I am tired of the Pre-amp+Power-amp game. So, I am in the quest of finding a really really good integrated amp, preferably used, so I can save some money off the original price. Right now, I have a pair of Triangle Celius (92db), but I would like the amp to be able to drive other not-so-sensitive speakers.
What is the best integrated amp you've ever listened to?
One of the finest integrated ampliifers we have ever used, is the T+A HV 3000, $18k and its slightly newer bigger brother the 3100 at $23k.
Absolutely amazing, expensive but for the quality very reasonably priced.
The T+A HV 3000 was compared to $120k worth of CH Precision gear and Allan Taffel from TAS was having difficulty telling the difference so this gear is actually a bargain for the quality.
If you are in the market for a one box soloution this is one of the finest.
My first post. I have the following setup and am extremely pleased with the sound I have. I have not had the opportunity to listen to many other amplifiers. Bryston, Simaudio, Cambridge 840v2, MacIntosh, AR. I have listened to some Harbeth, Vienna, WLM, B&W 801d and a few others over the years. I have come across a few good deals to put together the following which represents the best I've heard to date ( insert laughter here ). Honestly I do listen to a lot of music, several hours per day on average, jazz, indie, classical, folk and still get a great deal of pleasure from it.
Ascendo system F loudspeakers (6 ohm) Perreaux 150i integrated amp ( 290w into 6ohm according to Martin at Perreaux) Weiss DAC 2 balanced connection to amp and firewire to Mac mini. Mac mini serving FLAC and high res FLAC through Squeezebox duet ( bypassing onboard DAC) OR direct via PureMusic s/w Using Mogami 3104 bi-wire
Listening space is a large open room with high ceilings going from 12' to 22' and average 22' wide by 45' long. Main listening area is approx 15'x15'.
I am curious though to get feedback on what I might expect in terms of improvements if I were to consider a different/"better" amplifier configuration? I prefer to stay with solid state. Prefer integrated but would consider separate pre/power if it made enough improvement. Many generate too much heat (class A amps) for my furniture/placement. I get the sense I'd have to spend considerably more $$ to see a marked inprovement. Am I wrong?
Agree with Hakuchosan -- Accuphase E450 driving our Magico's with ease and delivering an amazing level of detail. Not missing anything here... I have listened to much more expensive systems, and wouldn't want to switch.
My modified Pathos TT RR is the best integrated amp I've heard, and one of the handfull of best amplifiers I've heard. The stock Pathos TT is already a superb amp, however with capacitor and resistor upgrades it gains speed, dynamics, three dimensionality, and bass slam without losing any of the extraordinary timbral accuracy and SET-like sweetness of the stock unit. The best "bang for the buck" upgrade is replacing the four 1uf coupling capacitors. I had mine replaced with Mundorf Silver/Gold/Oil, had a couple of other capacitors replaced with Blackgates, and several resistors upgraded to Audionote. Still to come: Bybee Music Rails.
Im using a New Audio Frontiers Supreme 300b Special Edition. Its a stop listening to your system with audiophile ears and just start enjoying the music type of component.
I have been using integrated amps for about 10 years, Karan, Lavardin, Viva and a number of others. Al were good, except the Karan K180, I did'nt like at all. The 2 I have at the moment are the best so far. Firstly Pathos Inpol2, a hybrid Class A 50 watt amp. Secondly, an Ayon Spark, 20 watt SET. Both are truly excellent and sound similar, detailed transparent, good soundstage, very musical. the best though, clearly to me, the Dartzeel integrated, 8050 is it. Just wonderful, but out of my price range I am afraid.
Totem made an integrated way back when. It was an ugly thing, shaped like a semi-cylinder. But it sounded fantastic (especially for a SS integrated amp to someone who has a clear preference for tubes). I've never heard the Totem Forests sound any better than with their own integrated amp.
I've never seen one on Audiogon, and suspect that the one I listed to at my (then) local dealer was relatively rare.
LSA Signature integrated is the best amp that I have owned or listened to. I have always been interested in the Mac stuff but never got around to hearing one.
After exploring various integrateds over the past few years; Jolida, Rogue and CJ tubed, and Krell and Musical Fidelity solid state, and while all fine integrateds with various strengths and limitations, I have finally settled on a CJ CA200 solid state and am very satisified with the overall presentation, impact and delicacy. It is quite tube like in many ways but doesn't soften the dynamic impact when called for. Also images float in the air above, to the sides and behind the plane of the speakers. Used, this is truly a highly refined and bargain amp.
Audiofeil, you have a valid point. I guess I probably shouldn't mention about products I sell. However, I'm definitely not the only one, that's for sure. But, I'm upfront about it so people can be free to take or leave my opinion. I'm just very passionate about audio and wanted to share how much I'm liking the Chapter integrated amp. I have been an audiophile long before I became a dealer and became a dealer because of the love of the hobby.
