appealing as it's a one box solution which also means less wires!  I'll be using the 6" ....or so...Mark Audio single drivers which have an efficiency of about 89 dB iirc. I think $2,000 would be my max outlay, so it would be used gear. I'm sure leaning toward the tube sound also, but not absolutely committed to it. A slight problem would be the weight, but lifting $40 - 50+ lbs of a small size is still manageable.
Sonically, from what I've read and Gary's use of the Primaluna amp, that might be a good solution.

[richidoo]

Cary SLI-80 is a nice amp, usually available used. Very good transformers, made in USA, tube rectification, 6922+6SN7+KT88 is a nice rich sound. It's all solid steel so it's heavy but less than 40#.

Edit: and it has remote VC and mute. Switchable between triode mode for more lush sound, or pentode mode for higher power cleaner sound. And it's very pretty. Looks old antique tube, excellent conversation piece for audiophobe neighbors, and high WAF. Tell them it is the ECU for steam locomotive.

Pics:  http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649394105-cary-sli80/

[HAL]

The Parasound Halo Integrated sounded great at RMAF2017 driving Tekton smaller speakers. 

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAHAINT&variation=SIL

[Nick B]

Cary SLI-80 is a nice amp, usually available used. Very good transformers, made in USA, tube rectification, 6922+6SN7+KT88 is a nice rich sound. It's all solid steel so it's heavy but less than 40#.

Edit: and it has remote VC and mute. Switchable between triode mode for more lush sound, or pentode mode for higher power cleaner sound. And it's very pretty. Looks old antique tube, excellent conversation piece for audiophobe neighbors, and high WAF. Tell them it is the ECU for steam locomotive.

Pics:  http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649394105-cary-sli80/

Good info. Had never thought of a Cary. I do like the idea of triode/pentode choice. Interested in that lush sound 

[Nick B]

The Parasound Halo Integrated sounded great at RMAF2017 driving Tekton smaller speakers. 

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAHAINT&variation=SIL

Thanks, Rich. Might be the poor man's version of a Devialet... the Swiss army knife of integrateds?

[HAL]

Designed by John Curl and has about everything you need in an Integrated.  I have really like John's designs over the years, and probably his only integrated system.

[rollo]

  I think your barking up the wrong tree. Your components are VG. Speakers is what you need to try.



charles

[Nick B]

  I think your barking up the wrong tree. Your components are VG. Speakers is what you need to try.

charles

As soon as one pair of my two available speaker pairs are sold, I'm getting the new speakers. The integrated is just a little wishful thinking til I get there. As I'll need a preamp for the phono anyway, I'm considering an integrated as its one less separate .... and cabling....to deal with. If the integrateds don't pan out, I may look at a Tortuga. A better bang for the buck though seems to be a one chassis solution.

[Nick B]

Designed by John Curl and has about everything you need in an Integrated.  I have really like John's designs over the years, and probably his only integrated system.

Yes, the legendary John Curl. A friend has the Vendetta Research phono and will never part with it.
As I'm pretty close to Las Vegas, maybe there's a dealer there so I can check it out
Nick

[rollo]

  I think your barking up the wrong tree. Your components are VG. Speakers is what you need to try.

charles

As soon as one pair of my two available speaker pairs are sold, I'm getting the new speakers. The integrated is just a little wishful thinking til I get there. As I'll need a preamp for the phono anyway, I'm considering an integrated as its one less separate .... and cabling....to deal with. If the integrateds don't pan out, I may look at a Tortuga. A better bang for the buck though seems to be a one chassis solution.

  Wait ! Hold them Horses. Passive preamps can be lean, especially with Phono stage. Stay with active IMHO. Lots out there to choose from all depends on budget. Check out audio Hungary APR204.
Bill Bakers as well from Response Audio. Or Melody.


charles

[Nick B]

  I think your barking up the wrong tree. Your components are VG. Speakers is what you need to try.

charles

As soon as one pair of my two available speaker pairs are sold, I'm getting the new speakers. The integrated is just a little wishful thinking til I get there. As I'll need a preamp for the phono anyway, I'm considering an integrated as its one less separate .... and cabling....to deal with. If the integrateds don't pan out, I may look at a Tortuga. A better bang for the buck though seems to be a one chassis solution.

  Wait ! Hold them Horses. Passive preamps can be lean, especially with Phono stage. Stay with active IMHO. Lots out there to choose from all depends on budget. Check out audio Hungary APR204.
Bill Bakers as well from Response Audio. Or Melody.


charles

Good point, Charles. All horses on hold....Still checking what's out there on the used ... I mean pre-owned...market for 2k or less (with a remote)