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Which Integrated amps should I audition?

I need to downsize because we are moving to a small apartment. I enjoy all types of music except hip hop and rap. My current system consists of John Tucker modified Usher BE-10 Loudspeakers. Driven by Belles Power Modules M-01 monoblocks and driven by a Supratek Cabernet Dual preamp. The source is a John Tucker modified Oppo-95. I don't have the space for the 4piece amp and pre hence looking for an integrated amp. The new speakers will be small stand mounts. Open to suggestions on either tube or SS integrated. Don't know the dimensions of the new place yet.
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Showing 2 responses by david12

david12
1,398 posts
 
I have been using integrated amps exclusively for 10 years. I don't think you compromise on quality at all, up to say $20000, even beyond. Instead you get more bang for your bucks. The days of the integrated as an afterthought in a manufacturers range, are long gone.

I agree with Elizabeth, get into your new place and audition in the new room, if possible, with the new speakers and I would say get the speakers first. The critical thing though is sensitivity and impedence of your new speakers. As a rule though, good standmounts tend to be harder to drive, with lower sensitivity. There are'nt that many 96db sensitive standmounts.
david12
1,398 posts
 
Depending on your power needs, if this is quite low, I can make some suggestions. I have used a Viva Solista, Lavardin IT, Karan K180, Pathos Inpol2 and Ayon Spark over the years. I use the last 2 at the moment and both are the best I have used. The Spark is a tube SET putting out 20 watts, the Inpol 2, more expensive and a tube SS hybrid with 50 Class A watts. Both are veery good, if different, with my 96db sensitivity Daedalus speakers.
I would say both amps need north of 90DB to be comfortable long term. If that is possible, either would be great long term choices
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