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Integrated Amps - another thread...

Ok, I am going to start looking for an integrated amp that meets my needs.  Let me tell you a little about me and my system...

I was an early R&D person (not technical; rather, sound) at Cary Audio, in the very beginning.  I have been in the audio world for 35 years.  My current system consists of: MacBook Pro > Schiit Modi 3 > Rega Brio > to modified ADS &L780/2 Speakers.  All my PC, IC, and SC are hand made using the Helix Image model.  I also have a number of mechanical isolation things going on around the entire system.  Fairly good size room; however, I don't play really loud.

BTW, I'm one of the only people that has always believed in the sound of ADS speakers and still do...

My ultimate goal is to relplace the MacBook (the last change), Schiit Modi 3, and the Rega Brio.  The ADS aren't going anywhere.  They fit me!

I thought about separates; but, I think I want to stick with an Integrated Amp.  I don't really want an Integrated with a DAC (if it has one, then so be it).  I would to keep it around 3K, if possible.  No really wanting to get back into tubes nd I'm comfortable trying Class D.

I listen 100% to Tidal and Quboz, via Roon, on my MacBook, to mostly late 50's early 60's Jazz.  I do listen to newer Jazz when I hear a good album.

So, throw out some suggestions, please...


caryking
charles7
112 posts
 
I listen to the same jazz you do (and chamber music). I recently got the Quicksilver Integrated Amplifier. It's great! Yes, it is a tube amplifier – designed to drive each of its eight power tubes gently. Owner/designer Mike Sanders believes in simple designs. List is $2000.

My speakers are rated at 89.5 dB sensitivity, and the Quicksilver's 20 watts are more than enough for moderate-volume listening. The volume control stays around 10:30 o'clock, never beyond 12.

For a DAC, the economical JDS Labs+ does a fine job.

jaudio1
121 posts
 
For 3k a budget I would look at the following.  My Top 5

1) Parasound Halo Integrated $2999
2) Musical Fidelity m6i - $2799
3) Vincent Audio SV-237 - $2599
4) Rogue Audio Chrono's Magnum III - $2999
5) Rogue Audio Sphynx V3 - $1595
blackbag20
489 posts
 
Been thinking of downsizing into an integrated platform myself.  AG has Hegel that make the top five of what I'm looking at:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisabia3-hegel-h190-solid-state

Also, thumbs up for Quicksilver nominee ....

Consider Odyssey Audio's contribution to integrated design ... I have one of its preamps and simply love what they're doing in north Indianapolis:

https://odysseyaudio.com/cyclops-integrated-amplifier/

Let us know!!

headphonedreams
529 posts
 
I upgraded from a Rega Brio to a Schiit Ragnarok 2 and is very happy. It is a huge step up. You can get it with or without dac but I would go with. You can add an external dac later anyway but then go directly to a higher budget dac. 
itsjustme
682 posts
 
Look, I'm knee (neck) deep designing an integrated amp and from what i have heard, an integrated from Rega (not sure if it's the Brio) is quit good at a great price.  So don't move TOO fast.
I like your system overall, at quite a modest cost. I'd likely think first about the DAC (Modi is great for $99, i have one lying around) but not awesome.  The MacBook pro works well for Roon, but a proper server and ethernet independence to a bridge is better - and allows you to buy/build great power supplies to reduce ground noise and its (guessing here) impact on jitter performance due to threshold crossing stuff....
I use an intel NUC/ROCK to a Raspberry Pi to various DACs.  The e Pi  has a custom made LPS.  The NUC i made a fairly good filter for (on the DC side) since it is such a power hog and I didn't want a small table for a regulated LPS. Ok exaggerating, but 4.5A during boot?  really?

Happy to chat offline too.
G


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