2. amps-preamps
  3. 164061-3105

Looking for a ‘’No braine’r Integrated amplifier under 7500 or so

hello all!

I’m looking for ideas on a ‘slam dunk’ flexible high value solidly performing INTEGRATED amp for an office system, but one that for a while can be my ‘go to’ or primary unit and is a bit above entry level.

preference is to buy new, but preowned in the right scenario works for me as well.

Pesently I’m starting all over in amassing gear and felt to initiate the project by wading into the water slowly.

I have on hannd remnants of my former   efforts in a then very good line stage preamp and DAC, though the DA age is showing and well behind current popular trends  and support for new formats.

also on hand are some ‘so so’ amps, and several pairs of speakers and I just added a Blue Sound Noede 2I.

ultimately I see nearly everything being replaced but felt starting with a very nice Integrated seems as good a starting point as any.

topology is as such, not too too imoportant. decent power however is key as speakers being paired here are as yet unknown. likelyhood here is a pair of monitors and a sub.

the music playback will likely be streaming from providers and NAS files.

Aesthewtix Mimas has peaked my interest currently. and having owned bAT their INT is interesting too. apart from these two I’m wide open to suggestions on current one box amp solutions..

glass or sand power here makes little difference apart from thereafter mating speakers to the INT power constraints..

your thoughts, and expieriences here are vastly appreciated. THX
blindjim
kennyc
1,676 posts
 
Safe recommendations in SS Integrated-
* Hegel H390 includes DAC (250wpc) $6k - Hegel has lots of positive reviews and many satisfied owners at it’s price point
* Cambridge Audio Edge A includes DAC (100wpc, Stereophile measured 145wpc) $6k
* Aesthetix Mimas (150wpc) $7k (TAS 50 Greatest Bargains in High-end Audio, add $1250 each for DAC and phono options; $500, headphone amp. The phono option got a great review in TAS Feb 2021 issue)
* Krell K300i (150wpc) $7k (add $1000 for optional DAC) - Class A amplification (tube-like warmer sound without the power limitation).

Like others mentioned, better to either pick electronics then decide speaker or choose speaker then decide on electronics.  Asking for both electronics +speaker combo gets you the Wild West answers.  
mjmcubfn
37 posts
 
Devialet 220.  I've tried others and keep coming back to this one.  Got mine used for $4100.  Super easy to use.  Just wish it had balanced inputs.
arcam88's avatar
arcam88
442 posts
 
+1 for Anthem STR! with ARC (Anthem Room Correction) [helps with speaker choice and placement]
$4500
Absolutely love mine!
$2500 leftover towards speakers
The Anthem Really KICKS my ATC SCM 40's effortlessly. (85 db efficiency)😎
dutchydog
56 posts
 
I agree with cakyol,I own the pass labs int 250. I got mine from Reno audio,it was an open box for 7500,and it is a superb amp. Unbeatable, will drive any speaker.
2channel8
759 posts
 
Look into the Prmare I35. It is very tolerant to a wide range of speakers, has XLR inputs, can be configured with state of the art DAC and streaming, and at 150 Watts into 8 Ohms has enough power for most applications. 
I have the I32 and I love it. The I35 uses even faster class D power modules. Check out the review on The Absolute Sound and elsewhere. The TAS review honestly rates it just a smidge below some of the above mentioned entries; but at a much more reasonable price.They are now sold through Crutchfield.
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