2. amps-preamps
  3. 164061-3105

Looking for a ‘’No braine’r Integrated amplifier under 7500 or so

hello all!

I’m looking for ideas on a ‘slam dunk’ flexible high value solidly performing INTEGRATED amp for an office system, but one that for a while can be my ‘go to’ or primary unit and is a bit above entry level.

preference is to buy new, but preowned in the right scenario works for me as well.

Pesently I’m starting all over in amassing gear and felt to initiate the project by wading into the water slowly.

I have on hannd remnants of my former   efforts in a then very good line stage preamp and DAC, though the DA age is showing and well behind current popular trends  and support for new formats.

also on hand are some ‘so so’ amps, and several pairs of speakers and I just added a Blue Sound Noede 2I.

ultimately I see nearly everything being replaced but felt starting with a very nice Integrated seems as good a starting point as any.

topology is as such, not too too imoportant. decent power however is key as speakers being paired here are as yet unknown. likelyhood here is a pair of monitors and a sub.

the music playback will likely be streaming from providers and NAS files.

Aesthewtix Mimas has peaked my interest currently. and having owned bAT their INT is interesting too. apart from these two I’m wide open to suggestions on current one box amp solutions..

glass or sand power here makes little difference apart from thereafter mating speakers to the INT power constraints..

your thoughts, and expieriences here are vastly appreciated. THX
blindjim
willgolf
936 posts
 
Blindjim...the is blind willgolf.  Please don't make the same mistake I made.  I bought Mola Mola Class D amps prior to knowing what speaker I wanted.  As soon as I picked out the speaker I knew the amp was not going to work well.  I believe a speaker is critical first step.  I ended up getting 98db speakers so super easy to drive.  I basically gave the Mola Mola Amps away for a new Tube amp.  

I believe you are aware of Raven Audio.  They make an assortment of integrated tube amps from $2.5 to $14k.  I had a Raven Reflection MK2 tube amp that was incredible.  You can get a Blackhawk for half of your budget and never need another Amplifier.  Call Dave Thomson at Raven.

If I were to go SS, I would definitely consider the Luxman line in your price range.  

My buying order of preference would be Speakers, Integrated Amp and then DAC / Streamer.  I just travelled down the journey you  are on.  I am now in the DAC phase and just ordered a Lampizator Pacific, so my much lover Lumin X-1 is for sale.

Good luck!
thekellers1
11 posts
 
I love the idea of the  "integrated turntable" by Mcintosh....with other additional inputs. Just a cool unit. Can't speak to sound. But it is an office unit



https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/lifestyle/MTI100
jrbirdman333
105 posts
 
The Luxman L-509x is terrific but a bit outside your range. Not sure if you could find one used. Build quality is as superb as the sound quality. I recently got one and am floored at how good it is. 
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tim_p's avatar
tim_p
361 posts
 
I am pretty satisfied with my Krell K300i intergrated so far, with my Monitor Audio PL 300ii speakers and Marantz SAKI Ruby sacd player. I have to use an outboard phono stage is my only beef for my Gold Note Mediterraneao table. 
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