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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
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,013 posts
 
Not trying to drive you away from integrated but this would make a tidy setup if you are open to class D. Budgets little over $5k. They take trade in for current models and have a in home demo program. Excellent support as well. I ran one of their S300 amps for about 3 years and it never missed a beat. Fronted it with a tube pre and liked the comdo very much. PS Audio gave me good $$ for an older Rotel amp and it made the purchase a no brainer.

Pre with DAC:https://www.psaudio.com/products/gaincell-dac/

Amps:https://www.psaudio.com/products/stellar-m700-power-amplifier/
I May try the S1200 if I ever get the $$$



high-amp OP
508 posts
 
I need a bit more power to drive my potential speakers (KEF RIIs) so maybe the L-507uXII. I know, it's not class A though...
high-amp OP
508 posts
 
jbuhl - cool set-up thanks. I have not heard a class D amp and it seems most local dealers don't carry much in the way of class D either. A lot of times they they get a bad rap, but until I here one myself I'll reserve judgment. 
rockysantoro's avatar
rockysantoro
147 posts
 
I'm with chicagoblue, you can't go wrong with Simaudio.I have never been disapointed with any Simaudio product.
big_greg
6,692 posts
 
I stopped looking after I got my Simaudio 600i.  No DAC though.  I have an older Audi Research integrated (the Vsi55) that I'm listening to with my KEF Ref 1's right now and it's also a great sounding piece.  "Only" 55 watts per channel, but it plays louder than I can take in my home office.  No DAC either.  With your budget you could go higher up the ARC line.  Not sure if anyone has mentioned Line Magnetic.  Fantastic sounding gear.
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