2. amps-preamps
  3. 192936-1301

Pass INT-25, split decision and maybe option?

I recently bought a used INT-25 to drive my PureAudioProject Trio15Classic. I have never been so torn by an amp as by this one! On one hand the details are addictive, but on the other hand, the details can be so distractive that I struggle to listen to the music. The INT-25 does do space really well and that’s definitely something I love and look for in an amp. I do miss some of the midrange magic and the warmth that a tube amp brings as well.

 

At this point, I’m not sure the INT-25 is going to stay. There’s so many things I love about it, but other things that distracts me from listening to the actual music.

 

I also miss some of the warmth that tubes bring. Is there such a thing as an integrated tube (or hybrid) that retains all the strength of the INT-25, but adds the midrange magic and warmth of the tube amp? Don’t mind if I lose some of the distracting details in the recording, but don’t want to give up too much of that. The PAP's do like a bit of power (the INT-25 is definitely sufficient), so low power SET's are not likely where I'd go.

128x128audiojan
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
433 posts
 

@marco1 the INT-25 is single ended, so no way to use balanced output from the DAC into the amp. Using RCA adapters negates the additional 6dB output.

 

@helomech I heard a Ayre AX5 Twenty a few years ago and it was really nice, so that might be an option. Didn’t even thing about that.

helomech
1,740 posts
 


I heard a Ayre AX5 Twenty a few years ago and it was really nice, so that might be an option. Didn’t even thing about that.

The AX-5 Twenty is an end-game quality integrated. Lower noise floor than the INT-25 and noise floor matters considerably. 

 

marco1's avatar
marco1
593 posts
 

Sorry bout dat.  Wouldn’t be the first time I was thinking ass backwards.  Still think it’s a gain problem though.

dz13
275 posts
 

Let me throw in the Don Sachs Valhalla tube integrated as a possibility. I had the Linear Tube Audio z40+ integrated which is more expensive than the Valhalla and I thought the Valhalla was significantly better. It has about 33 watts per channel (you can use 6L6s, KT-66s, KT-77s or EL-34s and it is auto-biasing with a meter to check the bias of each power tube easily in front). It has one balanced set of inputs and a nice remote. I've had one for a few years and love it. It is lush, fast, detailed and adds detail and bass that my previous tube integrateds (the LTA and Rogers) couldn't match. 

I spoke to Lynn Olson at Pacific Audio Fest a few years ago who told me that the Valhalla, in his opinion, was as good as integrateds costing three times its price. Additionally, even though the Valhalla has 33 watts per channel, it easily drove 4 ohm speakers with 88db efficiency in the hotel room it was in. 

 

http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/valhalla%20integrated.html

wolf_garcia
6,739 posts
 

For less than the cost of the 25 integrated just add a Schiit Freya + to the XA-25...you'll get more of everything (inputs, outputs, tubes, no tubes, etc.). I use an original Freya with mine (XA-25) and the resulting sound is killer. Gain a-plenty.

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