2. amps-preamps
  3. 132742-1460

Which integrated amp?

I am looking for an integrated amp for my system and would appreciate any input/ listening impressions for a couple that I have interest in. I have a couple of musts for any choice. At least one set of balanced inputs, pre amp outputs, and 4 ohm drive capability, 150 wpc minimum, solid state preferred but hybrid ok. My room is 11 x 15.5 x 8. I have a couple of different speakers either on hand or that will be arriving soon. They are the Mosaic Acoustics Illumination, and Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rod. A pair of Green Mountain Audio yet to be released monitors are to be on there way soon (hopefully). The Mosaic and GMA both need subwoofer support, thus the need for pre amp output. I want the integrated to be flexible in case I decide to go with a somewhat larger floor stander in the future. Listen to mostly rock, hard rock, metal, blues, jazz and contemporary jazz. Mostly I listen at modest levels, but want to be able to put the pedal down when I feel like it. I prefer sound slightly on the warm side of neutral and want to avoid etch/ glare. I would like to limit to $3500 in the used market. I have been doing some research and am interested in experiences with the following;

Modwright KWI-200
Hegel H-300/360
Plinius Hautonga
BAT VK 300x SE
Coda CSI 300b
Parasound Halo

I am open to other suggestions. Thanks for your input.

csmgolf
csmgolf OP
894 posts
 
@gabby_835   

No problems. It is hard to sort out all of the recommendations here. I looked up the review you linked after you originally recommended the 600i in your first post. What is it specifically that you like better than the Hegel in respect to sonics? After scouring the web and the threads of multiple sites, I feel like I am getting some idea about the general sound of several of these pieces. I have not heard anything comparing the 600i to any of the others. A comparison to the Hegel may give me some idea if I may be interested in pursuing the SimAudio. Your input is very much appreciated. 
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joshelston
53 posts
 
I have the KEF LS50’s also and driving them with Wyred for sound amp.  I think they balance out the brighter part of the KEF’s well.  Also has balanced outs as you specified above and the pre-out/subwoofer out. 250 wpc.  $2500.  You can try them for 30 days and send them back if they don’t crank your cheese wheel.   Good luck on the search.  Lots of great choices mentioned above.  
gabby_835
8 posts
 
@csmgolf 

While the Hegel is a very good amp, I heard an expanded soundstage, and better overall resolution. The increase in esolution wasn't an increase in top end that leads to fatigue, but more of the music was fleshed out while maintaining musicality. 
This was also true when replacing an Audio Research pre and Rogue Audio power amp.
Hope this helps!
larsg123
1 posts
 
Sold my Hegel H360 because the Hegel H190 was better in my ears. H190 is a little Bit varmer and got more PRAT
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