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Thread: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    5

    Default Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    Hi all,
    I've ordered a pair of Sierra-2s last week- really excited to get them. I'm very much a beginner in this audiophile world, but I've been reading a lot and listening to different setups whenever I get a chance. But I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. To describe my level of novice: my current setup is a PS Audio Sprout, KEF Q100s, a Rega P1 turntable, and a Sonos Connect unit for streaming digital. The room is 8x15 (I live in an open floor plan rowhouse). I have the Sierra-2s on order, as I mentioned, as well as a completely overhauled Thorens TD-160 Super turntable from Vinyl Nirvana. I do not expect to use this system for anything but vinyl or digital streaming- likely as a 2.0 system with the potential for adding a sub down the road.

    While I love the Sprout, I'm a little worried it's going to be underpowered to handle the Sierra-2s and have been researching potential replacements. While I've read lots about the benefits of using separate components, but I'm pretty set on an integrated. In particular, an integrated amp with a nice phono stage. A DAC would be nice as well, but it's not imperative- I can use the built-in DAC on the Sonos. The benefit is that this limits my options, but I still feel a little bit lost. I've read about the options offered from Rogue, Peachtree, Roksan, Parasound, Rotel, Croft, and Creek among many others. I'm most intrigued by the new Peachtree Nova150 and Rogue Audio Sphinx V2 at the moment, but I'm open to all options.

    I've tried to make my way through the Sierra-2 forum and looked for other thoughts online, but I haven't seem much on integrated amplifier recommendations for the Sierra-2s.

    My top end budget is around $2k (but hopefully a fair amount less). And I'm perfectly fine with pre-owned, demos, and b-stock. Does anybody have any suggestions? Or experience with any of the models I mentioned above?

    Thanks in advance for any thoughts you have. And happy new year!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Posts
    183

    Default Re: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    I don't own / haven't owned any of the brands you mention, but have read good things about Rogue, Parasound and Creek Gear.

    I have S2's and am using a Plinius 9100 to drive them. Very highly rated in the day, and I got a good deal on a pristine used model.

    While there are pros/cons to separates vs. integrated amps, I feel the latter is less fuss in terms of hookup, matching of gear, etc.

    Previously had a Yamaha integrated, and it sounded pretty good. You may want to hold off on new gear purchase, as you might be pretty happy with the sound you get from your current set up. The S2's are a huge step up in sound quality.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    Thanks Jaybeez- really appreciate your comments. And glad to hear others in the same space as me with separates v integrated. And thanks for the reminder that I won't know until I hear the speakers in my system. I can't wait to get t he S-2s and test them out with the Sprout.

    The one thing I forgot to add in my original post was that I also have a pair of Hifiman HE-400i headphones that I like to use at night. I'd say the headphone amp is probably the weakest part of the Sprout- clear, but not very musical. So, that will be a consideration- if the S-2s sound good with the Sprout, I may get a decent Headphone amp to hold me over.

    Any other thoughts on Integrateds welcome! I went down a rabbit hole looking at reviews of the Roksan K3 last night- it looks really interesting. Will look at reviews of the Plinius as well.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Grand Haven, MI
    Posts
    90

    Default Re: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    I would check this out: http://schiit.com/products/ragnarok
    -Ben

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    Thanks for the suggestion, Ben. I really like the looks of Schiit stuff, but the lack of phono stage in the Ragnarok is a deal breaker for me. After some additional reading, I also think am partial to Class D Amplification, mostly for the efficiency and lack of heat- and since Class D sound has apparently improved immensely over the years, I feel comfortable with the trade-off. So, refining and simplifying a bit, my request:

    Recommendations for Class D Integrated amplifier with quality phono and headphone stages that can sufficiently power the Sierra-2s and take advantage of the RAAL tweeter for under $2k.


    Thanks again for your responses!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    81

    Default Re: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    Parasound Halo Integrated will cover all your requirements. Very good phono stage, very good quality DAC, a lot of power and incredible analog bass management. I have a Parasound Halo P5 + Emotiva XPA-3 that I use only for 2.1 music listening and it sounds awesome.

    http://www.parasound.com/hint.php

    hint_black_front.jpg

    hint_black_back.jpg
    Last edited by enricoclaudio; 12-30-2016 at 11:39 AM.
    Enrico Castagnetti @ Rythmik Audio
    Media Room: Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers w/ RAAL, Horizon w/ RAAL, Sierra 2s & Lunas | Rythmik F12SE (x2) + FV25HP | Emotiva XMC-1 | Emotiva XPA-3 & XPA-200 (x2) | Panasonic 820 | Bluesound Node 2 | Sony VW295ES | 92" Stewart ST100 |
    Desktop: Dynaudio BM5 mkIII | Rythmik L22 | Apogee Quartet | 27" iMac|
    Bedroom: B&W 685 S2 | Rythmik LVX12 | Marantz SR6013 | Sony 65Z9D |

