Integrated Upgrade

mca · « **on:** 15 Aug 2004, 04:43 am »

I'm considering upgrading to a higher power integrated amp to power my new Gallo Reference III's. I'd like to have about 200wpc on tap. These are the amps that I have researched and am going to try and track down to get a listen to:

Plunius 9200
Perreaux R200i
McIntosh MA6900
Musical Fidelity

Anyone have any comments on the above amps or suggestions on anything else I should take a look at?

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Aug 2004, 07:35 am »

As for the first two listed... the Plunius and the Perreaux, I believe Hantra is the guy to talk to.

mca · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Aug 2004, 04:49 pm »

Yeah, I was hoping he would chime in with some comments

Hantra · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Aug 2004, 05:33 pm »

Well I cannot really give you any idea what the 9200 will sound like. But I can tell you that I just replaced an SA-102 and Electrocompaniet EC 4.7 with the Radiance 200i. It's phenomenal! It has amazing amounts of power. It's very hard for me to believe it has more power and control than this beastly 90lb. amp with 2x the power supply. But it does, and it leaves one with no doubt who the more powerful contender really is.

I recommend the Perreaux as highly as anything I have ever heard. It has more power than the 8200 MkII, and has 2x the transparency, and detail of the 8200 MkII. More transparency, and detail than the SA-102 even. And it has similar sonic character to all three. It's very tube-like, and very pretty sounding.

The SA-102 might sound a bit prettier, and a little more refined, but this is at the great expense of control, and power. IMO, the 5% difference in refinement < the 200% increase in power, control, and the 50% increase in transparency.

I hope this helps. It may just confuse you MORE. . LOL!

B

michael w · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Aug 2004, 11:08 pm »

mca;

what model MF ?

mca · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Aug 2004, 12:22 am »

I was looking at either the A308 or the NewVista. I'm really leaning towards the Perreaux though. I like the clean lines and the small size. The reviews I have read have been very favorable, although the Stereophile review was a bit odd.
Now all I have to do is try and find a dealer that will let me try one out. I thought I remember Audio Advisor had the amp in their catalog, but they do not show it online.

Hantra · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Aug 2004, 01:04 am »

I have my own feelings about MF, and they aren't at all positive. So I'll keep my mouth shut on that one.

As far as Perreaux, Audio Advisor is no longer distributing that brand in the United States. As is typical with Advisor distributionships, nothing lasts more than a few months.

If you make it out to the proper coast

let me know, and you can hear mine!

E-Mail Perreaux, and they should have a list of dealers.

And BTW, I have never ever in my life heard a piece of MF gear that I even liked remotely. The Perreaux is way, way beyond anything they put out.

L8r,

B

mca · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Aug 2004, 02:01 am »

That's good to know about the MF as I am only going by the reviews I have read. I know it's always hard to trust them, MF must have some pretty deep pockets. The more I looked at their gear, the more I did not like the styling anyway.

I did email Perreaux and hopefuly they can find a dealer somewhere around me or even in Portland for that matter. Meanwhile, I did find a small dealer in Seattle that carries Plinius so I will try and get down there to have a listen to the 9200.

Are there any dealers here on Audiocircle that carry Perreaux?

Hantra · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 Aug 2004, 02:11 am »

Well don't just take my word for it. There are plenty of fans of MF gear. I am just not one. To me, it exemplifies mediocrity. I mean no disrespect to anyone or any particular brand, and I know all gear is built to a price point. It's just that I have heard a ton of gear, and most stuff I have heard built to even lower price points has SOME redeeming quality about it.

It's like the ugliest girl in school. At least she is nice. MF is that girl, and she's a bitch. So there is no reason for me to hang with her.

Plinius is like the prettiest girl at school with make-up on. She goes out of her way to make you like her, and what she has to offer is presented in a very interesting way.

The Perreaux is like that girl, except with less make-up. A little perfume, just so you won't forget her, but natural for the most part. Ohh, and she has a killer right cross.

Zero · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Aug 2004, 02:47 am »

Looks like your going to invest some serious dollars into a very serious piece of equipment. Word to the wise; matching is key to success.

Prepare yourself for a lot of trial and error, if you havent been through that whole gig already. Most people NEVER get the "best" match right off the bat.. so be sure to get your gear at a good price in case you want to sell- do all within your power to get a demo beforehand.

