AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Spatial Audio => Topic started by: morganc on 23 Aug 2019, 06:38 am

Title: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: morganc on 23 Aug 2019, 06:38 am
Hi Guys,
    So I've found a pair of M3 TM's and will pick them up tomorrow.  Now, I have a Coincident Dynamo and a MDHT Dac and am looking to change to a higher watt Amp after hearing the feedback that the TM's open up with a large Amp.   I'm also in a super warm area and need a cooler Amp so am considering a SS as well as tubes.
    I tried to pull the trigger on a Hegel H90 and a Lyngdorf 2170 but both sold before I could.  I'd love to keep the budget in the $1200-2000 range and would love to hear your thoughts and advice.  I'm not necessarily in a huge rush, meaning if you have owned/heard an amazing integrated with the Spatials then I'll wait till a great one comes on the used market as I don't buy new. 
Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: musicdre on 23 Aug 2019, 11:16 am
isn't the point of the TM version compatibility with lowered powered amps?   "triode" master implies tube amp.   ive been interested in the TM for this very reason.
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: Wind Chaser on 23 Aug 2019, 12:18 pm
This... https://www.cherryamp.com/product-page/stereo-maraschino-stm (https://www.cherryamp.com/product-page/stereo-maraschino-stm)

Plenty has been said about it. Everyone without exception that has gone down this path has been smitten by it. Go for the King version if you can afford the extra $$. It will be the last amp you ever own or desire, even if you should have several thousand dollars more to spend.
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: Shakeydeal on 23 Aug 2019, 12:57 pm
This... https://www.cherryamp.com/product-page/stereo-maraschino-stm (https://www.cherryamp.com/product-page/stereo-maraschino-stm)

Plenty has been said about it. Everyone without exception that has gone down this path has been smitten by it. Go for the King version if you can afford the extra $$. It will be the last amp you ever own or desire, even if you should have several thousand dollars more to spend.

I thought about those amps at one point. But that website is not user friendly. All I want is a 2 channel amp, not integrated, but I can barely make heads or tails of the product line.

Shakey
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: SnowPuppy77 on 23 Aug 2019, 02:03 pm
I thought about those amps at one point. But that website is not user friendly. All I want is a 2 channel amp, not integrated, but I can barely make heads or tails of the product line.

Shakey

Totally agree that the site makes it difficult to know what you are getting and what your options are.  I may get a new amp next year I would like to put on my short list but the website is a bit of a hinderance.  Based on Wind Chaser and others the class D amps are good with the M3TM.  Wonder if they will also be good with the M3 Sapphire which I have on order.
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: Tyson on 23 Aug 2019, 02:24 pm
Totally agree that the site makes it difficult to know what you are getting and what your options are.  I may get a new amp next year I would like to put on my short list but the website is a bit of a hinderance.  Based on Wind Chaser and others the class D amps are good with the M3TM.  Wonder if they will also be good with the M3 Sapphire which I have on order.

"Class D amps" are not, as a class, good sounding amps if you love tone.  The DAC amps are the exception to that rule, IME.  They shift the needle from "awful" (ie, most class D amps) to "pretty good".  And of course they have all the other advantages of well executed class d - hyper clarity, unlimited dynamics, very lively presentation. 
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: gene9p on 23 Aug 2019, 02:29 pm
I have a Vinnie Rossi LIO and I am thinking about Spatials. Vinnie told me they are a great match and they use a LIO onsite. I may have to inquire about some 4's.
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: Tyson on 23 Aug 2019, 02:32 pm
I have a Vinnie Rossi LIO and I am thinking about Spatials. Vinnie told me they are a great match and they use a LIO onsite. I may have to inquire about some 4's.

I've heard Spatials with the LIO together several times and it's a phenomenal match. 
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: SnowPuppy77 on 23 Aug 2019, 03:01 pm
"Class D amps" are not, as a class, good sounding amps if you love tone.  The DAC amps are the exception to that rule, IME.  They shift the needle from "awful" (ie, most class D amps) to "pretty good".  And of course they have all the other advantages of well executed class d - hyper clarity, unlimited dynamics, very lively presentation.

For me tone is a very big priority due to listening to lots of acoustically recorded strings and wind instruments.  Listening to lots of classical music in addition to classic rock and progressive rock.  Due to wanting acoustic music to sound its best I almost purchased a pair of Magnepans as they are great with acoustic music classical guitar etc.  Ended up with Spatials because they are also good with acoustic while also delivering what I want with progressive rock and even orchestra delivering more mid bass authority.
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: Samac on 23 Aug 2019, 03:15 pm
I have been extremely pleased with my NuPrime IDA-16. Plenty of drive and very even handed.

