Time to update to 2 channel stereo

[Shadow_Ferret]

First, I've always been a 2 channel stereo vinyl guy. Never owned a cd player beyond the one that came in my car.

In 2008, I got caught up in the hype of home theater. I bought a Marantz SR4002 (80w into 7 channels). Bought 5 speakers and a subwoofer, and quickly realized. Im not really into watching movies. I know, right? Why did I buy one then? You got me. After listening to all the cool explosions and other bass-intensive movie scenes, I got bored. I wanted my stereo back, so I bought an AR XA turntable and happily went back to listening to vinyl.

Fast-forward to now. My oldest son has moved out, which allows me to create a music room. At the moment I still have the Marantz paired with a pair of 1970-era Polk Audio Monitor 7a speakers, a Mobile Fidelity Ultradeck I bought 5 years ago, and a Graham Slee Special Edition phono preamp.

It sounds great. But I am looking for a dedicated 2 channel stereo analog system. I'm budgeting approximately $3500 for an amp/preamp combo or an integrated amp. I'd like at least 100w into 8 ohms.

I don't need streaming, whatever that is. Nor do I need a DAC or CD player. And I have no idea what networking is. And the Polks go down to 25 Hz, so I don't feel i need a subwoofer. I want a pure analog 2 channel system, if that makes sense.

Any recommendations? The problem with web searches is it's hard to isolate stereo equipment from multichannel, multiroom, home theater and digital systems.

Thanks In advance.

 

[dolynick]

You may have trouble finding an pre-amp or integrated that does not come with a built-in DAC as that's pretty much standard nowadays. That said, just because it has one doesn't mean you have to use it.

I'm sure they exist yet. But if you exclude things that do include a built-in DAC I'd expect that your selection will be greatly limited.

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

...But if you exclude things that do include a built-in DAC I'd expect that your selection will be greatly limited.

It has been. That's why I came here.

But, if I don't have a choice in excluding them, then I guess we include those in the search.

 

[Mikado463]

Would you consider used ?

 

[lovinthehd]

I don't see any value/magic in an analog only setup over what you have already...especially for that sort of price for the electronics only.

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

Would you consider used ?

Yes.

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

I don't see any value/magic in an analog only setup over what you have already...especially for that sort of price for the electronics only.

True as far as analog vs digital. Im thinking that 2 channel sound vs 5 or 7 or 13 channels that there's less possibility of internal electronic interference (even if it can't be heard).

At the moment, I've got the Marantz Model 30 and the Yamaha A-S1200 on my list. Since I'm just coming back to the hobby, I'm not sure what brands are considered audiophile or near-audiophile quality.

 

[lovinthehd]

True as far as analog vs digital. Im thinking that 2 channel sound vs 5 or 7 or 13 channels that there's less possibility of internal electronic interference (even if it can't be heard).

At the moment, I've got the Marantz Model 30 and the Yamaha A-S1200 on my list. Since I'm just coming back to the hobby, I'm not sure what brands are considered audiophile or near-audiophile quality.

Define audiophile quality....an audiophile is a person, not a particular level of "high fidelity". Both of those units are fine, albeit limited function for the price.

 

[Mikado463]

I went back and re-read your opening post and while you may 'like' your trusty Polk 7a's, IMO they are the weak link in your system. As for your feeling that they do the bottom octaves well, they really don't and if your new 'music room' is going to be larger than their existing one then it will be come even more apparent in all probabilities.

I know Lovin's post above had an ounce or two of sarcasm in it but the more I think about it, if it were me, I'd put the $3500 into better speakers first

 

[lovinthehd]

My point wasn't sarcastic except for the poor use of the term "audiophile". Just more that there were better ways to spend the money on electronics. Speakers generally would be a better start than electronics of course. Don't know much about the Polks he has, tho just took a look and definitely much improvement could be had there....

 

[Mikado463]

My point wasn't sarcastic

i was referring to post #5.......

 

[lovinthehd]

i was referring to post #5.......

