Integrated amp + dac for Focal


Hello!

Looking for recommendations for an integrated amp with built-in DAC. Main inputs will be mac mini usb + optical for mostly 2ch music and some HT use. Will be used with Focal Aria 948 in 8 X 15 x 38 ft room. The NAD C372 with a Cambridge DacMagic 100 is what I'm looking to replace with the new unit.

I'd prefer to buy used and like:
Pass X250 (keeping the dacmagic dac)
Parasound Halo Integrated "HINT 6" 160 W
Cary si-300.2d


What do you think?

Thank you!


disector88
As an owner of Focal speakers I can attest to their tendency towards the analytic and bright sound.  It took me some time to discover that I needed tube power amps for them to live up to their potential.  I don't know which integrated to recommend but  tube output is necessary IMHO.
The amps I found to work beautifully are Opera Consonance Cyber 800s.  They are tube monoblocks, their price even new, is far from prohibitive.  They do require a pre amp so ultimately they may be more than you want to spend, or trouble with, although easy to use. 

I used to drive my Sopras with a Mcintosh MA8000 then moved on from McIntosh to Hegel. The H360 would definitely be worth a look. It has a pretty nice sounding DAC as well
Hegel looks interesting too. thank you.

any takes on the cary SI-300.2d?

I actually have a NAD C370, not C372 as op'ed.


If you can find one used I suggest the Pass Labs INT-250. I have one
connected to a ModWright OPPO and B and W 802 D3s. The sound is simply extraordinary. The Pass can deliver amazing dynamics and all the power you will every need.  I have not heard a tube amp that can do what the Pass does in the bass/lower base while producing excellent mid and highs. 
I've got 936's and they're getting their juice from a modified Pass F5 doing about 32 watts. It effortlessly drives them as loud as I like. I'm about as far from mine as you are from yours so I'd consider that kind of power ideal. I personally think tubes are a sub-optimal solution for speakers like these because of their current demands. I don't find them to be bright at all, and if an amp is going to make them sound bright, this F5 would be it with it's flat response out beyond 500 KHz. 
I seriously doubt you need more than an INT-60 to be honest. I'd feel comfortable driving mine with an XA25 or 30.8. The F7 is very well suited to fairly reactive speakers like these, too,