Integrated Amps

I resurrected my system five years ago by purchasing a Yamaha A-S3000 integrated amp. It was a huge sonic improvement over the Yamaha A-1000 integrated I bought in 1985. It was easy to discern because I had the same speakers, Infinity RS-4b’s.

The sonic improvement was the start of a very deep rabbit hole for me. I upgraded speakers next with Magico A3’s. Then I listened to a Prima Luna integrated amp a buddy let me use. That led to buying a Dynaco PAS-3X tube preamplifier. I paired that with the A-S3000. The sonics were an improvement over the A-S3000 alone!

I’ve since upgraded the preamplifier, the power amplifiers twice with two pairs of mono blocks, added a separate phono preamplifier, upgraded the turntable, cartridge, cables, power cords and added room treatments, Soon the power conditioner will be next.

I’ve enjoyed the journey but I was naive as to what I was getting into when I upgraded to the A3’s in regards to what it would take to bring the sonic level of my rig up to what I heard in the demo. My advice is to proceed cautiously.

Obtaining synergy between components most likely will become very expensive. I also have another rig which uses the old RS-4b’s with a Scott A 436 integrated amp and McIntosh MR-55A tuner. I enjoy that system almost as much as the main rig when I listen to it!

I would be wary of purchasing any integrated amplifier with a built in DAC. As enticing as that may sound, in most cases the built in DAC is inferior to even an inexpensive stand alone one.  More importantly, the resale value of the amp will plummet as soon as the manufacturer introduces a similar model with a new and improved digital section.  And we know how much that hurts when you inevitably decide to upgrade again.  We’re audiophiles!  I think the next big thing in DACs will be a near universal adoption of USB C inputs.  A couple manufacturers offer an internal DAC as an option on a plugin circuit board that, in theory, can be replaced with a more up to date board, which seems like an excellent way to stave off obsolescence in the fast moving world of digital.  I know that NAD, McIntosh and Accuphase do this, and hopefully other manufacturers do, too. Best wishes!

I just want to say the new NAD class d amps are very clean but there is no warmth at all. A friend just tried out the preamp / amp stack of the master’s series. Very clean but NO WARMTH. I liked it on Maggies, my friend did not. For what it’s worth.

I am quite impressed with the Soulnote A2.  I see it occasionally only used for under 5k.  It is SS but has a wonderful warm but resolving sound.  From your list, and other recommendations, I can only say it is much nicer than the PS Strata, or NAD, which I have owned or heard.  Very high quality build, and completely transformed a second system.  I combine this with an Auralic Altair G1.1, a value oriented piece, and it sounds very good.  There are many fine integrateds for sure.  Keeping the DAC separate is very flexible going forward.  The Soulnote developer left Marantz to create better sounding components, and not have his hands tied by corporate ownership.

If you are thinking of upgrading your speakers the advice of upgrading those first, prior to the integrated is really good advice.  Synergy as noted in several responses is so important between gear, especially speakers and amp.  It’s tempting if you are going with an Integrated to get an Integrated with everything, DAC, Phono Stage, Headphone Amp, the list goes on.  Really good advice I got from others is to focus on what sounds best in an integrated, getting the best pre / amp combo.  The Phono Stage, DAC are items you can add into the mix and you’re likely to get better performance and flexibility by going that route.  If you have your heart set on an Integrated, one box that has everything and does it all well, the NAD mentioned in this thread is an unbelievable value, great performer.  The streamer / DAC built in is extremely well done, has room correction, really does it all and is about as future proof as you could hope for.  
 

Integrated Amps I’d add to your list: 

Parasound HINT 6 - incredible value, bang for the buck, SS and can drive almost any speaker

Coda CSiB - Coda is probably the most underrated high end Hifi manufacture out there.  The engineering, parts used and overall build quality are second to none, it’s not cheap but you’ll pay many multiples above there gear just to match it, it’s a no frills integrated, can drive pretty much any speaker. 

Krell 300i - might be the most magical Integrated I have heard, something about the combo of power, control but also a liquidity, tubelike quality without any of the draw backs of tubes.  

PrimaLuna Evo400 - All Tube Integrated built like a tank, no frills. 

Linear Tube Audio - several Integrated Amps - like Coda, incredible build quality for the price with top notch engineering, if you want Tubes, really hard to beat and incredible value relative but not cheap. 

McIntosh is a polarizing brand but they make solid state, hybrid and Tube Integrated Amps, hold their value like no other brand. 
 

Hifi Rose RA180 integrated - highly reviewed, very well done Class AD amp, will drive almost any speaker

Niam - make several integrated amps that would cover all your bases, well thought out DAC/Streamer built in

Hegel - 3 different models, often one of the most highly recommended by those who own one.  Very well done streamer/DAC combos, if you add a separate streamer / DAC can raise the performance which is already really, really good.

I’d buy used, buying Hifi gear is like buying a car, it depreciates 30-60 % as soon as you open the box, you can really stretch your dollar going used.  Good Luck