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Integrated Amp w/Great Phono Pre

reverend13

reverend13

AK Subscriber
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Hi all -- I currently have a Scott 299 (A) and love the tube warmth, however, I'm looking to change things up a bit (its phono has been troublesome on occasion as well). I don't have enough space for an amp and a separate preamp, so I'm looking for an integrated that combines both and that has a great phono pre, given that I would mainly use my Rega RP3 TT through it. Tubes or SS, although I like the warmth of tubes. I've been watching McIntosh and Sansui's. Budget up to $2,000.

Any ideas or recommendations? Thanks!
 
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Funny you should mention that.

I just happened to purchase a Musical Fidelity Nu Vista M3 integrated that is a remarkable piece of electronics. It happens to use the Nu Vistor tubes in the pre-amp section, and SS output devices in the power amp. The sound quality is absolutely superb. Now it does run an outboard power supply so it takes up a bit of room, and its a chunky monkey weighing in around at 90 pounds combined. There is an onboard MM and MC phono stage, and its remarkable in its own right. I have just some initial listening impressions but its not shabby at all. My reference outboard phono stage is an $1900 Liberty Audio.

Here is one that is very similar, its the Tri-Vista. Its close to your price range. Something to consider.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/t...ated-2017-03-23-integrateds-95148-san-jose-ca

Regards
Mister Pig
 
I've been useing a Rogue Sphinx version 1 integrated, I bought two years ago. I'm useing a 1983 Linn LP12 with AT440mla to MM phono. IMO, it sounds fine. 12au7 pre and Class D. Has plenty of power driving 4 ohm load, 4 ADS L880's. Hardly gets warm. I'm useing NOS Mullards. I would not call it warm or surupy sounding. More neutral. The new V2 is supposed to have improved phono. Under your budget.

edit: jrtrent brings up that your Scott has a lotof features. I'm not familiar with it. The above Sphinx front panel has four input selector, Balance and volume knobs. Headphone amp jack. Optional remote has volume up/down only. V2 remote adds mute button. No mono or tone controls. So this is not a feature laden amp. But personally, I like having a remote over vintage amps that don't.
100 wpc@8 ohms; 200wpc@4 ohms.
 
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Two vintage products that I have experience with and can recommend:

The Marantz 1060 is 30 wpc and has a nice warm sound but it was a bargain piece in its day. The phono section works fine with a MM cart.

I also have a McIntosh MA6200 at 80 wpc that has a great sounding phono section.
 
The best-sounding integrated amp in that price range to my ears (and also an RP3 user) is Rega's Elex-R; however, compared with your Scott 299, it has a shocking lack of features. Whether those features are important to you or not can make a big difference in how pleased you would be with the stripped-down control set of most modern amplifiers. I know that I am not happy with my hifi if I don't have, at the very least, balance and mono functions (I use a full-featured preamp/power amp combination from Audio by Van Alstine and am very happy with it, but I know separates are not what you're looking for).

Not that I've ever even seen one of their products, but past threads here at AudioKarma indicate that used products purchased from McIntoshAudio.com have met or exceeded expectations, so if you're interested in that brand, you might consider what they have to offer. They appear to have a couple of older MA5100 integrated amps in stock well within your price range. If you don't mind a tuner in the chassis, they also have several McIntosh receivers for sale.

Here is a list of pre-owned McIntosh for sale,
all cosmetically and electrically restored.
All are value added, spotless, tested to factory
specifications, and warranted up to 1 year.
http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/
 
Some of the Slim line Mcintosh components can be had for a steal and sound great. A C712 or 715 pre amp and a MC 7100 or MC 502 can be had for a bargain. Watch out! I think the one of the Mac integrates doesn't have a phono pre-amp section. Check Berners Mcintosh Web site.
 
Mac made some slim line units C-712 and C 715, MC 7100 and MC 502 come to mind that might work. There are integrates with and with out autoformers. Those without perform just as well are smaller and cost less. Watch out for the 6450 and 6850 they don't have phono inputs. The 6200 has all the flexibility in the world which the later units don't have. Some later units have remote control which can be fun. It costs a little more to buy from Audio Classics, but their offerings work like new and have a warranty. And they take care of you after the sale just like buying new. And if you really want tube sound there is always a MA 2275. You may have to save some more, but it might be the best final solution.
 
Old Guy8 said:
I've been useing a Rogue Sphinx version 1 integrated, I bought two years ago. I'm useing a 1983 Linn LP12 with AT440mla to MM phono. IMO, it sounds fine. 12au7 pre and Class D. Has plenty of power driving 4 ohm load, 4 ADS L880's. Hardly gets warm. I'm useing NOS Mullards. I would not call it warm or surupy sounding. More neutral. The new V2 is supposed to have improved phono. Under your budget.
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I have the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II. Same phono stage as the Sphinx (mine is the upgraded version). I have been very impressed with the sound from the phono stage. I am currently running it with all stock tubes. I will be doing some rolling soon and expect things to get even better. New this is a bit above your price point, but used it would be right in your ballpark.
 
I second the marantz 1060 suggestion for a less expensive vintage solid state option. It has a great preamp in my opinion and has pre in/outs so it can be used as a separate which gives you flexibility in the future if you ever did want to move to separates.
 
Thanks for the recommendations guys! Had not considered the Rogue Audio stuff. Also might be leaning towards an all-tube setup but not ruling SS out completely. The MA6200 certainly has my eye.
 
In my dedicated headphone system I had a Cary Audio SLP-50B tube pre-amp and a Project Phono Box2. Two units, but very small foot print. I rolled a bunch of tubes and the vintage Amperex Bugle Boys was the favorite. The sound was all music, beautiful. Under $1000. I tried it with the Bellari VP-129 phono pre with Mullards and it didn't sound as good.
 
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