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Suggestions for Integrated amp.

Greetings everyone.

I believe that i am ready to downsize my entire rig and have been looking at some integrated amps.
Right now I have a Krell KAV 250 A Power Amp, Classe 6L MKII,  Marantz Sa11 S1 CD, Pioneer S-2ex Loudspeakers with dedicated stands (Read TAD), Linn Axis table and miscellaneous Audioquest interconnects and Cardas Cross speaker wires, by wire.  

I don't think that I want to deal with tubes due to the hassle, heat and space in my rack is at a premium. I love the fact that the speakers are super fast and the Krell/Classe combo controls bass with aplomb. I guess that I am looking at something more romantic and definitely darker so I can listen to it for hours without fatigue.

I listened to  the Parasound Halo integrated integrated which was very nice. I also keep reading great things about the Marantz reference integrated PM11-s3.(Which would match my CD player.
 I am not sure if I really need 250 watts per channel. I once borrowed a pair of Audience SE 24 XLR and were absolutely fabulous but super expensive. I am a professional musician (pianist) and play live music constantly so I may be hard to please. I don't mind going back to tone controls since I HATE BRIGHT!!!! and I am honestly tired of the whole Hi Fi Audiophile stuff. Just want to sit down and listen to music. I do appreciate good quality but I am ready to give it all up. I don't have a dedicated listening room so that poses a problem.  Suggestions please and thanks in advance. Best wishes. 
pivetta
inna
7,296 posts
 
There are Audience interconnects here for sale for $300-$350. You could get them and see how it will change the sound.
Does the Classe have a phono stage? I understand that you hear brightness with both turntable and cd player.

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,467 posts
 
Anyone else demo Wells Audio?
nakam
38 posts
 
I'm looking between two IAs, the Raven Nighthawk MK3 ($3K) and the Schiit Ragnarok ($1,500).  Besides the prices, are there significant differences between them as far as music quality?  I haven't had a chance to demo either because of my location.
willgolf
933 posts
 
Call Dave Thomson at Raven Audio in Texas.  They have a line up of integrated tube amps for anyones budget.  I personally had the Reflection MK2 tube amp and it was outstanding.  He is a wealth of information and is a true gentleman. 
nakam
38 posts
 
Thanks.  But won't Dave try to sell me on the Nighthawk?  $3K is a  bit of a stretch to my budget.  Would the Raven sound that much better than the Schiit?

I'd rather purchase directly from the manufacturer than from a dealer.
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