The CODA CSiB is great. So good that I decided to sell it and get the CODA separates (07x and deciding on #8 or #16). The KRELL K-300i integrated is also great. I thought the KRELL was a little smoother and had more bass than the CODA. Both are a touch warm and were amazing on my RAAL SR1a. Which need warmth.
Integrated Amp Choices
From numerous visits to audio stores in the BIG city 2 hours south of my place, and after listening to a couple of dozen speakers (up to $18,000) both passive and active. Our simple ears have narrowed it down to these 2 speakers (so far):
KEF R11s - https://us.kef.com/r11.html and Triangle AustraleEZs - https://www.trianglehifi.com/en/produit/hifi-floor-standing-speaker-ez-australe/ These 2 sound the best to both my wife, offer good value and both very close to each other in price.
Here are a few integrated amps (in around the $5K range) that I am considering and I was hoping the community can give their votes to which would compliment the speakers of choice (so far) the best?
https://simaudio.com/en/product/340i-x-integrated-amplifier/
https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/model=str-integrated-amplifier/page=overview
http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=2
https://www.sugdenaudio.com/anv-50-integrated-amplifier
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MA5300
On Sale Occasionally:
https://bryston.com/amplifiers/b1353/
https://www.marklevinson.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MARK+LEVINSON+NO+5802.html?dwvar_MARK%20LEVINSON%20NO%205802_color=Black%20%2F%20Silver-US-Current&cgid=integrated-amplifiers
Onboard DAC is a big consideration too, so hoping for your further comments on DAC sections as well.
Prefer new or demo over used.
Thanks,
High-amp
KEF R11s - https://us.kef.com/r11.html and Triangle AustraleEZs - https://www.trianglehifi.com/en/produit/hifi-floor-standing-speaker-ez-australe/ These 2 sound the best to both my wife, offer good value and both very close to each other in price.
Here are a few integrated amps (in around the $5K range) that I am considering and I was hoping the community can give their votes to which would compliment the speakers of choice (so far) the best?
https://simaudio.com/en/product/340i-x-integrated-amplifier/
https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/model=str-integrated-amplifier/page=overview
http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=2
https://www.sugdenaudio.com/anv-50-integrated-amplifier
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MA5300
On Sale Occasionally:
https://bryston.com/amplifiers/b1353/
https://www.marklevinson.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MARK+LEVINSON+NO+5802.html?dwvar_MARK%20LEVINSON%20NO%205802_color=Black%20%2F%20Silver-US-Current&cgid=integrated-amplifiers
Onboard DAC is a big consideration too, so hoping for your further comments on DAC sections as well.
Prefer new or demo over used.
Thanks,
High-amp
Showing 3 responses by yyzsantabarbara
@high-amp I forgot to add this in my statements about the BM stack. If the pure BM stack is too revealing (what I use) and some warmth is wanted. Try the CODA 07x preamp. The 07x preamp and the AHB2 are incredible together (I also have this pairing). I prefer the HPA4 + AHB2 combo but I think most would like the 07x + AHB2 more. I sold an extra AHB2 I had to someone last month. I think I lost $50 on that sale. The buyer hated it put it up for sale in 3 days. The BM is not for everyone, especially if you want some color. Here is Benchmarks description of their gear vs others. How Should I Buy an Audio System? - Benchmark Media Systems |