Integrated Amps with Digital Inputs

sbaradaran

Active Member
Hi All,

I'm new to the forums (been reading for a few months) and need some suggestions on modern-ish integrated amps. I've been slowly, but surely migrating towards higher end audio.

The current setup:

A/V Receiver - Yamaha RX-V1300
Phono Preamp - TCC TC-750
Turntable - Audio Technica LP120 /w Sure M97x
Fronts A - Energy C-5
Fronts B (in Kitchen) - Polk RTi3
Center - Energy CC-1
Sub - Energy s10.2

I essentially want to replace the Yamaha with something more musical at the sacrifice of the Center channel. My split between music and movies is probably 70/30.

Requirements:
  • Minimum 2 Channels - A and B speakers
  • Digital Input for connection to TV
  • Minimum 2 Analog Inputs
  • Minimum 20 Watts Power
  • No more than $500

I've gone through the stickies in this forum and done some of my own research on integrated amps. None of the ones below have digital inputs. Is there any way around this?

Music Hall 15.3
http://musichallaudio.com/a15-3-integrated-amplifier/

Rotel RA-10
http://www.rotel.com/UK/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=503

Denon
http://www.denon.co.uk/uk/product/pages/product-detail.aspx?catid=hificomponents&subid=amplifiers&productid=pma720ae

NAD
http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C-326BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier

Marantz
http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=HiFiComponents&SubCatId=&ProductId=PM5005

I've seen some multichannel integrated amps with tons of features but they are all $1K plus.

Do you guys have any recommendations?

Thanks in advance!
 
Get yourself an inexpensive DAC that has an optical input for use with your TV. There's plenty available for under $200 that will work with any integrated amp.
 
Get yourself an inexpensive DAC that has an optical input for use with your TV. There's plenty available for under $200 that will work with any integrated amp.

Thanks for the advice! I knew there was a simple solution to not having to spend tons on an integrated amp with a DAC built in.
 
Comes down to what you want to achieve - I dont know how good the amp(s) in your receiver are for 2-channel music but there's no comparison between my PM6005 and the old Yamaha AV receiver I had for 3 years. The Marantz has more guts and adds a lot more emotion to my music, even if the overall sound is darker and warmer than many here might prefer.
 
I do play music via chromecast so digital music through the TV is also critical. I would therefore need a higher end DAC.
Parasound's Zdac can be had for $269 as a demo/customer return. I own one and like it a lot.

For the same price you can get an Emotiva XDA-2 gen2. I own the gen1 and it's a great DAC with a lot of features.

Zdac (original version):
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1PAZDAC

Emotiva XDA-2 gen2:
https://emotiva.com/products/dacs/xda-2-gen2
 
Parasound's Zdac can be had for $269 as a demo/customer return. I own one and like it a lot.

For the same price you can get an Emotiva XDA-2 gen2. I own the gen1 and it's a great DAC with a lot of features.

Zdac (original version):
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1PAZDAC

Emotiva XDA-2 gen2:
https://emotiva.com/products/dacs/xda-2-gen2

The Emotiva is definitely more handsome and has more connectivity. Can you hear a difference is sound between the Zdac and the Emotiva Gen 1?
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

I've been looking at those Yamaha's for a while. Has anyone listened to them much? What do you like/dislike about them? I'm curious to know how they sound compared to NAD, or Music Hall.
 
Onkyo a-9050
Yamaha A-S301
Teac A-H01

I second the recommendation on the Onkyo integrated, which I've owned for a few months: 5 analog inputs, 1 analog output, Wolfson 24-bit DAC with 3 digital inputs, pre out, sub out, and phono stage into a sub-$500 75wpc amp. No need need for the purchase of outboard phono amp or DAC...
 
I second the recommendation on the Onkyo integrated, which I've owned for a few months: 5 analog inputs, 1 analog output, Wolfson 24-bit DAC with 3 digital inputs, pre out, sub out, and phono stage into a sub-$500 75wpc amp. No need need for the purchase of outboard phono amp or DAC...

How do you like how it sounds? What else can you compare it to that you've heard? I'm really starting to lean towards the Marantz PM6005.
 
I have one. I'd say the sound is precise/analytical. I got it because of the built in DAC as I use it for my living room tv which only has an optical out. Having some juice is is nice too as my speakers are 85db (SF Venere 1.5s). The martanz is over your budget. If you can spend more there are several more than 500 options. BTW, the onkyo is a steal atm at $350; I think they are closing it out.
 
FWIW Peachtree Audio makes some products that might fit what you are looking for. The Decco50 has two analog inputs, optical, USB, and coaxial. Mine puts out 50 watts a channel and powers my 88dB speakers just fine. All of the Peachtree products I have listened to I thought sound great. Especially their digital side. They make 320kbps recordings sound pretty good. You can find a used unit in your price range quite easily. Good luck in your search.

-Josh
 
I have one. I'd say the sound is precise/analytical. I got it because of the built in DAC as I use it for my living room tv which only has an optical out. Having some juice is is nice too as my speakers are 85db (SF Venere 1.5s). The martanz is over your budget. If you can spend more there are several more than 500 options. BTW, the onkyo is a steal atm at $350; I think they are closing it out.

Yeah the Marantz is a little over budget. Since there is not real urgency I would just wait for a deal to pop up or possibly find a used one. Do you have any idea how the Onkyo compares to the Yamaha 501? Both are very similar in look and features.
 
FWIW Peachtree Audio makes some products that might fit what you are looking for. The Decco50 has two analog inputs, optical, USB, and coaxial. Mine puts out 50 watts a channel and powers my 88dB speakers just fine. All of the Peachtree products I have listened to I thought sound great. Especially their digital side. They make 320kbps recordings sound pretty good. You can find a used unit in your price range quite easily. Good luck in your search.

-Josh

Definitely been looking at the Peachtree stuff as well. A little over my budget and lacking in analog inputs to be honest.
 
Yeah the Marantz is a little over budget. Since there is not real urgency I would just wait for a deal to pop up or possibly find a used one. Do you have any idea how the Onkyo compares to the Yamaha 501? Both are very similar in look and features.

Can't really comment on the 501 as it didn't exist when I bought the onkyo. Seems like a nice product. I've been happy with other yamaha gear I've owned which also had a clear/precise/uncolored sound. Based on each company's house sound I imagine the amps would sound very similar. Happy hunting :)
 
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