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  1. #1

    Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Hello folks!

    I follow up the forum for a while and I am really enjoying to spend time when I reading all your posts.
    Honestly speaking I am not an audiophile, actually not even close to be one ... But somehow I really like to read and learn something about all those interesting and beautiful equipments.
    And at the end, I decided to pull the trigger... But that trigger will be belong to a pretty small pistol. I do not have a financial power to get a truely ultra high end system so far. That’s why I am planning to start this hobby with a very simple and cheapest way.

    After all the time when I was spending read forums and reviews, I create a short list for possible purchase;

    Speaker
    ;
    Scansonic MB-2.5

    Integrated amplifier options;
    Hegel H160
    Musical Fidelity M6si
    Naim Supernait 2
    McIntosh MA5200 (Second hand)

    I just want to get your opinions about which integrated amplifier would be a better match for MB-2.5? Or would be there any other suggestions in same price range (2500-3500 USD)..
    I do not have a proper source. I will use my computer as source for my digital files. So, integrated amp should contain a good DAC for sure.

    That system will be my guide when I am entering to hi-fi world, that’s why I want to keep it plain and simple and also correct at the beginning...

    I really love to hear your opinions and recommendations (also for speakers).

    Cheers...

  2. #2
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Welcome!
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  3. #3

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Thank you Mike...

  4. #4
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Welcome to the forum! Thank you for joining.


    Do you own or have you purchased the Scansonic MB-2.5? Have you auditioned them?
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  5. #5

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Thank you very much for your warm welcome...

  6. #6

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    No, I do not have them yet, I am planning to buy them... Just auditioned for a short time.
    I am looking for transparency and resolution, and seems these guys can provide all these very well...

  7. #7
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    They have great resolution thanks to that ribbon tweeter, but their overall balance is on the dark side. From the amps you mentioned I would rather go with sth like Hegel H160 - i.e. fast, transparent, not overlywarm.
    Adam

    Speakers: Magico M3
    Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
    Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer

  8. #8

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Actually my first choice will be Hegel H160, that's why it is top on my list... And also there are some youtube videos which shows some raidho systems playing very well with hegel products. That's why I thought it can be a better option for MB-2.5 as well.
    After that point I started to looking for similar amps of H160. The other options came up like that... Only last one recommended by a dealer, he said "it just used for a couple months, and he can give me a pretty good discount on that". Brand new MA5200 is more expensive than all other options in my list. I am wondering if that price difference can be noticeable when playing as well? because I did not hear any of these amps when playing MB-2.5. The dealer of the Scansonic in my country also selling Ypsilon products and I heard those speakers with Phaeton integrated which is way better than all my options, also pretty expensive too.
    As I said, I am also close to Hegel H160. It is a new model, and according to reviews , it has a quite good DAC too. I am not sure which one has better sounding DAC. Seems MA5200 can play more variety of music files than H160 and M6si.
    At that part I will need your help, because I do not have any chance to try those amps on MB-2.5s, because all components selling by different dealers in my city. So,I am looking forward to hearing about your opinions and experiences for these amps.

  9. #9
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    I would go with Hegel then, unless the MA5200 (which I haven't heard, although I had for a short period 6300 in my living room) has a similar sonic signature.

    Where are you from ?
    Adam

    Speakers: Magico M3
    Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
    Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer

  10. #10

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    I am from Turkey Elberoth, living in Istanbul...

  11. #11
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Welcome to AS.
    Mark


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  12. #12

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    The Norma IPA-70B is the highest performing integrated I've tried with the Scansonic-series as well as the Raidho X-series under €4.000. The Norma's have SOTA transparency, resolution and micro dynamics. Very special amplifiers.

    The Ypsilon Phaethon is indeed fantastic btw

    / Marcus
    PERFECT SENSE
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  13. #13

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Welcome to AS.
    Thank you MDP, I have a lot to learn here

  14. #14

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Quote Originally Posted by Hyperion View Post
    The Norma IPA-70B is the highest performing integrated I've tried with the Scansonic-series as well as the Raidho X-series under €4.000. The Norma's have SOTA transparency, resolution and micro dynamics. Very special amplifiers.

    The Ypsilon Phaethon is indeed fantastic btw

    / Marcus
    Thank you very much for your suggestion Hyperion. I just checked from company's web site. But unfortunately they do not have any dealer in my country for Norma products.

  15. #15

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Hi capybara,
    I'm from Turkey too. In Denmark Fritz matched them with Naim superuniti and it worked perfectly.


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  16. #16

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Quote Originally Posted by burau34 View Post
    Hi capybara,
    I'm from Turkey too. In Denmark Fritz matched them with Naim superuniti and it worked perfectly.


