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Integrated Amp Choices

From numerous visits to audio stores in the BIG city 2 hours south of my place, and after listening to a couple of dozen speakers (up to $18,000) both passive and active. Our simple ears have narrowed it down to these 2 speakers (so far):
KEF R11s - https://us.kef.com/r11.html and Triangle AustraleEZs - https://www.trianglehifi.com/en/produit/hifi-floor-standing-speaker-ez-australe/ These 2 sound the best to both my wife, offer good value and both very close to each other in price.

Here are a few integrated amps (in around the $5K range) that I am considering and I was hoping the community can give their votes to which would compliment the speakers of choice (so far) the best?

https://simaudio.com/en/product/340i-x-integrated-amplifier/

https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/model=str-integrated-amplifier/page=overview

http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=2

https://www.sugdenaudio.com/anv-50-integrated-amplifier

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MA5300

On Sale Occasionally:

https://bryston.com/amplifiers/b1353/

https://www.marklevinson.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MARK+LEVINSON+NO+5802.html?dwvar_MARK%20LEVINSON%20NO%205802_color=Black%20%2F%20Silver-US-Current&cgid=integrated-amplifiers

Onboard DAC is a big consideration too, so hoping for your further comments on DAC sections as well.

Prefer new or demo over used.

Thanks,
High-amp





high-amp
high-amp OP
508 posts
 
b_limo - Thanks, what about the DACs in the Hegels, would you recommend using them or going external? It seems a lot of these recommended amps have internal DACs which bumps up the price. Then, it seems, most people here recommend using an outboard DAC.

pesky_wabbit - Love the handle! I have heard good things about the Leben, there is even a dealer here with in a few hours of my place. Most of the small dealers don't carry stock on these more exclusive pieces, so pretty tuff to demo even if they are close by.
  
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,054 posts
 
Rogue Audio Pharaoh might be worth a look. Class D (Hypex) and Tube hybrid from a company with a good reputation and reasonable pricing. But lacks onboard DAC I do believe. But could add external with money saved then pick up the flex to upgrade it down the line. Chord Qutest and Musical Fidelity M6sR with warranty over on TMR for $1.5k

http://rogueaudio.com/Products_Pharaoh.htm
high-amp OP
508 posts
 
jbuhl - great info, thanks. 

This seems to be an ever evolving post with more & more recommendation coming by the minute. So, I thought I'd through another line in the mix, one that seems to get little discussion here.
How about a Benchmark stack?  Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.
Seem to have reasonable prices on both hardware and cables.
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,054 posts
 
Listenup has a store demo of a Hegel 190

https://listenup.com/hegel-h190-integrated-amplifier-black-clearance-open-box.html
Do a $1.5K DAC and you are right on Budget.  But the 190 proly has on board DAC.
yyzsantabarbara
5,123 posts
 
@high-amp I forgot to add this in my statements about the BM stack.

If the pure BM stack is too revealing (what I use) and some warmth is wanted. Try the CODA 07x preamp. The 07x preamp and the AHB2 are incredible together (I also have this pairing). I prefer the HPA4 + AHB2 combo but I think most would like the 07x + AHB2 more. 

I sold an extra  AHB2 I had to someone last month. I think I lost $50 on that sale. The buyer hated it put it up for sale in 3 days.  The BM is not for everyone, especially if you want some color.

Here is Benchmarks description of their gear vs others.
How Should I Buy an Audio System? - Benchmark Media Systems
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