krebetman Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 My system is based around a Plinius 9200 integrated amp, driving Lenehan MLT3 speakers. Sources are digital streamed via an Audiophilleo 2 and Rega DAC. I am considering upgrading the amp and plan to explore the Hegel H190 or maybe the H390. I like the idea of the integrated DAC as well. However, I am aware that if route, would reuquire a separate phono stage. Not really looking for separates for space and simplicity reasons, but know from members like @Cafad that there are lots of good sounding integrates. Looking for thoughts about what other integrated amp options I should look at up to a similar price range. Otherwise, should I consider a different approach? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy8 Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 (edited) Not my area of expertise but it will help others if you specify a maximum budget. A quick search shows Hegel 190 going for $6+K, not sure about 390 $10K??? Edited July 9, 2019 by Snoopy8 Typo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krebetman Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share Posted July 9, 2019 Yes $10k max budget 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted July 9, 2019 Volunteer Share Posted July 9, 2019 what about the Vitus in the classifieds. Actually there are a few of them. You can add a dac module as well 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 for something different ... have you considered valves ? 6-10k woudl buy a pretty serious valve integrated.... maybe check in with mike on suggestions... anyways just to check something different out as another alternative ps i wouldnt go integrated dac... they tend to come and go with the seasons... thats ways can buy something there of choice instead ot marry up. and so many good choices why limit to whats an amp comes with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krebetman Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share Posted July 9, 2019 (edited) I was waiting for somebody to suggest valves. My learning curve just got a whole lot steeper! Edited July 10, 2019 by krebetman 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blybo Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 (edited) Naim Uniti Nova? https://www.audiotrends.com.au/hi-fi-stereo/audio-components/network-music-players/naim-audio-uniti-nova.html Moon 340i with DSD Dac and Phono pre built in https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/moon-by-simaudio/products/simaudio-moon-neo-340i-integrated-amplifier-with-dsd-dac-phono-stage#tab2 Edited July 9, 2019 by blybo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 1 hour ago, krebetman said: I was waiting for somebody to suggest valves. My learning curve just got a whole lot steeper! on other end of scale how about a big mac id definitely check with mike though on what tends to work now work with your lenehans.... also at this sort of money would want to experience first hand how they go as a combo... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krebetman Posted July 10, 2019 Author Share Posted July 10, 2019 (edited) Love the suggestions, although auditioning some of them will be a challenge. Even though I don't regularly listen at high levels, I value good control and wonder if the all-in-one units like the Naim and Linn would go well in my very large room (about 8x9m with vaulted ceiling that reaches over 4m at the highest point). I haven't heard Moon or Mac much, but do recall a cafe in Mykonos pumping out nice sounds (for a cafe) courtesy of huge Mac amps. I'm also considering Devialet if I can find one in budget, but wonder if it will be too 'incisive' for my tastes. There are also Electrocompaniet amps in this price range, but weirdly, I haven't much liked what I have heard from that brand previously. Edited July 10, 2019 by krebetman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 1 hour ago, krebetman said: Love the suggestions, although auditioning some of them will be a challenge. Even though I don't regularly listen at high levels, I value good control and wonder if the all-in-one units like the Naim and Linn would go well in my very large room (about 8x9m with vaulted ceiling that reaches over 4m at the highest point). I haven't heard Moon or Mac much, but do recall a cafe in Mykonos pumping out nice sounds (for a cafe) courtesy of huge Mac amps. I'm also considering Devialet if I can find one in budget, but wonder if it will be too 'incisive' for my tastes. There are also Electrocompaniet amps in this price range, but weirdly, I haven't much liked what I have heard from that brand previously. that sounds like a LARGE space ....id probably err on the more muscular amps.... and possibly even compliment with a subwoofer if partial to those. with buying an integrated myself in past months. i too the approach that its not likely i will be able to demo and check out EVERYTHING... just impossible... in any case there are likely to be excellent choices between what ever brands components you have access too. and likely enough to make a decision on something really happy with Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psychometrics1 Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 I have owned ML3s but while I am selling a Vitus RI100 it never coincided with them but certainly it has plenty of grunt and finess. Mine is silver and AJ has a black one. I did use and like Hegel H160, Plinius Hautonga and Audia Flight 3S. The integrated valve amps I tried didn't do it for me in the bottom end and were a bit hot in the Perth summer. While I keep buying and trying as part of this hobby, my wife has accepted my Electrocompaniet pre and mono blocks and CD so they are a constant. Good luck with the hunt. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krebetman Posted July 10, 2019 Author Share Posted July 10, 2019 3 hours ago, betty boop said: that sounds like a LARGE space ....id probably err on the more muscular amps.... and possibly even compliment with a subwoofer if partial to those. with buying an integrated myself in past months. i too the approach that its not likely i will be able to demo and check out EVERYTHING... just impossible... in any case there are likely to be excellent choices between what ever brands components you have access too. and likely enough to make a decision on something really happy with Yes, large and kinda bright lively too - thus my concern about forward-sounding kit. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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