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    Yes, I just checked Superuniti from Naim's page. It seems more capable option than Supernait, and also little more expensive. Thank you, I will keep it also in my mind...

  17. #17
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Welcome Capybara
    A couple of things. First Scansonic and Raidho sound best when setup properly. That being they should be approx 9ft (3M) apart with a toe in pointing at your shoulders. They can be pretty close to the side walls (30cm) and I like them a meter or 2 from the back wall (bottom ported). I think the Scansonics are great value for the money. Second is they sound pretty bad when new out of the box especially the lows. Kind of like a one note thump. But after about 30 hrs that starts to get better. On other forums most seem to say they need 250+ hrs to really come alive.

    I've only heard the Scansonics driven by Naim and Aavik. Both are very good.
    George

    Aavik U300 - Borresen 03 with optional Supreme D-TC feet - Naim unitiserve 2tb - Ansuz DTC digital cable with power box - Ansuz Mainz8 D-TC with 1 Ansuz Supreme D-TC and 1 Ceramic V2 power cords - Ansuz Ceramic V2 speaker cables - Ansus X Ethernet - pARTicular Novus full suspension rack.

  18. #18

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Quote Originally Posted by octadyndude View Post
    Welcome Capybara
    A couple of things. First Scansonic and Raidho sound best when setup properly. That being they should be approx 9ft (3M) apart with a toe in pointing at your shoulders. They can be pretty close to the side walls (30cm) and I like them a meter or 2 from the back wall (bottom ported). I think the Scansonics are great value for the money. Second is they sound pretty bad when new out of the box especially the lows. Kind of like a one note thump. But after about 30 hrs that starts to get better. On other forums most seem to say they need 250+ hrs to really come alive.

    I've only heard the Scansonics driven by Naim and Aavik. Both are very good.
    These are quite nice advices, I will remember if I would get the system which I want. Thanks...

  19. #19
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Hegel H160 ----- not warm sounding
    Musical Fidelity M6si - warm sounding
    Naim Supernait 2 -a little warm sounding
    McIntosh MA5200 - very warm sounding

    Scansonic 2.5- never heared them, but if it follows the same nature of the Raidho X1,then warm/dark sounding

    So, go for Hegel.

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  20. #20

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Primare I32

  21. #21

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Quote Originally Posted by Capybara View Post
    Thank you very much for your suggestion Hyperion. I just checked from company's web site. But unfortunately they do not have any dealer in my country for Norma products.
    Oh no... That's too bad.
    PERFECT SENSE
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  22. #22

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    So, in that case I will keep Hegel H160 still at the top of my list.
    2. can be Naim Supernait 2 or Nait Superuniti (which is more expensive but seems better for digital).
    3. Musical Fidelity M6si
    4. McIntosh MA5200
    5.
    Primare I32

    Any other suggestions or opinions?

    Of course I will need a pair of good speaker cable for system as well. But it should be
    also in budget section as other components...
    Do you know what cable using internal cabling of Scansonic MB series? Should I go with what's inside ? or is there some other options which you had good results with these speakers?

    I would love to learn from your experinces about cable subject too, but my priority is deciding over amplifier as first step..

    Looking forward to hearing from you


    Cheers !!




  23. #23

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Go for the Ansuz X series.


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  24. #24
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Any update Capybara? What did you end up buying?
    Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.

  25. #25

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Quote Originally Posted by kiwi_1282001 View Post
    Any update Capybara? What did you end up buying?
    Unfortunately not yet I am planning to finish this up until end of this year.
    Still searching for possible other options, but so far I am seriously thinking about Naim Superuniti..

  26. #26

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Quote Originally Posted by Capybara View Post
    Unfortunately not yet I am planning to finish this up until end of this year.
    Still searching for possible other options, but so far I am seriously thinking about Naim Superuniti..
    Hi Capybara. Did you end up getting your system?
    Scansonic MB-1, Aavik U-300, Sony CD Player as transport, mixture of ansuz cables in different qualities, Ansuz Mainz X Power Distribution, Ansuz Power Distribution for DTC cables

  27. #27

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Hello there...

    Actually I could not get whole system yet, but started from speakers.. And unfortunately I could not buy Scansonic MB-2.5. I have just decided to get them and tried to contact with dealer in my country, but I could not. Somehow he was unreachable. Their place was closed and could not get any response for my calls and mails.
    After that I started to looking for another speaker option. Anyway, I was about to buy New Dynaudio Focus XD 20 active speakers, but it ended up with Dynaudio Contour 20.
    And right now I am in same dilemma... Which amplifier ?

