2. amps-preamps
  3. 132348-1433

No frills balanced ss integrated amp?

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.  
128x128ghosthouse
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,306 posts
 
Thanks yet again to all who provided input.  Not integrated but skoczylas got me thinking about First Watt.  

ronniemo
5 posts
 
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!!!
2channel8
758 posts
 
Primare I32
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,306 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.
@skoczylas mentioned 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.
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