Cheers,

Scott
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: mick wolfe on 23 Aug 2019, 04:20 pm
A little out of your price range, but you might be able to find a clean, used Luxman 505 series integrated in the mid $2K range. From what I've heard from a few friends whose ears I trust, these are well worth stretching the budget.
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: groovybassist on 23 Aug 2019, 04:30 pm
If you want SS, I have both of the amps below and they're both great amps in your price range.  I'm going to keep the Audia Flight as it has a balanced input, which accommodates my Cherry DAC DAC 2.  If you're interested in the Belles Aria, feel free to PM me.

-Mike

http://www.powermodules.com/products/aria-integrated.html (http://www.powermodules.com/products/aria-integrated.html)

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9g738-audia-flight-fl-three-s-integrated-amplifier-brand-new-solid-state (https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9g738-audia-flight-fl-three-s-integrated-amplifier-brand-new-solid-state)
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: morganc on 23 Aug 2019, 05:25 pm
I've heard Spatials with the LIO together several times and it's a phenomenal match.

Thanks Tyson.  I believe you and I have similar tastes ( I used to own the Super V's and loved them) and would not mind an LIO down the road when my budget allows. 

Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: morganc on 23 Aug 2019, 05:26 pm
This... https://www.cherryamp.com/product-page/stereo-maraschino-stm (https://www.cherryamp.com/product-page/stereo-maraschino-stm)

Plenty has been said about it. Everyone without exception that has gone down this path has been smitten by it. Go for the King version if you can afford the extra $$. It will be the last amp you ever own or desire, even if you should have several thousand dollars more to spend.

At this moment, budget is an issue as I just launched a new business and am in transition!  So I am looking for a solid, great performer, at a great price!  Thank you for the ideas, and if anyone has a Stereo Maraschino used, I would be happy to take it off of your hands!
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: morganc on 23 Aug 2019, 05:27 pm
A little out of your price range, but you might be able to find a clean, used Luxman 505 series integrated in the mid $2K range. From what I've heard from a few friends whose ears I trust, these are well worth stretching the budget.

I have always wanted to hear this Luxman.....thank you
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: morganc on 23 Aug 2019, 05:29 pm
isn't the point of the TM version compatibility with lowered powered amps?   "triode" master implies tube amp.   ive been interested in the TM for this very reason.

It has been 90 plus at my home and that will continue the next few months, so I am looking for a SS for that reason, and may come back to a tube in the future, though many here on AC say that they prefer the TM with a SS amp.
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: Shakeydeal on 23 Aug 2019, 05:49 pm
At this moment, budget is an issue as I just launched a new business and am in transition!  So I am looking for a solid, great performer, at a great price!  Thank you for the ideas, and if anyone has a Stereo Maraschino used, I would be happy to take it off of your hands!

As a former Super V owner and brand new X-3 owner I can say that the Spatials have that world class OB bass that the Super V had, but the midrange and upper frequencies are very much better. More detailed and refined.

I am using tubes right now, but would love to have a LIO in the future.

Shakey
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: Wind Chaser on 23 Aug 2019, 07:16 pm
At this moment, budget is an issue as I just launched a new business and am in transition!  So I am looking for a solid, great performer, at a great price!  Thank you for the ideas, and if anyone has a Stereo Maraschino used, I would be happy to take it off of your hands!

You will NOT be sorry if you go down this path, even if you have to spring for a new one. The Maraschino will show you what your speakers are capable of. It will exceed your expectations.  :thumb:

As for tubes... I have owned more tube amps than SS, most of them being SETs beginning with a Decware Zen which sounds pretty damn good despite its relatively modest price. Other SETs I over the years had 2A3, 300b, EL-34, EL84, KT88 tubes, can't remember them all but you could buy two Decware Zen amps for le$$ than the 300b tubes. Don't recall what tubes were in the Audio Research and a few others... regardless as enjoyable as any or all those amps were, none of them were as musically complete, capable or as satisfying as the Maraschino.

As for one of the other aforementioned SS recommendations... (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158102.msg1689577#msg1689577/)  :dunno:
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: gene9p on 23 Aug 2019, 09:50 pm
As a former Super V owner and brand new X-3 owner I can say that the Spatials have that world class OB bass that the Super V had, but the midrange and upper frequencies are very much better. More detailed and refined.

I am using tubes right now, but would love to have a LIO in the future.

