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
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.
mesch
3,476 posts
 
At the OPs budget the SV237 is a choice integrated.
chilli42
111 posts
 
It does not answer your question but I felt that I had to say something.  I understand the urge to simplify.  A good decision.  What I would resist is the urge to include a DAC in your “does it all” system.  DAC technology is changing so fast and with prices coming down that you will soon find anything you buy today will be “dated” very soon.  When I simplified my system stayed with an external DAC.
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