Which integrated amp up to £1500?

[pete321]

I'm going to get a home demo of the Cyrus 8XP, Naim Nait XS and Musical Fidelity M3i integrated amps soon, are there anymore I should consider?

I'd love to audition the Roksan Caspian M2 after reading the WHF review, but I don't think it's got an AV input for my home cinema needs and I don't want to have to fiddle about with tape loops. I discounted the Leema Pulse as soon as I read "can sound lightweight".

 

[stumpy66]

Ive just got the Naim nait xs and can reccomend it, great amp. I cant comment on the other 2 on your audition list tho

 

[Anonymous]

PMA-2010AE

New in the UK. its amazing

 

[pete321]

BLaZZiN: PMA-2010AE

I suspect it'll be a bit too warm for my tastes, but thanks anyway.

 

[the record spot]

Have a look at the Harman Kardon HK990.

 

[Anonymous]

Moon I-1?

 

[pete321]

Thanks for your thoughts, but having just seen the Cyrus Pre XP + 8 Power combo deals which are around for £1500, I think that would take some beating at the price.

WHF Team, how do you think the Cyrus combo would do tested against the award winning Caspian M2 integrated? Thanks.

 

[5cats35]

You can get that combo a bit cheaper if you shop around. Google it and see what you get.

 

[Anonymous]

whats the rest of your gear ?

 

[plastic penguin]

pete321:

I'm going to get a home demo of the Cyrus 8XP, Naim Nait XS and Musical Fidelity M3i integrated amps soon, are there anymore I should consider?

I'd love to audition the Roksan Caspian M2 after reading the WHF review, but I don't think it's got an AV input for my home cinema needs and I don't want to have to fiddle about with tape loops. I discounted the Leema Pulse as soon as I read "can sound lightweight".

Would like to factor in the Leema Pulse. Listened to the Pulse and Caspian (outgoing model) and both immensely impressive. Each of them have their own sonic traits - the Leema is also fully loaded with features. Well worth a listen on both...

 

[Anonymous]

There's also the Densen B-110. I chose it over the XS and the Cyrus. It also has a lifetime guarantee.

 

[pete321]

I went via my usual dealer and have got the Pre XP + 8 Power for £1399. I'll try and add another 8 Power in the new year to bi-amp and then it'll be a toss up between a PSX-R or a secondhand SmartPower for centre channel duties in AV mode to keep the same sonic sound accross the front. Having had a lot of Cyrus kit in the past, I know how good a PSX-R can be, but I'm concerned that in surround mode the centre powered by my Z7 will sound too different to the L&R fronts powered by Cyrus.

My kit is as below, all my stereo music is played from PC lossless files (including a growing number 24/96 files) via my Level 4 + Bursons modded DacMagic. Waiting for the Marantz UD5005 to arrive to take care of Blu-ray/SACD/DVD-A duties.

 

[Anonymous]

stumpy66:

Ive just got the Naim nait xs and can reccomend it, great amp. I cant comment on the other 2 on your audition list tho

+1 it's a stunning amp, and drives my pmc's with ease

 

[Anonymous]

pete321:
BLaZZiN: PMA-2010AE

I suspect it'll be a bit too warm for my tastes, but thanks anyway.

It is warm and bass heavy. its also underrated on its power.

 

[cse]

Grottyash - what did you pay for the Densen and where did you purchase it? I have the Densen B420 Cd player and am interested in purchasing the amp to match. Could you describe it's sonic traits?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi cse, apologies for the delay, I missed this. The answer is a bit like the Naim XS in terms of prat, but a slightly fuller and smoother sound which I find a lot easier on the ears. Got mine in Finland, so can't help there

.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

pete321:
I'm going to get a home demo of the Cyrus 8XP, Naim Nait XS and Musical Fidelity M3i integrated amps soon, are there anymore I should consider?

I'd love to audition the Roksan Caspian M2 after reading the WHF review, but I don't think it's got an AV input for my home cinema needs and I don't want to have to fiddle about with tape loops. I discounted the Leema Pulse as soon as I read "can sound lightweight".

What about second hand? I got my immaculate I-3RS for £900.

 

[SteveR750]

Since you have included the 8XP then you should also listen to the Kandy K2. Well within budget so more money for Cds, beer, fags, fat food etc etc. I found the Cyrus too lean and lightweight for my tastes in comparison