Out of the brands listed, I dont see any that stand out above the rest. I've seen people love Plinius, I've seen people loathe it. Same with Musical Fidelity, Perreaux, or anything else for that matter.

Take words with a grain of salt and let your ears be your guide. Also bear to mind when reading reviews , what equipment the people are using and how it relates to yours.

Hantra · « **Reply #10 on:** 16 Aug 2004, 02:49 am »

Quote from: A6M-ZERO

Word to the wise; matching is key to success..

I can attest to that. Great advice!

mca · « **Reply #11 on:** 16 Aug 2004, 05:25 am »

I'm well aware of that, I've been through enough equipment to know that two great sounding pieces of gear won't necessarily sound good together.
That's why I'm trying to compile a list of amps to listen to. The hard part is tracking down dealers that carry what I'm looking for and will let me take them home for an audition

Hantra · « **Reply #12 on:** 18 Aug 2004, 01:14 am »

No real content here. I just wanted to show off my new toy.

mca · « **Reply #13 on:** 18 Aug 2004, 01:35 am »

It is purdy

I'm still trying to figure out how they pack that much power into that small chassis?

One question on the sound, do you experience any of the midbass dryness that Stereophile talked about in their review?

I did hear back from Perreaux and there is a new dealer in Seattle, so I will try and go check out both the Perreaux and the Plinius this weekend.

Hantra · « **Reply #14 on:** 18 Aug 2004, 01:37 am »

Quote from: mca

It is purdy I'm still trying to figure out how they pack that much power into that small chassis?

One question on the sound, do you experience any of the midbass dryness that Stereophile talked about in their review?

I did hear back from Perreaux and there is a new dealer in Seattle, so I will try and go check out both the Perreaux and the Plinius this weekend.

Hmm. . Midbass dryness. Can't say I hear that. I mean, I am coming from another NZ company's flagship amplifier, and I haven't really heard any faults yet. Perhaps it's the euphoria of it being SO MUCH better.

But now that I think about it. . . The VT-200 I heard a while back that was heavily modded, it belonged to a guy near me. This guy just bought the Perreaux 200P power amp yesterday from my dealer. So I can't imagine he found it "dry".

I suppose if you have a $6,500 Hovland pre, it adds quite a bit to an old SLED of an amp like the MF that he was talking about in the review. Anyway. . I'll do more listening for that, and report back. Meanwhile, let us know if you get out to hear anything!

B

michael w · « **Reply #15 on:** 18 Aug 2004, 02:55 am »

There's a guy down here who recently swapped his top Perreaux pre/power for some big Naims. Driving Maggie 20.1's.

I've heard the R200i briefly and it sounded quite nice, if a bit electronic (could that be Stereophile's "dryness" ?).

Less impressed with all the gizmology and build quality though.
And the price !
Locally ~$8000NZD/$5280US !!!

You sure this thing sounds better than your SA-102's ?

Hantra · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 Aug 2004, 03:00 am »

Quote from: michael w

There's a guy down here who recently swapped his top Perreaux pre/power for some big Naims. Driving Maggie 20.1's.

You sure this thing sounds better than your SA-102's ?

First off, it is only replacing a single 102. I am sure that TWO would be much better b/c then you have 400 class A watts. But you're in it for a LOT of money, and a TON of HEAT at that point. My 102 measured 166 degrees F on the heat sink according to my trusty steak thermometer.

And second, I am sure that $25,000+ worth of naim probably would be amazing. But one has to be a baller to afford naim with any kind of power. I am merely a baller on a budget.

Last. . . I am quite sure at this point in my hifi life, that synergy is everything. The right gear, in the right system, is amazing regardless of cost.

B

mca · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 Aug 2004, 04:50 am »

What does the rest of your system consist of now, Hantra?

michael w · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 Aug 2004, 05:23 am »

Hi H;

Did you ever try the Plinius SB-300 ?
That is the real magic in the Plinius lineup (and the Odeon and maybe the new SA-201).

With the M8 pre I found that the SB sounded better than the SA-102 and SA-250, without the heat etc. of the class A beasties.

The only real drawback was the omission of input muting on the SB-300.

BeeBop · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 Aug 2004, 09:39 am »

Quote from: Hantra

... a TON of HEAT.... I am merely a baller on a budget.

Hantra, can you comment on the running temperature of the Perreaux and a ballpark figure for cost? Thanks.