Interested in what the membership recommends for a great sounding solid state integrated amp strictly for two channel audio. Something that excels at the basics. Parasound Halo seems well-regarded but the "no frills" modifier is included to try and avoid exactly such "all in one designs"; i.e., DON'T want something with DAC, phono pre, subwoofer control, tone controls, multi-channel output etc., etc.. Budget in the $2500-$3000 range. Have a Hegel H200 now. Don't ask why I'm thinking about another. Not sure I can explain. New preferred but would definitely consider used (esp., if still in production). Thanks for the input.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. @skoczylasmentioned First Watt. As a result of that suggestion and Wolf Garcia’s experience with Silverline Preludes and a Dennis Had SEP amp (I have 2nd gen Preludes), I’m "auditioning" a First Watt F7. It’s day 4 now but just four hours after hooking it up, I was already seriously impressed. So, a special "thanks" to skoczylas. While not an integrated, it is certainly "no frills" except for providing a ton of great sound. It is working great with a Freya pre-amp operating in tube mode. I think Nelson Pass is some kind of audio Zen master. The F7 might be the best amp I’ve ever owned.
I have a Rogue Cronus magnum 2 and it doesn't sound all tubey like tubes do. Its no frills does have phono pre though. It has a great buffered variable output for a subwoofer. Its phenomenal. All I know is it makes sub bass sound unbelievable tight awesome. Don't ask me why all I know is it does something right and I don't even have an expensive sub. It's a great amp. Weighs 60 lbs. It's a beast of an amp. Made like a tank. It makes my cd's sound better than my solid state does. I love it!!!
@skoczylas Appreciate the reality check. You're kind of echoing the other half of the internal dialog about this (the Voice of Reason!). My system is posted. Needs a bit of updating as I sold off my tube gear. Speakers are Totem Forests and Silverline Prelude Pluses. I don't think my spouse would tolerate a third set. The Preludes are pretty efficient, though. They might work with an (SET?) type amp. Something else to consider. Thanks for your time and input.
I’m not sure you will top the Hegel 200 in this price range for solid state. You will find slightly different flavors with the ones mentioned. The only thing I could think of that would be a different sound would be something like a first watt but it would depend on your speakers. Other ideas would be used Luxman or the high end Yamaha.
Why not try new speakers or a tube amp if you really want a change?
Well, I thought I would mention Gryphon Atilla that is available here from Europe. Yeah, European voltage and the price is a little high. Both points can be improved, I guess, if you really want one.
@simao Thanks for the heads up. That LSA Statement might be the closest I'll ever come to owning a $10K amp! Unfortunately, the 105 pound weight rules that one out. Thanks again.
Yeah, I pushed the wrong button when wanted to add something and then got distracted. I was going to say that I talked to them a few times, and they were very nice and understanding. Among other things I asked them about modifications, I was thinking about slightly boosting the gain and making a preamp out output. I have an original 16 years old model that doesn't have it. They said it was possible but would cost. I have abandoned these ideas since but not because of the cost. Redgum integrateds have a passive preamp section. I suppose, there are many excellent SS integrateds in this price range, including LFD, especially if you get them used, but even new. The Redgum I have is slightly on the warm side but it is not warm sounding, very pleasant sound signature. And I really like dual volume controls, that's very audiophile approach.
Thanks to all for the quick replies. Responding individually below though probably won’t continue to do so going forward.
@gdhal I appreciate your mention of the M6si despite the phono pre and DAC. Why I’m shopping "no frills" is I hate paying for something I don’t need. For the same price and assuming similar profit margins, prefer my $ going into something more "focused". Regardless, I’ll see what I can learn about that M6. Thanks again.
@inna I saw your Redgum note. It’s deleted now. Know the brand but nothing about their products. I’m happy to look at their range even if they aren’t an exact match to what I’m thinking right now. Different vs step-change better can still be fun and newly revealing when listening to a given piece of music.
@jond Thanks for the LFD nomination, Jon. Came across the brand when I was looking to see if anyone had posted this question before. Don’t know ’em at all. Will investigate. Love window shopping.
@nonoise Always had a "soft spot" for Marantz though I never owned any of their gear! Appreciate your input.
How about the Marantz PM14S1? I have the older, PM15S2b and don't plan on parting with it for the foreseeable future. Yamaha also makes a great competitor (I've read) with their A-S100 series as well.
Perhaps an LFD integrated? They are very well regarded and seem as no frills as can be and a number of units on here in your price range. Never hear them myself but I am generally a fan of British integrateds.
Frills or not, I think in that price category you should *consider* a (new) Musical Fidelity M6si. It excels at the basics, despite having a phono input and USB DAC.
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