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Integrated Amps - another thread...

Ok, I am going to start looking for an integrated amp that meets my needs.  Let me tell you a little about me and my system...

I was an early R&D person (not technical; rather, sound) at Cary Audio, in the very beginning.  I have been in the audio world for 35 years.  My current system consists of: MacBook Pro > Schiit Modi 3 > Rega Brio > to modified ADS &L780/2 Speakers.  All my PC, IC, and SC are hand made using the Helix Image model.  I also have a number of mechanical isolation things going on around the entire system.  Fairly good size room; however, I don't play really loud.

BTW, I'm one of the only people that has always believed in the sound of ADS speakers and still do...

My ultimate goal is to relplace the MacBook (the last change), Schiit Modi 3, and the Rega Brio.  The ADS aren't going anywhere.  They fit me!

I thought about separates; but, I think I want to stick with an Integrated Amp.  I don't really want an Integrated with a DAC (if it has one, then so be it).  I would to keep it around 3K, if possible.  No really wanting to get back into tubes nd I'm comfortable trying Class D.

I listen 100% to Tidal and Quboz, via Roon, on my MacBook, to mostly late 50's early 60's Jazz.  I do listen to newer Jazz when I hear a good album.

So, throw out some suggestions, please...


caryking
shtinkydog
681 posts
 
Coltrane: That is one good looking amp!
steve59's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
steve59
1,760 posts
 
It's been awhile since my ADS L9e speakers, but I remember them and I think at your $3k point 
Rogue audio would be worth a try.
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
754 posts
 
@shtinkydog, I added NOS RCA 5691’s, Genelex KT88’s, and Psvane CV-181’s. Total cost of $600 for tubes and $1200 for the amp. Superb tube sound on the cheap. There’s hundreds of positive reviews from buyers. There’s lots of members of audio forums located via google who’ve purchased the amp. It’s a tube rolling machine. Inexpensive at $1200 for the base amp.


Check out the 108 pages of forum owners experimenting with tube rolling at Stereonet dot com. 
https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/322734-willsenton-r8-owners-thread/


rc22
133 posts
 
Look into the Lyngdorf 2170 TDAI. It has a dac.  2 if not 3 very very positive and very detailed reviews were done in 2016 and 2017 and there are many discussions of the unit on this forum.

A few folks I know replaced much higher priced gear with the 2170 and used it for a good long time (and some still do).   Of course, you will find some posts from folks for whom it was not a Goldilocks solution.  I also know two dealers who hold the Lyngdorf integrated amps in high regard and are disappointed they are unable to carry them because they are too close to an existing dealer.  85 into 8 and doubles into 4. Lyngdorf fairly recently stopped making the 2170.   Depending on age and options, used ones should hover above and below your $3K budget.  Their MSRP was 4K-4.8K USD, depending on options.

Alternatively, the Lyngdorf 1120 is a steaming integrated at a new price under $3K, I think.  See reviews for it, of course.  A Lyngdorf dealer I trust says it is quite something at its price point.  60 and 120 at 8 and 4.

Good luck to you.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,602 posts
 
caryking

Check out Ayre Acoustics. Their Integrated is solid-state with a tubed Soul. I own an AX-5 and never thought I would become a convert away from separates.  There is one currently list at $3900 - A steal!

Happy Listening!
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