    Dealer has 3 integrated amplifier at demo. Hegel H160, Naim Nait XS and Devialet 400. Devialet was doing wonderful job with Contours, I really really liked it. Naim was also quite good. But Hegel's bass quality was not good as others.

    Frankly speaking Devialet 400 was overkill for contours, I believe even Devialet 120 or Expert 130 pro would be so good with my stand mounted speakers.
    And instead of Naim Nait XS, Naim Supernait 2 would be much better option I suppose ( as a result supernait has better structure and higher power output, also have DR power supply which is a huge plus ) The other hand, If I go with supernait, I will need a proper dac and also good interconnects, and that means I need to spend more money which is currently my main concern.
    With Devialet I will not need a DAC, because it already have a great DAC and also a very good "Phono Stage". And of course it will be more expensive than Naim. I am not so sure but I believe result will be better.
    The other hand I did not have any chance to listen contours with none of these so far. Because I could not bring together any of those amplifers ( Devialet 120 & Devialet Exper 130 Pro or Naim Supernait 2 & Naim Superuniti ) with my speakers. And it seems that will not be possible anytime soon. But the other hand I am driving my speakers with a very entry level Marantz A/V reciever, and I wanna buy a new amplifier asap.

    I am planning to buy an integrated set, that's for sure... And I would prefer an amp which has all in the case like Devialet.
    So, do you have any experiences with Dynaudio Contour 20, or any recommendations for new amplifier options for these speakers? My budget will not be more than 3500-4000 USD or EUROS (That's why I am considering to buy maybe Devialet 120, not Expert 130 Pro)

    I will wait for your comments and suggestions.

    Cheers !!

  28. #28
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Capybara - Back when I had Dyn C1's and Signatures I really liked the Octave V70se and Naim SN2. But considering you'll need a dac I'll suggest the Devialet. A very good sounding unit with a good dac that's built in. I'm not impressed with the Hegel after Axpona this year. I had the Naim nDac back when I had the Dyn's and although it's very good (especially with an external P/S) it can be quite expensive. As far as the Devialet I don't think the 400 is overkill (Dyn's love good clean power).
    George

    Aavik U300 - Borresen 03 with optional Supreme D-TC feet - Naim unitiserve 2tb - Ansuz DTC digital cable with power box - Ansuz Mainz8 D-TC with 1 Ansuz Supreme D-TC and 1 Ceramic V2 power cords - Ansuz Ceramic V2 speaker cables - Ansus X Ethernet - pARTicular Novus full suspension rack.

  29. #29

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Thank you for your reply George.. Yesterday I purchased Devialet Expert 120. So, I ended up with a very different configuration than I was planning to buy at the beginning. Hopefully I will be very happy after all burning in period of equipments. But even right now I can say that they don't sounds bad even at day-1 ...

  30. #30

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    I'm sure they will sound much better after break in period. Congratz on your purchase


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  31. #31
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Congrat's on the Devialet. Should be a great match with the Dyn's. Does the Devialet have a SAM program for the C20's? I've heard mixed feelings regarding SAM. The only time I've heard Sam was with Raidho XT3's. Personally I preferred no Sam by a slight margin because it threw the balance of the bass off (a little too much).
    George

    Aavik U300 - Borresen 03 with optional Supreme D-TC feet - Naim unitiserve 2tb - Ansuz DTC digital cable with power box - Ansuz Mainz8 D-TC with 1 Ansuz Supreme D-TC and 1 Ceramic V2 power cords - Ansuz Ceramic V2 speaker cables - Ansus X Ethernet - pARTicular Novus full suspension rack.

  32. #32

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Thank you very much Burau34 and Goerge..

    Unfortunately SAM is not ready for Contour 20's so far. Seems they are still waiting for collection of enough vote, and I am keeping my eyes on vote numbers currently (so far 10). I would appreciate all helps on that matter

    I really wonder about how they will sound with SAM. I believe all system will be completely burned in until SAM is ready. And I hope it does not take so much time for them to get enough votes for Contour 20.

  33. #33
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    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    I just voted for the C20
    George

    Aavik U300 - Borresen 03 with optional Supreme D-TC feet - Naim unitiserve 2tb - Ansuz DTC digital cable with power box - Ansuz Mainz8 D-TC with 1 Ansuz Supreme D-TC and 1 Ceramic V2 power cords - Ansuz Ceramic V2 speaker cables - Ansus X Ethernet - pARTicular Novus full suspension rack.

  34. #34

    Re: Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

    Oh, that's great... Thank you very much for your contribution

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Integrated amplifier for Scansonic MB-2.5

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