2. amps-preamps
  3. 170192-151404

Best Integrated that you've heard under $5k

It's a crowded market in the under $5k arena...

Let's hear which integrated amp surprised you and maybe even had you shaking your head in disbelief. 

Watch the first response be, 'no $5k integrated is that good' blah blah blah. You know how it is, lot of old fogeys on here that are done censoring themselves and take it out on the thread.

Also, if I've missed the cutoff and there's just this $6k or $7k amp that is worth consideration, feel free to mention.
cd45123
nutty
2,885 posts
 
Naim Supernait 3. Fully class A preamp and headphones. Very good MM phono section. Supernait 3 has a hefty power supply to hold the music signal. The ring core transformer can draw as much as 400 VA from the mains, which is the same as 400 watts. By only using 80 watts for music delivery, you achieve a very stable operation, from a power supply that is never short of breath.

N
larryi
3,994 posts
 
The Synthesis Roma 96 integrated has a built in phono stage and a quite decent DAC.  This 25 w/ch tube integrated delivers very good sound for the money.  Spend a bit more (or find used) and the Synthesis A40 is a better, and more versatile amp.  
madcow
42 posts
 
Luxman 505uXII with Thiel CS1.5 Nice match. Hears everything. Wish it’s a tad deeper in the mids and lows. Supplement with REL T7i to make up.
cakids
166 posts
 
Haven’t heard Raven or Leben, but Manley Stingray
 is great in my system. Using 90 db speakers in a med-small room. Detailed, natural and spacious.
cakids
166 posts
 
Btw, just got back from a live jazz concert - Branford Marsallus - and the Stingray system sounds completely authentic. Very convincing.
More to discover