The Image T6 is a darn nice speaker and relatively sensitive but still will benefit from a little power to get them to open up a touch.

For that reason, the new 3020 D may lack the oomph to drive these even at more modest levels.

I personally own the Brio R and am pleased with it but it is decidedly warm. It is an extremely nice unit but you have to like the Rega house sound which is going to be a touch forward in the upper midrange with rolled off highs and slightly muddy bass. It is very specific and I like it a lot and Jazz in particular is sounds amazing on Rega equipment. Also, the internal phono stage is fabulous. However, on certain songs you may find yourself yearning for slightly crisper lows. This is why, although I still have the Rega, I ultimately upgraded and am using a Rogue power amp. At $899, if you like the sound, this unit is mind bogglingly good.

The Peachtree is a nice unit but is going to lack a phono stage and has a redundant DAC with your DAC iTx. I am a huge fan of Peachtree and think they make a great unit for the money. Can you sell the DAC iTx and use that to get a phono stage?

The Arcam is superb. It has a nice phono stage in it and will be more neutral and balanced than the Rega. At $999, you will struggle to find a better value.

Other options you may want to consider would be the Creek Audio Evo 50a which I think is $1199. Superb unit and if you paired it with a Vincent Audio Pho 8 phono stage you would come in right at $1500 and have a killer system.

The other unit worth looking at is the Rogue Audio Sphinx v2 which is $1395 with remote, $1295 without. It is a hybrid tube unit which ultimately sounds more solid state than you would think. The Rega is warmer than this Rogue. The internal phono stage is spectacular for the money and this is a really nice, balanced unit. I have a Hydra power amp from them and can't say enough good things about Rogue.

Ultimately, I would talk to the guys at Needledoctor and/or Audio Advisor. They sell these units and offer a 30 day return policy. They will be able to discuss pros and cons of each and if you don't like it, you can return it and try a different unit for the cost of return shipping. You aren't really going to know what it is going to sound like till you get it in your home and listen for a few weeks.

Hope this helps and good luck to you.

Swap5 wrote:

Hi All

Long time reader but first time posting. Reaching out for some suggestions on an amplifier choice. I will be upgrading from an NAD 3020 (original not the newer digital) connected to a peachtree Dac iTx, AT turntable and PSB image T6 speakers. Primarily listen to vocal jazz, folk and rock.
My candidates are:
Rega brio-r
Peachtree nova65/150
Arcam a19
D3020 + phono

Sounds decent currently but I don't listen too loud and the music feels dull at lower dbs - lacks some depth and image I feel. what would you folks recommend as an upgrade for under $1500?

Thanks!

I had the Image T6 speakers for 2 years and have some experience with them.

They sounded pretty good with a NAD 326BEE amplifier.

At one point I tried a Parasound A23 amplifier, which I thought sounded pretty bad; didn't like it at all.

I also used a Musical Fidelity M3i integrated amp, which was very good!

Later I switched to an Audio Research preamp and Bryston power amp, which was significantly better, as one might expect.

I would suggest the Musical Fidelity M3 if you can afford $1500. The Arcam would be my second choice; all of their amps sound very good.

Swap5 wrote:

Great insights - I was leaning towards the Rega initially. The new Peachtree 150 actually has a phono stage - I would then sell the iTx since it will be redundant. The A19 is great value but I am reading needs the right match for speakers - wasn't clear it would go well with the T6s. Thanks again!

The T6 speakers are an easy match for practically any amplifier; not much to be concerned about there.