Hi y'all,

So, I just came to the conclusion that I need to get a separate dac/amp setup for my 2-channel listening. I prefer not to have to try out different dacs or amps, so I think an integrated amp is the way to go. My budget is $5k, but wouldn't say it's a goal to max out that budget

I was recently looking at the Anthem STR integrated amp given the great reviews, under $4k price point, and ARC. But, I might be looking at a product that is too new, and there are likely some older, but better stuff out there.

FYI, I don't have a particular genre of music that I focus on. My source is mostly streaming and through my Mac Mini via optical. Source will be the last thing I upgrade out of speakers, amp, pre-amp/dac, source.

Let me know if you have any solid recommendations for me. Honestly, would consider a separate pre-amp/amp setup if it makes sense...just kind of assuming that I'll appreciate the simplicity of an integrated.

Thanks all!

I’m not sure I understand your question. You said that you’ve come to the conclusion that you need DAC/amp separates - but in the next sentence you say that you want a integrated unit. My recommendation: if you what the highest sound quality possible and are feeding lossless files in, then go separate DAC/amp. If you listen to anything compressed, an integrated unit would be fine.

Oh, I can see how that was confusing. I meant that I needed a separate processor and amp, from my 5.1 AV receiver, for 2-channel music. Whether it be an integrated or separates (pre-amp/dac + amp), I don't have a strong preference, but just assume that I will prefer an integrated as I don't anticipate experimenting with different pre-amps or amps.

So, my lossless is all through streaming through Tidal -- I don't have my own flacs. At the risk of asking an ignorant question, why wouldn't a well-designed integrated amp work as well as a separate DAC/amp setup? If the difference is more than subtle or objectively better (not just sounding different), then I could justify the added complexity of a separates.

In either case, are there some models that you would recommend? The only non-obvious feature that I would need is a HT bypass to work with my AV receiver.

Thanks for all your help Timecop!

An Integrated Amp for the T1's? This may be right up your alley...

Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated
www.primaluna-usa.com/dialogue-premium-hp-integrated/

I'd be remiss if I didn't recommend the gear I'm using. Just within your budget and criteria. I'm using a Musical Fidelity M6si amp and a Schiit Yggdrasil DAC. Very Triton friendly

That primaluna looks legit! I have never done tube before — are the tubes themselves difficult to replace?

Any thoughts on the NAD M32 or the Devialet Expert 130 Pro? The integration of streaming is alluring as I wont have to muck around with my mac. However, it does not look like the Devialet supports Tidal in a native fashion (would have to go through Roon). I could get a Bluesound Node 2 to address (could also do that with the prinaluna), but that would sort of defeat the purpose of having an “all-in-one” unit. Fyi, I would be able to source the 130 at around $4k vs the M32 at $3500 — for that price it seems that most would go for the Devialet.

Let me know what y’all think. Thanks again!