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So many integrated options -- McIntosh 8900, Levinson 585, Lyngdorf 2170, Anthem STR,

just to name a few that I'm considering.  Here's my current situation and what I'm thinking.  I'm currently running a Denon AVR X5200, which is a top level AV receiver, but I use a very powerful Krell power amp, the FPB 400cx, to power the front L/R speakers.  It actually sounds decent, but for my two channel listening, I'm limited to the quality of the pre-amp section in the Denon.  Now, the 400cx is a class A amp, runs very hot, and weighs over 100 pounds.  So, I'm wondering if I can improve my overall sound quality by going with a high end integrated amp for my two channel listening.  I'd also be getting rid of one huge, heavy, and hot box and reducing the need for interconnect cables.

Now, all these units include a home theater bypass, so I could continue to use my Denon for my Blu-ray movies and TV watching, thereby preserving my multi-channel system.  I also use my Oppo 203 to play multi-channel SACD and DVD-Audio over HDMI into the Denon.  With one of these integrated amps, I could then connect my Oppo's digital output, my laptop pc, and my turntable, to the IA.  I would think the DAC and associated analog output stages, as well as the phono stage quality of the integrated amps would be superior to that of the Denon receiver.

As to my integrated amp options, I really like the functionality of the McIntosh 8900 in that it can truly serve as a "one box" solution because it includes a nice phono stage.  It also has the upgradeable DAC module, which has the potential to somewhat "future proof" it in case McIntosh releases an upgraded module.  200 wpc.

The ML No. 585 has the highest list price and has great reviews, although it's been out a few years.  It does not offer a modular DAC or phono input, although I could easily obtain a nice phono stage.  200wpc.

The Lyngdorf is currently very hot here on Agon and people are heaping praise on its sound quality.  Again, it has a DAC but no phono stage. Not as much power as the 8900, STR, or 585.

The Anthem STR Integrated is new and also includes MM and MC phono inputs.  200 wpc.  Includes Anthem Room Correction.

Any opinions or experience here with these options?  Thanks much.
mtrot
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
Uberwaltz your discussion and love of the Lyndorg is fine, however, just because you have a built in room correction system doesn't mean that a user will love the sound of the product.

We have the Anthem STR which is a $4,500 dollar integrated, class A/B with a great Dac and the state of the art Anthem ARC room correction system. 

This product doesn't' sound anywhere as good, in terms of richness and bass definiition compared to the Micromega M100 which is also a $4,500 integrated wtih room correction as an option. The Micromega which is also class A/B with a built in dac sounds noticably different. 

Also the Anthem STR integrated sounds decent but the Anthem seperates are way superior sounding even though they are based on the same circuitry, the seperates sound noticably warmer, cleaner, and are more engaging. 

So the point is that each listener must hear the product for themselves.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ


robelvick's avatar
robelvick
466 posts
 
+1 Lyngdorf 2170
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
4,946 posts
 
@audiotroy 
Quite possibly I was a little effusive in my posts on the Lyngdorf.
However my take on the OPS thread was that he was looking for real life experience from actual owners. And as out of his group the Lyngdorf is the only one I have owned it was only right to comment solely on that.
I do not think he is looking for Google derived info from armchair test pilots.
For example I hear the Devialet units are highly regarded with great reviews but as I have no experience I offered no comment.

I appreciate your insight on other units that you do have experience of and hopefully that also helped the OP.

Respectfully......
mtrot OP
642 posts
 
Update: After being counseled NOT to give up my Krell class A amp, I’m now considering going with a pre-amp that has home theater bypass. My original thinking was that I could pretty much fund a new integrated by selling the Krell. But if I’m going to miss the class A audio quality of the Krell, well maybe I won’t go that route.

Specifically, I’m looking at the new Anthem STR pre-amp, which includes DAC, phono input, and home theater bypass, and looks to me like it will do everything that I want. That would allow me to use XLR connections to my Krell. Regarding McIntosh, their pre-amps don’t seem to be as versatile.

@ uberwaltz,

Yes, I’m looking for hands-on experiences.

Edit:  Actually, the McIntosh C47 pre-amp is more versatile than I thought, as it does offer home theater bypass.  And it's actually a bit cheaper retail price than the Anthem STR. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
mac preamp with tone controls.....
listening to my 1965 MX-110 Z as we speak....
Charlie Haydens bass is singing...

seriously the EQ on a Mac preamp can come in handy....

i will say an Ayre or Pass Integrated should at least be on your listen to list IMO..

and the 85 wpc VTL is super sweet if ya like valves...er tubes....


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