Don't know how you're reading that as sarcastic, its fairly straightforward....

 

[dolynick]

True as far as analog vs digital. Im thinking that 2 channel sound vs 5 or 7 or 13 channels that there's less possibility of internal electronic interference (even if it can't be heard).

There's no shortage of dedicated 2 channel pre/integrated amps out there from more "high-end" or traditionally "audiophile" brands. Most of them are just likely to include some sort of DAC as well nowadays. I don't see any reason why this has to imply the analog portions are somehow compromised in a well designed piece though.

I know Musical Fidelity offers a range of such units (both preamp and integrated) both above and below your price range. I am sure that that the likes of Rotel, Cambridge, Marantz, et al all have some dedicated two channel units yet as well. McIntosh surely has something too but I doubt it will be in your price range.

This Moon Audio appears to be entirely analog yet:

250i V2 Integrated Amplifier | Audio Preamp & Power Amp | MOON Simaudio

A classic integrated amplifier that delivers Hi-Fidelity and seductive musical performance. The 250i V2 delivers a seductive musical performance!

simaudio.com

It lists for $2900 CAD, so well under you budget limit. Just might not be enough power as it's 50W into 8 doubling into 4. The step up doubles power but includes a digital front end and is over your budget limit.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

At the moment, I've got the Marantz Model 30 and the Yamaha A-S1200 on my list.

I think Yamaha or Marantz Integrated amps are good choices for the budget.

Now, of course, with higher budget, something like a Bryston Preamp/Amp combo would be cool also.

For sh!ts and giggles.

 

[TLS Guy]

First, I've always been a 2 channel stereo vinyl guy. Never owned a cd player beyond the one that came in my car.

In 2008, I got caught up in the hype of home theater. I bought a Marantz SR4002 (80w into 7 channels). Bought 5 speakers and a subwoofer, and quickly realized. Im not really into watching movies. I know, right? Why did I buy one then? You got me. After listening to all the cool explosions and other bass-intensive movie scenes, I got bored. I wanted my stereo back, so I bought an AR XA turntable and happily went back to listening to vinyl.

Fast-forward to now. My oldest son has moved out, which allows me to create a music room. At the moment I still have the Marantz paired with a pair of 1970-era Polk Audio Monitor 7a speakers, a Mobile Fidelity Ultradeck I bought 5 years ago, and a Graham Slee Special Edition phono preamp.

It sounds great. But I am looking for a dedicated 2 channel stereo analog system. I'm budgeting approximately $3500 for an amp/preamp combo or an integrated amp. I'd like at least 100w into 8 ohms.

I don't need streaming, whatever that is. Nor do I need a DAC or CD player. And I have no idea what networking is. And the Polks go down to 25 Hz, so I don't feel i need a subwoofer. I want a pure analog 2 channel system, if that makes sense.

Any recommendations? The problem with web searches is it's hard to isolate stereo equipment from multichannel, multiroom, home theater and digital systems.

Thanks In advance.

It is your lucky day, if you act fast.

On eBay there is a really nice Quad 44 and 909 amp.

Do not worry for in an instant that is used. For your purposes there in no finer pair that this. Quad is absolutely superb. It is beautifully designed and built. The designer Peter Walker is one the greatest names in the history on audio. He published detailed service manuals right away open to all. The units are superbly built and laid out inside. There are a lot of sites that will service these units, unlike practically anything else you could be.

I have used Quad amplifiers, preamps and FM tuners for 60 years. My main system is powered by seven Quad 909 amps and 2 Quad 405-2 amps. I have four turntables and one connected to a Quad 33 now over 60 years old and still going strong. Two are connected to a Quad 34 and one to a Quad 44.

In the family room there is a Quad 909 and a Quad 405-2 and in the great room two Quad 909s.

These amps have superb sound and are everything that you could possibly desire in an amp. They were built with care in Huntingdon Cambs UK.

You are just the customer that Peter designed for. Within your budget there is absolutely nothing better you could buy and that includes brand new. Actually you could spend thousands and get worse, much worse.