Shakey
actually with his new line of products, the LIO is being discontinued and Vinnie is accepting trade ins of the LIO. You can get one discounted and fully warrantied.
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: morganc on 24 Aug 2019, 12:21 am
You will NOT be sorry if you go down this path, even if you have to spring for a new one. The Maraschino will show you what your speakers are capable of. It will exceed your expectations.  :thumb:

As for tubes... I have owned more tube amps than SS, most of them being SETs beginning with a Decware Zen which sounds pretty damn good despite its relatively modest price. Other SETs I over the years had 2A3, 300b, EL-34, EL84, KT88 tubes, can't remember them all but you could buy two Decware Zen amps for le$$ than the 300b tubes. Don't recall what tubes were in the Audio Research and a few others... regardless as enjoyable as any or all those amps were, none of them were as musically complete, capable or as satisfying as the Maraschino.

As for one of the other aforementioned SS recommendations... (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158102.msg1689577#msg1689577/)  :dunno:

Thanks 🙏🏻
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: JackD on 24 Aug 2019, 01:08 am
If you can stretch your budget a little the Audia Flight integrated pointed out earlier is a great piece.  I love mine and am listening to it now with Verity Otello's.  Here in N. Florida the average daily temperature has been in the mid to upper 90's since the middle of May so having something to take the place as a Summer amp instead of the PS Audio BHK that was cool running was important and the Audia Flight has not disappointed.  I have not tried it in the Family Room system with the M3TM's but I'm sure it would be great there too.  Another good option at the top of your stated budget is the Kinki Studio EX-M1 integrated and you may find one used. 
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: JLM on 24 Aug 2019, 10:16 am
I recently scored a used NAD M10 around the top of your price range and love it.  Full featured, they call it a "streaming amplifier".  Comes from their Master series, it's a compact thoroughly modern one box solution with lots of features and 100 wpc of hypex/ncore muscle.  As it continues to break in am finding that it's healthy dynamics, loads of detail, and full highs are the perfect complement to my speakers. 
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: HanaEyes on 29 Aug 2019, 07:46 am
Second the Kinki EX-M1 for the M3TM. I'm using one for my M4TM and I don't see myself changing it in the foreseeable future. Excellent amp not just for the money, but in general. A taste of high end sound for a fraction of the price~
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: Manolo on 29 Aug 2019, 11:06 am
Line Magnetic Integrated, great sounding unit either the 30w stereo or the higher priced dht....
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: JazzGMster on 5 Sep 2019, 11:51 pm
Another very contented owner of a Cherry STM.  Went from a class A Musical Fidelity integrated (which I really liked) but kept hearing great things about the Cherry amps.  The STM has all the power you'll ever want (I hardly ever have the volume past 9 o'clock), allows for balanced connections from your DAC, authority for clean and deep bass...  And it's within your price range.  I admit to having been a bit of a skeptic to Class D but am fully converted now by this amp.  I think the 48v is all you need personally (I have a 36v PS) with Spatials.  IIRC, Wind Chaser turned me on to this amp and he was 100% right.
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: morganc on 8 Sep 2019, 01:26 am
Another very contented owner of a Cherry STM.  Went from a class A Musical Fidelity integrated (which I really liked) but kept hearing great things about the Cherry amps.  The STM has all the power you'll ever want (I hardly ever have the volume past 9 o'clock), allows for balanced connections from your DAC, authority for clean and deep bass...  And it's within your price range.  I admit to having been a bit of a skeptic to Class D but am fully converted now by this amp.  I think the 48v is all you need personally (I have a 36v PS) with Spatials.  IIRC, Wind Chaser turned me on to this amp and he was 100% right.

Thanks guys.  I ordered a King Stereo Maraschino and will have it in a few days! What Dac are y'all pairing with the spatial and the Cherry's? 
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: uncola on 8 Sep 2019, 01:32 pm
DAC amps are good.. but I vote Kinki EX-M1 too.  I've had inline maraschino and kinki and recommend the kinki
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: JazzGMster on 4 Oct 2019, 12:57 pm
Thanks guys.  I ordered a King Stereo Maraschino and will have it in a few days! What Dac are y'all pairing with the spatial and the Cherry's?

I'm currently using a Teac UD-10, which I admit is not the last word in DACs but it does do high res and I find it has a touch of warmth without losing accuracy.  It has balanced connections as well.  I've thought about upgrading to a Brooklyn but I fear that spending a lot more $ on a DAC will yield only marginal performance improvements.  Personally, I'd rather save my pennies for the X3 but that's a lot of pennies :). 
Title: Re: Help me Choose an Integrated for M3TM
Post by: Brettio on 4 Oct 2019, 01:10 pm
Thank you for the ideas, and if anyone has a Stereo Maraschino used, I would be happy to take it off of your hands!

Not sure about buying/shipping from Canada, but I saw this maraschino integrated listed.
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649513581-stereo-maraschino-integrated-amp-stm/

Wow, that Digital Amp Company website is a nightmare.