2. amps-preamps
  3. 170510-97004

Looking for a SS integrated Amplifier recommendation going into a new system

While waiting for a new speaker delivery, I have some time to start looking for a SS integrated amplifier, and hoping for some recommendations.

The speaker to pair with is Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower with RAAL tweeter option that is around 91dB efficient, and the room size is 12x18x8.  I mostly listen to classical, jazz, female vocal, and the listening level normally is around 85dB, occasionally go up to 90dB.

I originally was looking for class-A integrated amplifier, but now would like to open the possibility to class-A/B as well to see what will be a good match for this new system I am putting together.

TIA
elan120
dustyb13
17 posts
 
I like my Arcam SA 30
baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,406 posts
 
Tk21 is right, many of the amp recommendations here are disproportionate to your speakers price wise. I strongly recommend a tube integrated since you probably will eventually want to tone down the brightness of the raals. Look into prima luna and as needed you can switch tubes to some mullard type NOS. If you go SS, whatever brand, you will have zero future control over your raals. Wish someone had told me that back then. However I got pretty lucky with the Marantz  pm-15s2 since it was on the warm side.
baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,406 posts
 
BTW, The evo 100 integrated is $2,795. I now run the evo 100 preamp hooked to a parasound halo a21+ amp. Upgraded to NOS tubes and it does wonders in my house of stereo.
ryder
1,689 posts
 
It's great if you can afford the Gryphon or Vitus which are priced above $10k with the higher models costing up to $20k. The Luxman at below $10k is "Best Buy". Great value and great sound for your dollar.
oldaudiophile
307 posts
 
Just another 2 cent opinion. With those AMT tweeters and the dimensions of your sound room, I would recommend amplification that is a touch on the warm side, whether you go SS, tube or hybrid, especially if the sweet spot does not have any or much space behind the listener(s) (e. g.  chair or couch up against a wall, bookcase, etc.). Anything ruler flat accurate, I fear, will lead to listener fatigue in short order. McIntosh is a good bet, as well as Musical Fidelity, Luxman, Simaudio Moon and a few others. Good luck!
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