New Integrated or Separates

rich.maltz13@gmail.com -- Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:23

I am looking to upgrade my older Bryston Gear for a new integrated or seperates in the $5-$6k range. I have no preference to whether it be an integrated or separates and I am looking for the best sound quality I can get. The only other feature that I really need on this would be a pass through to integrate my 2 chanel and HT systems.

My Current system
Wadia i170 Transport
PS Audio Digital Link III Dac
Bryston 3B Amp
Bryston .5B Preamp
Gallo Ref Sub Amp
Anthony Gallo Ref 3.1 Speakers
Audience Maestro Interconnects/Speaker Cables

Does anyone have any suggestions for an integrated/separates that would work well in this system? I'm thinking that I could get more for my money with an integrated at this price range. Also, I've heard that the Gallos open up a lot when you give them more power so I was likely looking solid state. Wouldnt mind looking into a solid state amp with a tubed pre-amp, however. Finally, I would say that I prefer a more musical presentation over an analytical one. Soundstage and natural timbres are also important.

Thanks,

Rich

TomH -- Thu, 01/28/2010 - 19:27

You don't have too bad a system to start with Rich! I think that staying with seperates gives you the most flexibility and a greater chance to taylor the sound to your liking. So..... perhaps start with the preamp , the Audio Research SP-17 and LS-17 offer great soundstaging and natural musicality. They have the pass through you desire as well and should mate with the 3B just fine. Of course there are many more out there but a LS-17 driving Bryston 4BSST might be pretty good! Happy hunting.

rich.maltz13 (not verified) -- Sat, 01/30/2010 - 12:27

Thanks Tom
I've heard many instances where people pair an Audio Research pre with a Bryston amp. I'm assuming this combo is particularly good, but has anyone heard this? I was also looking into parasound or cambridge. Recently, my dealer mentioned the Plinius 9200 integrated. I don't think this has a passthrough input but I could be wrong. Anyone have any other ideas?

TomH -- Sun, 01/31/2010 - 11:47

I have listend to a ARC/ Bryston combo about 6 or 8 times as well as the Parasound A21 twice and also a MAC. IMHO I thought the Bryston was the most nuetral "less there" amp but i have auditioned it for longer periods than the others. Most of the time it was the 4BSST and the SP-17 (mine) BCD cd player and the Avalon Indra's and Ascendant's, and the DALI Euphonia MS4. As i am slowly thinking about a replacement for my aging Acurus A250, I think that the 4BSST would do a very good job. I am sure the Plinius would be great too, but this is what I have heard alot lately and am confident in recomending it.Have fun! Its all good!

Robert Harley -- Sun, 01/31/2010 - 13:09

The Pass Labs INT-150 is a little more than you've budgeted, but is an outstanding integrated amplifier with plenty of power. I would consider several integrated amps; they have come a long way in the past few years.

rich.maltz13 (not verified) -- Mon, 02/08/2010 - 13:44

I've started to think about the possibility of extending my budget and going for the Berkeley as a dac/pre as all of my sources are digital. Then this leaves a huge number of possibilities for the amp. The only issue here would be integrating the two channel and HT without hassle. HT would be used everyday for regular TV watching so changing wires isnt really a solution. Is there any other option here or do i need to go a different route than the Berkeley?

Robert Harley -- Mon, 02/08/2010 - 23:36

I don't think that the Berkeley is your best solution. Its digital inputs are TosLink, AES/EBU, and BNC. It's unlikely that your sources will precisely match those interfaces. In addition, it has no provision for the theater functions you need.

You should also check out the April Music Stello Ai500 at $3695. Steven Stone's review appears in the next issue, which mails on February 26th. I heard this unit sound wonderful at CES driving one of the most difficult loads extant, the Magnepan 20.1.

EDMOND (not verified) -- Mon, 03/08/2010 - 20:42

Hello,
Perhaps the Pass Labs integrated the RH suggested or the Simaudio integrated for about $7K (about the Pass's cost). GaMut makes a beautiful integrated but I am not sure of the cost or spec's. as does McIntosh of course. Their 2275 (verify model # please) is an integrated KT88 tubed piece with the power and guts to drive anything I would imagine and the sound is fantastic. I think it also goes for about $7K though. Otherwise, like the other guy suggested, try an AR pre and a Bryston power amp. as that combo is usually fabulous. With Audiogon as a possible source, you could save much money and get what you want too, but without a warranty in most cases of course. Hope that helps.

Rich.maltz13 (not verified) -- Wed, 03/10/2010 - 15:07

Thanks for all the suggestions. Im very tempted to work with a local dealer that i've bought some stuff from in the past. Models that I know I would be able to audition in my own system would include the Plinius 9200 and the Luxman L-505u. This dealer has said that the new Luxman 507-u is actually a much better amp and i would be able to get it at a reasonable price.
Other brands he has include Cayin, Creek, Manley, Modwright, Music Hall, and Oracle. Anyone have any suggestions from these other brands? Also, word is that he may get Bel Canto soon as well. I've heard that the Bel Cantos and Gallos sound great together.
Most likely, I'll end up auditioning the plinius and the luxman. Fortunately, there are some other dealers in my area that have a few other brands that I may visit as well to see if i can get an in home audition. Any other thoughts?

TomH -- Mon, 03/15/2010 - 17:54

Probably past your budget, but the Manley Wave DACpre would do what you want. Digital and analogue inputs and a tape/ processor loop that allows you to integrate the T.V. and HT. Maybe your dealer can tell you more.