Hybrid Integrated w/ phono stage

[zombie boy 2000]

Anyone know of any relatively affordable hybrid intergrateds -- preferably with a phono stage? I'm thinking about starting on a second system and would like to head in this direction...

Hybrid only because I would like to push some relatively inefficient speakers without breaking the bank on tube power.

Integrated cuz simplicity is the word of the day for this one.

Phono cuz I like to watch the wheels on the bus go round n' round.

New York style cuz Chicago pies always make me feel like garbage afterwards.

[reeltrouble1]

New York style cuz Chicago pies always make me feel like garbage afterwards.

One day I promise you an opportunity to eat these words.:rolleyes:

Musical Fidelity, Jolida, Bel Canto, maybe Anthem to get you started.

RT1

[shack]

Musical Fidelity, Jolida, Bel Canto, maybe Anthem to get you started.

I guess these could be considered relatively affordable . Maybe in the world of tube integraed they are.

[reeltrouble1]

in the words of Max the Mad One,

Everything depends on Everything.

The Jolida's are what I would consider reasonably priced.

RT1

[disneyjoe7]

Reasonably priced.....


JVC receiver as Pre / Pro with a 25w appliance bulb strap to the back of it for that glow effect. ;)

[zombie boy 2000]

You have one for sale?

[unc2701]

Short of the KW and Nuvista lines, I don't think that Musical Fidelity does hybrid... but I did just see a good price on an A5 on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=009&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=190068061376&rd=1&rd=1

No affil.

[Zero]

Jason,

Ah, being adventurous and curious; your wallet should be trembling in fear. I would heavily recommend against going the Musical Fidelity / Jolida / Totem route. While there is no inherent fault with any of the particular components these manufacturers produce, the synergy simply isn't there . I say this not to be smug. I say this because I’ve tried a numerous amount of these odd combo’s and found them at best – irritating.

Instead, I would encourage you to look for hybrids from the likes of; Unison Research Unico or the Kora Explorer (forgot the model number)…

Other traditional (non hybrid) ideal matches would be; Exposure 2010S (solid state), Plinius 8200 MK2 (solid state) or the Manley Stingray (tube).

Cheers

[zombie boy 2000]

Lookin' good guys. Mucho macho gracias.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1172978849
I've been eyeing this one for months now.
Of course, this particular piece was snatched within hours. C'est la vie. They pop up about once every two months.

Funny you should mention the Jolida Sean... I was just perusing a thread earlier this week on another forum that was issuing the same warning.

Not entirely confident that the Arros would be assigned to the integrated set-up, though I'm leaning in this direction.

[reeltrouble1]

Short of the KW and Nuvista lines, I don't think that Musical Fidelity does hybrid...

You missed Tri-vista as well or ZB could add the MF tube buffer for 299 to anything, the man asked for suggestions and he got them, MF makes integrated hybrids.

Of course ZB what someone else heard means just one thing.

RT1

[Zero]

Jason,

I've been eye balling Gilbert Young's work for a few years now. Point-to-Point with that sexy 'luv' built right into them. I came thissssss close to picking up a CS for myself a few months back, but alas, finances didn't allow.

Those Monarchy's are a tough act to follow when you factor in how much you paid for em'. But remember who gets first refusal rights! :)

Honestly, until you reach a certain dollar amount, I've always felt integrated amplifiers represent one hell of a terrific value. Theres no shame in running a quality integrated amp, whether its with the Arro's, the Shamans, with Kharma's or whatever the case may be.

edit: Musical Fidelity will be releasing a very affordable hybrid integrated in the near future from the "X" line. I exactly model number escapes me at the moment, but it supposed to retail for $1400-1600 flat and will have the option of adding a beefy external power supply.

[Zero]

Jason - heres another thought of mine to just toss out there...

If you are looking for a quality pre amp stage with a good phono.. I found much success with an unassuming pre.. the GFP-565 (circa 89). Its a great stand-alone pre for the price and has a VERY good stand-alone phono stage (moving magnetic?)... You can switch between active and passive.. extra output for a sub if you so decided to add one (or bi amp). Can be had for a song on audiogon.

Just a thought.

[zombie boy 2000]

Of course ZB what someone else heard means just one thing.
RT1


Words to live by and always noted. Getting my ear on gear generally involves playing the field over at the 'Gon. There are simply not enough shops around my locale that deal in two-channel. Over a billion high-end HT offerings lurk in every alley of the 'ville, but nothing that really floats my boat.

I guess my point is... I take some solid advise from some solid amigos (such as yourself -- take a bow) and take the plunge on some used gear. If I don't like it, it goes. On to the next contestant.

Sean... you got me all wrong. The Monarchy may be sticking around for quite a bit longer. Looking at putting together another (even smaller) system with a turntable as a source. Then I will put both systems in the ring and let them fight to the death to see whose musical cuisine reigns supreme. I'll still be keeping both.

Of course, you get first dibs on the Monarchy if I decide to drop it:)

[unc2701]

You missed Tri-vista as well or ZB could add the MF tube buffer for 299 to anything, the man asked for suggestions and he got them, MF makes integrated hybrids.

Of course ZB what someone else heard means just one thing.

RT1

Very true... I was just thinking none of the MF's under $2k are hybrid.

Also not hybrid, but worth a listen: PrimaLuna. I read somewhere that their Prologue 2 hasn't had a single unit sent back for service... Zero. 40 watts ain't bad for all tube & you can get them with a MM phonostage. The one I heard sounded great pushing some Klipsh's.