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Help me pick a good Integrated Amplifier

MWalt

MWalt

Super Member
I don't know why, but I have a bug up my ass to buy an integrated amplifier. I really like what I see with the Rega Brio-R; great reviews everywhere to include a few by some AK members. I have also looked at used amps such as the Bryston B-60 and the Naim Nait 3. I feel that even if the new integrated amp doesn't improve on my current set-up, it can form the foundation for a second system. I have two pair of speakers that I may use them with; Rega RS-1's or some rebuilt Dynaco A-25's.

Please provide me your thoughts and your suggestions. I accept them with thanks.
 
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An integrated amplifier is something I've thought about, also. I've heard the Rega Brio-R, and it's a significant step up from its predecessor; I'd say it even surpasses the older Mira 3. However, sound quality isn't the only factor, at least for me. I also want features. I like tone controls to enhance poor quality old-time radio shows; I want a loudness circuit to give me fuller sound at extremely low volumes; I want a headphone jack; I want to be able to hook up two pair of speakers if I want to; I want a balance control. It's amazing how many "high-end" products don't have these facilities. I also want a mono switch, but that seems to have disappeared from all but a very few modern products.

A couple of integrateds that interest me are the lower-end models from Yamaha and Marantz. The Marantz PM5004 in particular due to its tone controls intruding closer to the midrange than the Yamaha, making it more effective for those old-time radio programs I like to listen to. Do either sound as good as a Brio-R? Not even close, but as I said, there are other things I need for my circumstances, and the lack of them would be frustrating to the point that I wouldn't enjoy the superior audio quality.
 
I agree about the features, most notably the number of inputs and outputs. What I like about my Dared preamp is the two outputs that allow me to add an amplifier and an amplified sub. What I hate is only two inputs. I am not a fan of buttons and tone controls or anything extraneous in the signal path. If the amp is as good as my other components, it will be great without loudness or tone controls. I have that in my separates now. I really am trying to simplify as well. You made some great points here.
 
I think you need some tubes on that integrated.

IMG_2250-rogue-audio-cronos-magnum-integrated-amp-small.jpg
 
If you want transparent sound, with no nasty surprises, I'd check out the Bryston B60SST. Before I bougt my B100SST I researched many amps in that price catagory. There are many fine amps out their but the others I checked out all had some characteristic about their sound or functions (no ballance control) I didn't want. The Bryston will play whatever you feed it, nothing more, nothing less. It doesen't cater to any one sound, or speaker. Every song sounds different, not warm, not bright unless it's suposed to be. By choosing the appropiate source you can get that if you want it.
 
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charles 1973 said:
If you want transparent sound, with no nasty surprises, I'd check out the Bryston B60SST. Before I bougt my B100SST I researched many amps in that price catagory. There are many fine amps out their but the others I checked out all had some characteristic about their sound or functions (no ballance control) I didn't want. The Bryston will play whatever you feed it, nothing more, nothing less. It doesen't cater to any one sound, or speaker. Every song sounds different, not warm, not bright unless it's suposed to be. By choosing the appropiate source you can get that if you want it.
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I have taken a serious look at that one. Thanks, you have confirmed that one for me. Still, big diff in price to the rega.
 
MWalt said:
I have taken a serious look at that one. Thanks, you have confirmed that one for me. Still, big diff in price to the rega.
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It is expensive, I Don't Know how much different they sound. But
I'm Tired of screwing around trying this and trying that, when in the end it doesn't matter for me, I figure I can't take it with me, so I might as well enjoy it. I must say it pretty much lives up to my expatation's. You do need fairly high resulution speakers and sources to fully appreciate the Bryston's though, which is part of the problem with going high end...from most brands.

While my Energy RC 30 towers sound very good on that amp, It takes my Pro 22 Monitor's to make cymbols sound so real, and tamborenes so clear I can hear the individaul dics like their in the room. The speakers I bought to replace them cost about as much as that B60SST Amp (yes, those 30 year old pro 22's are that good - but have too much bass in my dead room) That Rega Brio-R might be my choice if it were closer to my budget.

Bryston's amps are all Dual mono construction with all discrete analog circuts, Class A preamp sections, and a 20 year warranty. I don't think their are many that can make that claim. I'm a Tube fan myself, thats why my Dynalab Hybred FM Tuner uses 2 x Philips 6922's in the audio section, and it sounds great with the Bryston.
 
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Ooh - the AR tube integrated is a good suggestion.

For SS - don't leave out Musical Fidelity integrateds either. The A5 int amp can be had at reasonable prices.

Love mine!:music:
 
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