noisuf Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 (edited) Hi everyone, I've finally made my first purchase on my 2ch stereo journey, scored a Gieseler Gross DAC and can't wait to hopefully get it on Tuesday!!! I was initially looking at the Denon PMA-2500NE as a all in one option. But now with the Gieseler, it opens up so many more integrated amp options! I missed out on the Conrad Johnson CA200 in the classifieds the other day. I have this list to go buy as I want HT bypass......but searching up some with some very big $$$, I don't know what to laser focus on: http://www.audiophile.no/en/articles-tests-reviews/item/426-amplifiers-with-processor-input. I guess the Denon is still an option as it can go into analog mode.....I've heard it's still a beast of an amp too? Please give me some suggestions, help me out! Get something that is Class A/B? Looking to spend max max $3000 on the secondhand market.......if I can get it closer to $2000 it will make my CFO happier. Edited September 26, 2020 by noisuf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cafe67 Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 Do you need an integrated amp to have a dac inbuilt? If not consider marantz, musical fidelity , audiolab etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisuf Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 Hey @cafe67, thanks for the suggestions. Nope, the Gieseler removes the need for the inbuilt Dac. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisuf Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 Is there anything such as an 'endgame' integrated with HT bypass in this price range? The CA200 was said to be endgame? Others? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tripitaka Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 34 minutes ago, noisuf said: Is there anything such as an 'endgame' integrated with HT bypass in this price range? The CA200 was said to be endgame? Others? 'Endgame' is any item of gear that u buy... until you replace it as soon as (what was once) endgame magically becomes mid-tier. Finding the best amp u can within your budget is the more sensible way to describe it 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisuf Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 Lol, I have told things like slippery slopes......my CFO won't be happy. lol Endgame as much as possible within the budget then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cafe67 Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 2 hours ago, noisuf said: Lol, I have told things like slippery slopes......my CFO won't be happy. lol Endgame as much as possible within the budget then. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisuf Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 7 minutes ago, cafe67 said: Ok, it will take me a while to read this......but looks like I'm in trouble, it's not a slippery slide, it's into the rabbit hole I go!!!??? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irek Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 There is no such thing as universally great amplifier for every type of speakers, music and personal taste. It's also almost impossible to try all amplifiers even those available in Australia. Currently, after trying quite a few amps, I am using Exposure 3010 s2d. https://www.stereo.net.au/reviews/primaluna-evo-200-integrated-amplifier-review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisuf Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 Very true. And sound is so subjective. Hope I get lucky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gemini07 Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 My as-new Audia Flight Three S is still available. It has HT bypass, can be used as a preamp or power amp, has a built-in DAC, a headphone amp and an MM / MC phono stage. Oh, and the sound is glorious! A different league to the Denon and Cambridge Audio. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray H Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 (edited) @gemini07 ‘s Audia would be a brilliant choice. Very easy to listen to for long periods. It will also help to indicate what speakers are being used and your music tastes. if on a strict budget, you could do worse than this Stello; Bladelius is another good amp option that comes up at this price range. Edited September 27, 2020 by Ray H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisuf Posted September 27, 2020 Author Share Posted September 27, 2020 7 hours ago, gemini07 said: My as-new Audia Flight Three S is still available. It has HT bypass, can be used as a preamp or power amp, has a built-in DAC, a headphone amp and an MM / MC phono stage. Oh, and the sound is glorious! A different league to the Denon and Cambridge Audio. Thx gemini, nice amp, a little over the budget but will think about it. 4 hours ago, Ray H said: @gemini07 ‘s Audia would be a brilliant choice. Very easy to listen to for long periods. It will also help to indicate what speakers are being used and your music tastes. if on a strict budget, you could do worse than this Stello; Bladelius is another good amp option that comes up at this price range. Thx Ray. Already in discussion regarding the stello. Music is everything from RnB to classical to Norah jones to 80s pop (michael jackson) to rock/evanescence. Speakers to be upgraded....was looking for secondhand VAF i66 but now moving towards Adelaide/Ascension speakers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pops110 Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/324198-fs-musical-fidelity-nuvista-m3-integrated-amp/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisuf Posted September 27, 2020 Author Share Posted September 27, 2020 22 minutes ago, Pops110 said: https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/324198-fs-musical-fidelity-nuvista-m3-integrated-amp/ Thanks heaps @Pops110! I had a look already. Beautiful amp. But unfortunately doesn't have HT bypass....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petetherock Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 How about a Marantz PM11s3? the last Reference amp which is fully analogue .. equipped with a ht bypass and built to last Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al.M Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 (edited) here’s a list of potentials http://www.audiophile.no/en/articles-tests-reviews/item/426-amplifiers-with-processor-input Edited September 27, 2020 by Al.M 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisuf Posted September 27, 2020 Author Share Posted September 27, 2020 2 hours ago, petetherock said: How about a Marantz PM11s3? the last Reference amp which is fully analogue .. equipped with a ht bypass and built to last Thanks! I'll add it to the list. 1 hour ago, Al.M said: here’s a list of potentials http://www.audiophile.no/en/articles-tests-reviews/item/426-amplifiers-with-processor-input Yep, I've just gone through that list FULLY with a fellow SNA member. So good to get his feedback to help with with all the vast experience he has had. Now just need to find out what Edward's Ascension/Adelaide speakers prefer, warm or neutral. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 @noisuf I have one in mind. Do you mind buying new within budget? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisuf Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 4 minutes ago, blakey72 said: @noisuf I have one in mind. Do you mind buying new within budget? Hey Blakey, never thought of buying new as the good ones are usually double the used prices. But my interest is piqued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jone5y Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 1 hour ago, noisuf said: my interest is piqued. Mine too.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 The sleeper. Not a beast but a damn nice sounding amp https://www.exposurehifi.com/products/item/2510-integrated-amplifier.html OR https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/peachtree-audio-nova150-amplifier-with-dac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tripitaka Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 1 hour ago, blakey72 said: I have one in mind. Do you mind buying new within budget? Now come on young Blakey, you holdin' out on us here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 Just now, tripitaka said: Now come on young Blakey, you holdin' out on us here? Sorry, I just cracked 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 (edited) The speakers noisuf is looking at are o ohms 6 ohms and 91dB sensitivity so should be loads loud enough. Edited September 28, 2020 by blakey72 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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