Integrated Amplifier

pjpicket
I think the Musical Fidelity M6500I is discontinued. Too bad because I have heard this amp and it is spectacular in every way. Dead quiet, true dual mono, and very powerful. If I could have afforded to buy it from my local dealer I am sure I would have been very happy with it.I have been using a Parasound A21 for a few years now and I don’t think the Parasound HINT would be that different except the power would not be as much. Parasound has made a JC5 now that is basically two JC 1 mono amps into one box. If that amp was paired with the right preamp, it would be as good as the M6500I.https://theaudiophileman.com/halo-jc5-power-amplifier-parasound/

How can the Virtuoso be a "no brainer" when it is already months past it's projected release date.  

The new anthem STR integrated is very  compelling. I’m in the same boat where I’m getting into 2 channel from a HT environment but don’t want to outlay for new speakers at the moment so HT bypass would be a nice feature to have for cost and convenience. I’m torn between 1. The Anthem STR because it’s new and “modern” looking and seems to be a nicely built, feature rich INT, 2. a used MAC7200 because I’ve always wanted to get into MAC gear and they hold their value surprisingly well, or 3. The PrimaLuna INT option that was already mentioned because it seems to be well built and gets great reviews as a way to get into a good tube amp for little money. I’m hoping to find some good real world reviews on the Anthem STR before I make my decision. I seem to be leaning towards the Prima Luna at the moment because I hear good things and I could add a decent TT for less than ether the anthem or used MAC gear. 

Sorry, not trying to hijack your thread, just providing my three options that may suit your needs as well as they are all close to your mentioned budget and all have HT passthru.

Guys, you might want to rethink using a tube integrated in a combo 2-channel HT system. You'll be using the tubes all the time, for 2-channel as well as TV/HT. Do you really want to wear out your tubes watching TV? If reduced tube life is not a concern for you, have at it. The tube life would be a concern for me. Plus, I like to leave my amp on most/all the time. Not a good idea with tubes....

I use the Cambridge CXA80 . Its reasonably priced and sounds great. Using it with Golden Ear Triton1's and B&W CDM N1's.  the CXA60 is less expensive, puts out less watts, and is an outstanding integrated.