1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 132742-1460

Which integrated amp?

I am looking for an integrated amp for my system and would appreciate any input/ listening impressions for a couple that I have interest in. I have a couple of musts for any choice. At least one set of balanced inputs, pre amp outputs, and 4 ohm drive capability, 150 wpc minimum, solid state preferred but hybrid ok. My room is 11 x 15.5 x 8. I have a couple of different speakers either on hand or that will be arriving soon. They are the Mosaic Acoustics Illumination, and Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rod. A pair of Green Mountain Audio yet to be released monitors are to be on there way soon (hopefully). The Mosaic and GMA both need subwoofer support, thus the need for pre amp output. I want the integrated to be flexible in case I decide to go with a somewhat larger floor stander in the future. Listen to mostly rock, hard rock, metal, blues, jazz and contemporary jazz. Mostly I listen at modest levels, but want to be able to put the pedal down when I feel like it. I prefer sound slightly on the warm side of neutral and want to avoid etch/ glare. I would like to limit to $3500 in the used market. I have been doing some research and am interested in experiences with the following;

Modwright KWI-200
Hegel H-300/360
Plinius Hautonga
BAT VK 300x SE
Coda CSI 300b
Parasound Halo

I am open to other suggestions. Thanks for your input.

csmgolf
csmgolf OP
479 posts
 
@pumper24 

Thanks for the input. It is valuable to get both the positive and negative for the equipment in question. Very helpful information as it helps me determine if our preferences line up with each other.
gabby_835
8 posts
 

csmgolf -

Sorry, I usually don't participate in the forums. Here is some additional info on the SA integrated, specifically the 600i.

Dual mono, 125W into 8ohms, doubles into a 4 ohm load. If you take a look at images you'll see that it's basically 2 mono amps in a single housing! https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=sv68ItUi&id=E3EC2937ED4B29AF32AD501403...

Has a balanced input, 4 SE inputs and pre-outs that can be configured as variable or fixed. Also has the M-eVOL2 volume control with 530 steps of loudness. 

I'm currently running a pair of Dyaudio Focus 380's, and doesn't run out of power even at house rocking levels.

I'm not a sales guy, but since I've upgraded to the SA I've been very pleased! I've compared this to the Hegel 360 and in the system the SA bested the Hegel. I've not heard the others in your list, but have seen a lot of good reviews on the Modwright integrated.

The below is a link to a review of both the 600 and 700i amps.http://www.tonepublications.com/comparo/simaudio-600i-vs-700i-and-the-i7-too/

Enjoy the journey!

greginnh
320 posts
 
Gato AMP -150.   If you are interested, I just posted mine for sale here on Agon.  I have to thin down the herd!
gakman
40 posts
 
+1 for SA Moon 600i,

About 4 months ago I bought this integrated amp, listening through Focal L&R Utopia B loudspeakers with a JL Audio E-110 subwoofer for the bottom octave.

I have found this to be an excellent sounding system, I have no regrets and this should keep me happy for a long time. A good thing since I am retiring in two weeks and need to put a lid on my audio spending!

Good luck to you,
Gary

 

csmgolf OP
479 posts
 
@gabby_835   

No problems. It is hard to sort out all of the recommendations here. I looked up the review you linked after you originally recommended the 600i in your first post. What is it specifically that you like better than the Hegel in respect to sonics? After scouring the web and the threads of multiple sites, I feel like I am getting some idea about the general sound of several of these pieces. I have not heard anything comparing the 600i to any of the others. A comparison to the Hegel may give me some idea if I may be interested in pursuing the SimAudio. Your input is very much appreciated. 
More to discover