2. amps-preamps
  3. 157740-24

Integrated Amp $1200 or less

I’m currently using an Anthem I225 integrated amp and am consider a different integrated.

I would prefer solid state.  I am not opposed to used and actually prefer that route if I can get more bang for the buck that way.

Im wanting something that still has enough power to drive my speakers (Fritz Carreras) to satisfyingly high levels.

I’m preferring an integrated so I don’t need an additional power cord and rca cords.

I’m open to suggestions.  I could be swayed into spending a little more if I can get alot more performance.

I’m looking for more refinement.  My source is a bluesound node 2i and I’m currently using the dac in the bluesound.  
I’d prefer getting an integrated with no dac and will upgrade my Dac later.  Again, I wouldn't rule out a great integrated that has a dac!


Thanks ahead of time for the suggestions!


128x128b_limo
smer319's avatar
smer319
138 posts
 
I got a Proceed / Mark Levinson 2 channel Amplifier 200WPC superb Class A/B at $995.00 
mofojo
2,292 posts
 
The 225 is a damn descent integrated. For 1200 i think most out there would be a downgrade. 
ebanksms
92 posts
 
+1 on the Peachtree mention above.  I use the Nova 150 to drive LS50s in my bedroom system. You can pick up the Nova 150 used for around $1K, or step up to the Nova 300 to double the power for circa $1600 used. 

Mark
decooney
1,988 posts
 

@soix
...I’d take a hard look at an MHDT Orchid DAC. And I agree with your thought to wait until you have more $$$ to make a significant amp upgrade since your current amp is certainly no slouch. Again, best of luck.


Yep. Exactly. Sure like my Orchid. Turns a Node2i or Arcam rPlay into something worthy in combination. The stock coupling caps MHDT installs in the Orchid are not bad at all, fairly smooth, but just for grins I upgraded mine with really nice Mundorf Silver-Gold caps anyhow. Very nice, not necessary, but can be improved a little. Then, swapped out the nice stock GE Triple Mica 5-Star tube in the Orchid for an even better Tesla 6CC42 tube. Followed by an Analysis Plus Crystal Solo Digi Coax cable and wham! The guts of the Orchid are OEM’d over into some other DACs at 2x-3x the price. Those "metal box" manufacturers will deny it if you look to close or ask too much. Even in pure In stock form, it’s a real contender out of the box. Offered better clarity, more depth, enhanced soundstage, improved instrument separation, and the stock TDA1541a NOS chip is way more natural sounding than most mainstream high-volume onboard chips/dacs in most streamers under $2,500-3000
bluorion
473 posts
 
Marantz PM8006 is very nice.

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