I need help purchasing an integrated amplifier to start my quest to assemble a sound system for listening to my vinyl collection. I’m excited to find the “just right” corner piece and am learning that there is too much to research and need some direction. I have migrated to the following types of used amps and would to prefer limiting my budget to around $2k. Mcintosh MA6500, Marantz PM7001KI, Audiolab 8000P, Perreaux SXP2 SX60m’s. I’m unsettled about tube or SS but I am very interested in getting every bit of fidelity out of my classic rock collection. Any focused would be much appreciated.

Ready to rock out!

That's a great budget, but what turntable and cart are you using as that has a great deal to do with getting the most out of vinyl. You should get lots of great advice. :yes: And welcome to AK.

A good vintage amp I would look into is the Kenwood Ka-9100. Built from 1977 to 1979. Everyone says it has the best phono section of alot of amps. I have a Ka-9100 that has been in my family since new when my mom bought it brand new back in 1979. I have to say it has a very good phono section. I have a technics turntable hooked up to it right now with a audio technica cartridge.

But if I were you I would look into the Ka-9100.

Kenwood KA7100 (with transistors and not power modules) 60watts or Sansui AU517 65watts, 2 separate power supplies and transformers.
Got em both and sound sweet with all sources.
And not alotta money.

welcome to AK, repeter!

are you starting from the scratch? or do you have a turntable (since you already have a collection of LP's)?

either way, 2 grand can do lots of good systems. any reason why you've mentioned those amps? while McIntosh MA6500 is without a doubt best out of what you've listed, it alone will burn all your budget even a used one.

if i had to put together a system for vinyl from the scratch with 2 grand, here's how i'd do it. of course it's only my opinion and limited to my own experience. :D

thorens TD-160 turntable - $200
fisher x-202 integrated - $300
klipsch la scala speakers - $1200
nitty gritty 1.0 record cleaner - $200
shure v15 III cartridge - $120

Thank you all for the quick response. First, I hadn’t considered Fisher and Kenwood’s line but will start looking for the models mentioned. I am starting from scratch because what I have is a not worth mentioning, in fact it would probably get me banned if I did. I do have a new mid level turntable (Pro-Ject Audio Systems) that will probably get upgraded once I find my amp, then speakers. I’m pretty sure my cart will not suffice and need some help here also. The one I have is new and reads; Oyster??? Back to input. The systems that I have been looking for (original post) were recommended by a friend that has some contacts. The Mcintosh reputation seemed like a simple solution (lead with your wallet). I’m not afraid of enduring the one time purchase, however, I am intrigued with alternative solutions. Again, first find a pre-owned, high quality amp that I can build my system around. I’m of the opinion, “only cry once” so $2k plus or minus should be a workable budget (amp only). If it matters, I like to listen at a moderate level and with “punchy” base, crisp highs and not over saturated mids. Typical environment consist of friend’s diving into my Hendrix, Stephen Stills, Traffic and believe it or not Neil Diamond and Motown stuff. Once I find an amp I’ll be back for speakers. Thanks again and happy holidays!

For the power amp I suggest a Harman Kardon Citation Twelve Deluxe. It is truly one of the best sounding amps I have ever heard and I have heard a lot of them. Mine has sounded incredible with any preamp I have hooked it up to. I believe you can find one on ebay every once in awhile for around $200.00.

I'd look into used Adcom or maybe Bryston. Clean, powerful and nice sounding amps.

it doesn't take thousands of dollars to achieve beautiful sound! at the moment i'm listening to a fifteen dollar receiver, a seven dollar turntable with a twenty-two dollar cartridge and a pair of homemade speakers i have roughly a hundred bucks in. while as an audiophile, i'll never be satisfied, it doesn't sound half bad.

Lets go back to the OP's original premise? Best "Integrated for Vinyl" - that would be a well respected Integrated Amp that has fine phono section and adjustable phono loading circuits. I have a Pioneer SA-8800, and along with the models above it all have variable capacitance and variable inductance so you can load whatever phono cartridge you are using to it's best perfomance.

You can do this with a lesser Integrated or Pre-amp, if you run an external phono stage. That's a call only you can make? If you decide to keep it a one box solution, you'll be on the look-out for an older Integrated with these features.

They are a bit hard to find and they will all need a good service. My guess is about $250 for the beast to start with and about $500 in a top notch service with cap replacement in the phono section and assorted other work. So there you are at around $750 for the centerpiece.

Then you have to feed it. As has been mentioned, what TT and which cartridges will you be running? A really decent used classic TT will set you back $250~$500 and you can easily blow through $1K on a couple of higher-end cartridges - say a Clear Audio and a Grado Platinum. You'll need at least two voices to get the most out of your collection. Not all LPs were mastered that well. Some need a bit more bass and mid-range, some a bit more top end. the only way to get that at the source is to be able to mount cartridges or have two tables?

it doesn't take thousands of dollars to achieve beautiful sound! at the moment i'm listening to a fifteen dollar receiver, a seven dollar turntable with a twenty-two dollar cartridge and a pair of homemade speakers i have roughly a hundred bucks in. while as an audiophile, i'll never be satisfied, it doesn't sound half bad.

I'm with you lguise. :thmbsp:

If I had $2k to blow on an amp I'd be looking at McIntosh. I don't think Mac ever made a piece of equipment that dissapoints so you really can't go wrong.