Mattnolanmd wrote:

I am purchasing either a VPI Classic 1 or VPI Scout 2 with a Ortofon Black cartridge. I have Goldenear Triton 2 speakers. Looking to purchase quality integrated Amp along with probably a separate phono pre-amp to power it. I am looking for helpful suggestions and experiences. Budget for the amp/pre-amp combination can be ~4000-5000.

Thanks

I would suggest that you consider the Musical Fidelity M6Si Integrated amplifier, which Music Direct is now selling for only $2995. This is a remarkably low price for such an excellent integrated amplifier. I have always been extremely impressed with the superb quality of their products (I use the M6PRX power amplifier in my system; Stereophile rates it Class A, along with many amps costing 5 to 10 times as much!).

The M6Si includes a very high quality phono stage.

At a some what lower price, the Creek Evolution 100 (article in current Stereophile) is a very good alternative, as is the Cambridge Audio 851A. They are both very good products.

For a separate phono preamp, the Musical Fidelity V90-LPS is IMO one of the best for under $500, and actually only costs around $250. It is very good, and a bargain at that price.

Those are superb units and absolutely are worth considering for integrated amps.

Also, those VPI tables are awesome. Can't say enough good things about VPI and that 2M Black is magnificent.

In the $3K range for integrated amps, the class leaders are the Roksan Caspian M2 and the Rega Elicit R. Reviews for both are on WhatHifi and the they are the award winners for their price segments. I have heard both and think they are awesome. Lots of detail. I think the Rega is just a hair warm compared to the Roksan. I might also look at the Rogue Audio Pharoah as a tube unit at $3495. I just listened to several Rogue audio units and was seriously impressed by them.

I am thinking that a Rogue Audio Hydra power amp with an Ayre Acoustics K-5xemp Pre-amp may be my next step though I need to figure out how I am going to get my wife to let me spend $6500.

It has been about 3 years since I listened to it, but Simaudio has a solid state integrated in this price range and it was awesome. I can't remember the model number I listened to driving a pair of B&W CM9s but I was extremely impressed with the unit. It was most likely the 240i or 340i which should keep you right in that $3500 to $4500 price range.

You mentioned the Primaluna in another string and Primaluna is nothing less than exceptional though I can't comment on exact models. They are a bit out of my price range.

For phono stages, if you want to go a bit higher end, consider the Musical Surrounding Nova II at $1200 or the Rega Aria at $1495. Both are truly awesome. The ultimate unit to me is the Ayre Acoustics P-5xe but it is like $2400. Easy to say it is the best phono stage I have ever heard, hands down.

Good luck and hope this helps.

I am currently using the Audio Research LS26 for my preamp. It, with the M6PRX is audio heaven to me, and I wouldn't change a thing (using Vandersteen Treo speakers.)

The current model LS27 is essentially the same as the LS26 with only minor tweaks, and goes for $6995.

I would expect the M6PRE and M6PRX to sound better than the integrated, but of course that combo is twice the price, and I suspect that the integrated is very good...especially at the price.

Not having heard the new integrated, however, I can't say just how good it is. One could certainly get it from Audio Advisor or Music Direct and try it for 30 days and return it if it doesn't satisfy. That is what I would do if I was seriously interested.