2. amps-preamps
  3. 166947-100084

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
 
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
1,012 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
4,998 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
paradisecom
349 posts
 
I'd choose either the Luxman or the McIntosh. 
high-amp OP
508 posts
 
Lots of great suggestions, Eric, where are you?
More to discover