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
yyzsantabarbara
4,801 posts
 
I have the CODA CSiB and I think it is great. It is the 2018 version and is not even the best version of this unit. Though I imagine the 2021 version is only a bit better. (used 3.4K)

I am getting a Krell K-300i integrated hopefully this week. Have not heard it yet but it is got some amazing features. ($7K new with integrated DAC).

If my wife gives me a hard time about setting up my KEF LS50's in the family room with one of these 2 integrateds then I will sell one of them.
jwl244
64 posts
 
Hi blindjim. My opinions here are going to be very different than everyone else. They all sound like they have more experience than me. But here goes... I personally LOVE the Naim uniti atom/nova line. It is absolutely amazing. I have an atom which puts out 40 wpc and the nova which I think is about $6000 puts out 80 wpc. Although 40/80 doesn't seem like much many reviewers have noted that the atom can drive many speakers just fine. This will of course depend on your distance from your speakers, how loud you like to play, and how sensitive they are. I sit about 10 ft away driving martin logan 6xti speakers (93 sensitivity) and they get loud and the bass remains tight and deep. It's incredible. I would go for the nova for the 80 wpc at your budget and unknown speakers. The naim is an all in one box solution and they call it a "lifestyle" product because it's just so easy to plug and play right away. It's visually nice to look at and again in an office setting seems perfect. You're not looking to fuss with too much and just want a simple solution that has amazing connectivity. The naim ticks off all boxes there. That would be my suggestion to look into. 
musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349
232 posts
 
Two words: Speakers first!
More words... Everything thing else will hinge on that. Amp, sources, etc. IMHO you cannot make a wise decision on an amplifier, integrate or otherwise until you know what speakers you will be using. Enjoy the hunt.
Happy listening.
speakermaster
738 posts
 
The go to integrated amp would be an accuphase they have never skimped on quality at all in their fifty year existence.
geof3
1,129 posts
 
@blindjim... given everything you stated above, you need to seriously consider the Hegel H390 in your auditioning. It is an outstanding Int and has all that you want and don’t want. No it isn’t tubes, but class a/b dual mono design. It has the grunt to run pretty much anything.
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