Amplifier upgrade

[DelClark]

Hi all,
I am looking to replace my ageing LInn Intek with a budget of 1-2k
I want something with much more connectivity than Linn.
Requirements are:
Phono stage for my TT
Optical (for my CD so that I can use the Better DAC in new amp)
HMDI ARC (to connect to TV)
Bluetooth

The chap at Richer Sounds recommends a Cambridge, but I don't think they have Phono stage.

Therefore my short list, after a lot of research for an audition are:
Arcam A15+ (possibly A25+)
Audiolab 7000a (RS have deal on 1/2 price CD transport with this one)

I was just wondering on your faults between the two, or is there something else I should consider.
I am hoping I like the Audiolab, as the 1/2 price deal on the CD is very tempting.
I don't really need a receiver as I have DAB+ and internet radio covered at the moment.

Cheers

Del

 

[Al ears]

Hi all,
I am looking to replace my ageing LInn Intek with a budget of 1-2k
I want something with much more connectivity than Linn.
Requirements are:
Phono stage for my TT
Optical (for my CD so that I can use the Better DAC in new amp)
HMDI ARC (to connect to TV)
Bluetooth

The chap at Richer Sounds recommends a Cambridge, but I don't think they have Phono stage.

Therefore my short list, after a lot of research for an audition are:
Arcam A15+ (possibly A25+)
Audiolab 7000a (RS have deal on 1/2 price CD transport with this one)

I was just wondering on your faults between the two, or is there something else I should consider.
I am hoping I like the Audiolab, as the 1/2 price deal on the CD is very tempting.
I don't really need a receiver as I have DAB+ and internet radio covered at the moment.

Cheers

Del

 

[Al ears]

The dac in the amp may not be better than the one in your CD player.
Might be useful only if you are going to replace the CD player with a transport.
Apart from that nothing wrong with either of those amplifiers as far as I am aware.
The new Fell Audio amplifier and matching CD player might be worth considering but available only from Peter Tyson.
EDIT: forget Fell, just seen HDMI requirement

 

[daytona600]

Intek was a decent sounding amplifer
1/ Add a modern dac /streamer with HDMI & spend the rest on records
2/ Exposure 2510 + Wiim

 

[DelClark]

Unfortunately the Intek is playing up and Linn say that they cannot work on them anymore, so a new amp for me.

I may upgrade the CD if I go for the Audiolab as I will get the matching Audiolab one half price.

Although at the moment I do have the Majority Fitzwilliam 2025, which does me very nicely for DAB+ and internet radio. It also has Spotify, but I am yet to try it yet,
If I do get into streaming I may upgrade, but the Majority is fine for now.

But for now just need a new amp as the Linn is on the fritz, And I would really like one that I could connect to TV (hench need for HDMI ARC).

 

[Gray]

Unfortunately the Intek is playing up

What's wrong with it Del?

 

[gasolin]

You forgot to mention what speakers you have

 

[DelClark]

What's wrong with it Del?

A couple of times it stopped working, then later started working again, but when it's working it makes a sharp 'cracking" sound every so often.
Definitely on its way out.
When I get a new amp I will get a local chap to have a look at it to see if it can be repaired.
As I said Linn are not interested.