ajxd Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 After 1.5 years of living off savings acct, student handouts, and driving Uber, I've moved and started my new position at Baylor. I sold too much gear to survive. I'm currently left with my Rotel RA1062 and DacMagic. I want to go simple. I want an integrated amp that has a Dac and phono stage. I have two current contenders... Marantz PM7005 ($1k, though used/refurb $750) and Paraound Halo integrated ($2.5k). The Halo is what I want... but $2.5k is a tough one to swallow. I haven't really seen any used so far. Anyone have any other insights? I'd like to stay under $2k. This will be driving my Sonus Faber 1.5s, and used for everything. Tardcore 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 looking for an integrated with both phono stage and a DAC kind of limits your options. Most integrateds favor one or the other. If you were willing to go outboard with the DAC, you could be looking at some pretty nice Rogue Audio options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 7, 2016 Author Share Posted January 7, 2016 SIMPLICITY. That's the name of my game. All in one unit. Didn't you use the 7005? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidamnesiac Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Rogue Audio Sphinx + SMSL M8 DAC? Edit: Tardcoreeeeee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 SIMPLICITY. That's the name of my game. All in one unit. Didn't you use the 7005? I use a PM8004. No digital input. Right now I am using my Marantz SR5008 with the PM8004 in power amp mode for digital. I really like the feature set on that Parasound integrated. It's a pretty new offering from them so I wouldn't really expect to see a lot of used on the market. I think AudioAdvisor is the outlet for Parasound refurbs. They are worth keeping an eye on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 AND IT DOES BLUETOOTH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney Crosley Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Was just gonna say PS Audio Sprout....good reviews, very simple, and I believe the price has dropped to about $500. A buddy of mine has a Peachtree iNova - no phono preamp, but its DAC is pretty impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 (I was kidding) dethrock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney Crosley Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 (I was kidding) I haven't heard that bad things about it.... I mean, I know it's not in the realm of other amps, but it's reasonably priced and has gotten some good reviews... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidamnesiac Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 The Sprout is fine. I've definitely been considering it as a go-to recommendation for a good all-in-one solution in an entry-level setup now that they have the price in a more reasonable place. But ajxd is beyond entry-level. The Parasound integrated looks like a great option, ajxd. I really do think you limit yourself by needing the DAC and phono pre onboard, though. My recommendation of the Rogue Audio Sphinx + SMSL M8 DAC, for example, would give you close to the same basic feature set as the Halo for $1,000 less. Note also that the DAC is the same as is in the Halo and it has a display. BONUS! That Sabre DAC is the best I've come across. Whatever you go with, if it has that you'll have a happy digital listening experience. I guarantee it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smwalsh6 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 No phono stage, but Peachtree Nova 220se can be found in the 1500 range right now. Could use that 500 off for a pretty killer pre. I absolutely love mine, and it's got enough power to drive pretty much anything you throw at it. Edit: Bel Canto C5i? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 Thank you smwalsh6 for giving me what I needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smwalsh6 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 The bel canto? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 Yep. Hadn't thought about looking into them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 SIMPLICITY. That's the name of my game. All in one unit. Didn't you use the 7005? I think I get why but I still think having everything in one box is a bad idea, it might work out a little more expensive to split it all up but being able to tailor the system to what I want rather than having to compromise to get everything in the same box would win out for me. Of course you could build exactly what you want in kit form from modules that are available from China, how are your soldering skills? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smwalsh6 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Let me know if you end up going that route. I'm really intrigued by that company but have never seen or heard any of their gear. I've been mulling over the idea of building an all American made setup and they seem to fit the bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Is the only reason you're not going to use your existing DAC Magic is to get everything into one box? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 I think I get why but I still think having everything in one box is a bad idea, it might work out a little more expensive to split it all up but being able to tailor the system to what I want rather than having to compromise to get everything in the same box would win out for me. Of course you could build exactly what you want in kit form from modules that are available from China, how are your soldering skills? Used to repair vintage amps and turntables for a living as an undergrad. I've had all separates multiple times. I'm just tired of turning on 4 different pieces to watch Netflix. One. Box. Let me know if you end up going that route. I'm really intrigued by that company but have never seen or heard any of their gear. I've been mulling over the idea of building an all American made setup and they seem to fit the bill. Honestly considering it. I'll like you know. Found a used C5i for $1200. Its a little weak at 60wpc, and the SF 1.5s aren't super high sensitive... so I'll still weighing options. Let's be real, I'll probably end up with the Parasound integrated. OR maybe compromise and get an integrated with no phono, and have a separate phono. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Used to repair vintage amps and turntables for a living as an undergrad. I've had all separates multiple times. I'm just tired of turning on 4 different pieces to watch Netflix. One. Box. That's sort of what I was suggesting, phono stage module, DAC module, Pre amp module, pair of power amp modules and probably a couple of power supply modules all in the same box, I've thought about doing it a few times and looking at the choice of kits and bits out there you could build something nice but of course now you're working you won't have the time. Mind you now you're a man of means again you could of course have two systems, one simple one box system for the TV and a proper system for audio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 Is the only reason you're not going to use your existing DAC Magic is to get everything into one box? The DacMagic will be in the small system (bedroom) that will be the Rotel 1062, DefTech 350s, and an Apple TV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smwalsh6 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 1200 is pretty sweet considering it's usually like 1800. I think they make a C7 or something like that that's around 80 wpc. Are the 1.5s 8 ohm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Good luck, man. There's some nice stuff out there that fits your wants. That Halo does look nice. You could always get a Sphinx or similar and get a new Oppo as a UDP/DAC. I've been very enamored with Odessey Audio lately, but they don't have anything that fits your wants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Here's a factory refurb Halo integrated for a few bucks off; http://www.audioadvisor.com/mobile/prodinfo.asp?number=2PAHAINT&utm_source=Email+Newsletters&utm_campaign=e891944aa3-Clearance_Newsletter_1_8_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2d471df912-e891944aa3-77508433 Or a demo if you prefer: http://audioadvisor.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=80e5a8d1b82a27eb253d67a95&id=48251640a7&e=bfb861a9bc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 1200 is pretty sweet considering it's usually like 1800. I think they make a C7 or something like that that's around 80 wpc. Are the 1.5s 8 ohm? Nominal is actually 6ohm. I do have some options if I decide to do integrated with DAC and then a separate phono... so that's a maybe. Or I just need to bite the bullet and take the demo'ed Parasound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Oppo... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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