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Somewhere in the Boston area
    Posts
    225

    Default Re: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    Interesting, 2x150W and ICEPower Class-D. Please do report how it sounds with the Sierra 2.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    93

    Default Re: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    I haven't ordered my S2s yet, but I'll be using them with a Pioneer Elite VSX-30 and I think it's great. I do have an external phono stage but otherwise it works very well. I use it for my turntable, TV, laserdisc player, and I've used it with my Xbox 360.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    22

    Default Re: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    Quote Originally Posted by chrisdavid View Post
    Hi all,
    I've ordered a pair of Sierra-2s last week- really excited to get them. I'm very much a beginner in this audiophile world, but I've been reading a lot and listening to different setups whenever I get a chance. But I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. To describe my level of novice: my current setup is a PS Audio Sprout, KEF Q100s, a Rega P1 turntable, and a Sonos Connect unit for streaming digital. The room is 8x15 (I live in an open floor plan rowhouse). I have the Sierra-2s on order, as I mentioned, as well as a completely overhauled Thorens TD-160 Super turntable from Vinyl Nirvana. I do not expect to use this system for anything but vinyl or digital streaming- likely as a 2.0 system with the potential for adding a sub down the road.

    While I love the Sprout, I'm a little worried it's going to be underpowered to handle the Sierra-2s and have been researching potential replacements. While I've read lots about the benefits of using separate components, but I'm pretty set on an integrated. In particular, an integrated amp with a nice phono stage. A DAC would be nice as well, but it's not imperative- I can use the built-in DAC on the Sonos. The benefit is that this limits my options, but I still feel a little bit lost. I've read about the options offered from Rogue, Peachtree, Roksan, Parasound, Rotel, Croft, and Creek among many others. I'm most intrigued by the new Peachtree Nova150 and Rogue Audio Sphinx V2 at the moment, but I'm open to all options.

    I've tried to make my way through the Sierra-2 forum and looked for other thoughts online, but I haven't seem much on integrated amplifier recommendations for the Sierra-2s.

    My top end budget is around $2k (but hopefully a fair amount less). And I'm perfectly fine with pre-owned, demos, and b-stock. Does anybody have any suggestions? Or experience with any of the models I mentioned above?

    Thanks in advance for any thoughts you have. And happy new year!
    Parasound integrated is amp preamp and ess dac. As well a very good adjustable phonostage. And many other features in my opinion way better that the class d peachtrees. Plus the fact it's a John Curl designed amp and pre is awesome. In the review it drove Maggie's 3.7 with woofer compo had no problem. Probably the best amp for your situation. Also the new Yamaha integrateds are awesome I'm not talking about the Yamaha 801 I'm talking about the 2000'and 2100. I have the A-S2000 it's awesome a fifty pound beast. Another I would suggest is Pathos Inpol which I have not cheap but so sweet. . Also look at pathos classic and Primare excellent Integrateds. I also own Sierra 2's they are fabulous. Good luck have fun! That's what this is all about.
    Last edited by Wadia171i; 01-29-2017 at 09:49 AM.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Posts
    55

    Default Re: Integrated Amp Recommendations for Sierra-2

    Quote Originally Posted by Wadia171i View Post
    Parasound integrated is amp preamp and ess dac. As well a very good adjustable phonostage. And many other features in my opinion way better that the class d peachtrees. Plus the fact it's a John Curl designed amp and pre is awesome. In the review it drove Maggie's 3.7 with woofer compo had no problem. Probably the best amp for your situation. Also the new Yamaha integrateds are awesome I'm not talking about the Yamaha 801 I'm talking about the 2000'and 2100. I have the A-S2000 it's awesome a fifty pound beast. Another I would suggest is Pathos Inpol which I have not cheap but so sweet. . Also look at pathos classic and Primare excellent Integrateds. I also own Sierra 2's they are fabulous. Good luck have fun! That's what this is all about.
    There is a slightly used Halo Integrated on US Audio Mart for $1,900..FWIW, the amp section of Halo Integrated is better than A23 but not to the level of A21, but the DAC section is better than P5..

    As far as Peachtree, I am not a fan, have seem quite a few cases of reliability issues with their previous gen of Decca and Nova and their new Nova300 and 150 seems to be a bit overpriced..

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