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
@b_limo,
yes, moving away from this $1200 amp thread to a DAC thread makes sense..Those other Node2i links above may only be helpful if you choose to add-on a DAC and bypass your internal DAC in the Bluesound Node2i.

FYI: In the Node2i, and other Gen2 products in that line, they moved from a Cirrus Logic DAC to a Burr Brown 24/192 DAC chipset. Fairly close to same level of what you’ll find in other $500-700 DACs you want to replace it with - likely more of a lateral move again.

Now if you step up to one of the better MHDT non-over-sampling (NOS) "R2R Ladder" Orchid dacs, or an upper Pagoda dac, or maybe an upper Schitt DAC, or go for it with a Denefrips R2R dac - maybe find one used or on sale, would be worth the jump. Some people are true audio nuts and upgrade DACS every year, buy their high $ hand me down. That’s why I keep my streamer separate from my DAC.

Some people will tell you moving to a super-upgraded DAC is, quote "the single best investment they ever made in their system", because it benefits all other downstream components, preamps, amps, speakers, final music result! Fasten your seatbelt for best-DAC feedback!

Various on this thread had some good ideas for ya too. Don’t forget, it all starts with the source and trickles downhill from there. Good Luck.




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FWIW I have a Bel Canto c5i Digital Integrated amp I picked up here used for ~$1000 and think it’s the bees knees.  Would match well with Fritz I suspect and does it all.  
I tried it because I really did not want to have to deal with a tube amp and it has been a keeper. 
Might not be integrated, but will probably beat any under $1200, with $100 left over for the interconnect, and I’m sure Schiit would do a package deal for maybe a $1K for the three pieces, doesn’t hurt to ask.
Shiit Saga+ https://www.schiit.com/products/saga-2 (two preamps in one passive/tube)
and Vidar https://www.schiit.com/products/vidar (100w-8ohm 200w-4ohm)

Cheers George

According to Fritz the Belles Aria integrated is a good match if you can find a used one and move quick.