I traded in my Musical Fidelity KwPre and Kw750 pre/power amp for an LSA Signature Integrated Amp from Underwood Hifi. No contest, the LSA is better in every department, takes up a lot less space, reduced my cabling requirements and includes a phono stage. I must say that I'm extremely impressed with it (sound, build quality, etc.) and I really think I've arrived at my last amplification stop. It came with EH tubes (6922x2), but I upgraded with NOS tubes from Andy at Vintage Tube Services (Siemens-Halski and Telefunken).
Wireless200, I like Bel Canto a lot as it seems you do as well. I've been a Bel Canto dealer for a long time and am a fan of their products. I still think it isn't a fair comparison as the Chapter integrated amp is almost 5 times the price as the Bel Canto integrated amps. If you read between the lines, the Chapter Precis 250S is in a completely different league and it should be considering the price difference. In my opinion, this amp is extremely impressive regardless of what class of amplification is used. The original poster was asking about the best integrated amp you've ever heard. So, I answered with what is the best integrated amp I've ever personally used. I'm just keeping on track with question asked in the original post instead of comparing two different Class D integrated amplifiers. If you want a comparison, feel free to email me. I disclose that I'm a dealer, so I don't have an agenda I'm hiding. I was just trying to keep the thread in line with the original question. I hope this helps satisfy you. If not, feel free to email me any time.
We wouldn't be comparing apples to apples. The Chapter Audio Precis 250S is a $11,995 USD integrated amp and the Bel Canto integrated amps retail for $2,495 USD. It's not a fair comparison.
Hmmm... interesting. I compare unevenly priced systems everyday. I have a main system downstairs (Mcintosh, Aerial 10Ts) and a bedroom system (Bel Canto, Aerial 7Bs) and listen to both nearly every day. They don't sound the same but they both sound very good. For different pieces of music I prefer one over the other. The price differential was fairly great especially when I had the c2300 tube pre on the main system. I think when you jump into threads as a dealer touting product, you shouldn't say how good everything you sell sounds without being willing to offer counterpoint.
I'm not trying to put you on the spot but in another thread you were touting Bel Canto. I have Bel Canto and I think it sounds great as well. I'm interested in reading about what others who've compared high-priced Class A and A/B designs with Class D have to say. I've had a steady stream on high-end Class A and A/Bs (most recently Pass, Electrocompaniet) through my second system and would like to hear what others have to say about Class D who've had a chance to extensively compare them.
I think the Class D sounds quite good. It does sound different but still very good. Let me put it this way... I'm not already searching the Power Amp ads on Audiogon and pretty happy about the break.
We wouldn't be comparing apples to apples. The Chapter Audio Precis 250S is a $11,995 USD integrated amp and the Bel Canto integrated amps retail for $2,495 USD. It's not a fair comparison.
Chapter Audio Precis 250S. I just took on the Chapter Audio line and am currently have this integrated in the system I use. Of course you can take this with a grain of salt since I disclosed that I'm a Chapter Audio dealer, but this piece is incredible. Mind you, it certainly is not cheap, but IMHO you could spend considerably more on many different types of separates and not get the kind of sound quality and musicality this piece provides. At 225W into 8 ohms and 450W into 4 ohms, it also has the power to drive the vast majority of speakers out there as well.
krell's newest integrated. the S-300i is a real gem imo. picked mine up about 3 months ago and couldn't be happier. listened/demo'd countless integrated amp's until i heard this krell. knew it was "the one" as soon as it was turned on. at it's $2500 msrp, i can't think of a better integrated value on the planet. with the right speakers and cable....this thing is truly outstanding. read the reviews and give it a listen. you just might agree.
Jared, I would have to agree with you as I sold my KW-500, off a few years ago and regretted it ever since. For inexpensive Int. Amps, I would have to say the new NAD line "BEE" series all sound very good, they just put it in a cheap box. I have owned Mac and a few others over the years and MF seems to match up best with my speakers. I would say the A5 and A5.5 series are also very good from MF, just not as good as the KW-500. If anyone decides to sell there KW-500 let me know!!! :)
Own it: 1964 HH Scott 222D with 7189A output tubes (not EL84's) so I get true 22wpc.
I am service eng for several super high end brands, and have yet to have this amp beaten by much at all with any level of separates. Something to be said for one less power supply and interconnect pair.
Still rolling bypass caps; finding the Solen Fast Caps too bright, trying WIMA MKP-4's next.
Love Luxman from Japan, LFD from the UK, and McIntosh from the US. All are wonderfully built products that will offer many years of service. Second the postings for the Mac 6300 and the Luxman 1590.
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