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?
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.
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.
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 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?
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.
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