2. amps-preamps
  3. 155445-103591

Looking for a hybrid integrated to do it all!

Hi everyone, I'm sure this request will draw some ire from the "separates only" crowd but here goes! I'm looking to transition my separate preamp/DAC/amp stack to a more minimalist setup fairly soon but have had some trouble turning up possible components. Here are my rough requirements:

  • Needs to be a hybrid tube/SS design as I like the tube sound too much to let go
  • Needs to have a high quality integrated DAC
  • Should be well built and competently designed with good components
  • Has to output a decent amount of current (around 100wpc @ 4 ohms)
  • This is subjective but it needs to be aesthetically pleasing
  • Bonus points if it has a high quality integrated phono stage (not a must since I'm willing to go separate on this)
  • Bonus points if it has a remote
Pretty much the only option I've found so far that checks all the boxes is the Heaven11 Billie. If anyone has any suggestions of other products to look into that are like this, definitely let me know! For what its worth, I will be using this with a pair of Dynaudio Contour 20s and my budget is no more than $2500 (but I would consider used gear as well). Thanks!
primarist
voodoofunk's avatar
voodoofunk
42 posts
 
I felt your pain...I too decided to go the same route as you are choosing to do now...a quality integrated that 'does it all'.

My budget wasn't as restricted as yours is and after extensive research decided on a PATHOS INPOL REMIX MK.II.  

I am so impressed with it that now I am saving up for a  PATHOS INPOL HERITAGE TUBE HYBRID INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER.  

Speak to Kevin at UPSCALE AUDIO if you desire more information.
headphonedreams
527 posts
 
If you can skip the tube requirement then Hegel h190 should work. Integrated with built-in dac and streamer. Has gotten a lot of good reviews. I have only heard the h590 briefly but that sounded good.

http://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/hegel-h190-integrated-amplifier
joey54
434 posts
 
+1 for the Aesthetix Mimas. Meets all of your requirements plus it sounds amazing. Good Luck!

http://aesthetix.net/mimas.php
why0why
70 posts
 
I used a Peachtree 220SE for a couple of years.  It is a slightly older model that had a tube buffer.  I am a tube guy and the buffer did not sound good at all to me, but it was great without it.  I never did roll the tube.  They did away with the buffer on the newer ones.
stereo_gen
60 posts
 
I have the Vincent Audio SV237 and particularly drawn to this model because I wanted and bare-bone Tube Hybrid Integrate unit that will allow me to upgrade the auxiliary equipment as the digital and phono technology is always improving. Just like a tube amp, I’ve rolled the SV237 to tailor to my ears. The SV237 has more than enough power and plays very well with my high efficient Klipsch Forted speakers and having the bass & treble control and a loudness switch to allow me to tailor the sound to my listening room and add more bass at low volume when needed. The SV237 amp is a sleeper workhorse that is designed meet all my needs.
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