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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
passet02's avatar
passet02
267 posts
 
The words best right now !. The Canor Line still at affordable price.
classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
169 posts
 
Hi OP, I believe that I am on a similar level to you in terms of system cost and am also looking out for the next possible system upgrades. 

As far as streamers go, the Bluesound Node (~$500) has been the go-to recommendation as a laptop replacement. I would also consider looking into the Ifi Zen Streamer ($400), which just came out. The Ifi is a streamer only and also looks to be just as functional with all the major streaming bases covered. Ifi hit a great price point. And as more reviews begin to come out, we'll see how the Ifi compares in quality to the rest of the market. 

As far as a DAC upgrades goes, the Denafrips Ares 2 (~$800) seems to be universally winning over YouTube reviewers at it's price point for it's sound quality. 

I'm not exactly sure what amps the ADS likes to be fed by. But since you mention that you're open to class D, I'll say a bit about it since that's what I know. I use NAD for the home theater and Peachtree for the stereo. My understanding is that NAD uses Purifi's version of class D while Peachtree is just now shifting towards the GaN to differentiate itself or get a different type of sound out of class D. You decide of any of this is worth looking into further. Best
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
761 posts
 
I’m about a 90 percent jazz listener. I’ve 42 years as an audiophile. I’m a jazz pianist, having played trumpet, bass. and sax. 

I purchased a KT88 integrated that is 22 watts triode and 45 watts pentode. My speakers (planers) are 93dB efficient. I upgraded the amp with $600 of tubes. Total cost was $1700. Having owned some high dollar separates throughout my history, I’ve never had better sound, and never happier. 
shtinkydog
681 posts
 
Coltrane:  which integrated do you have? i'm still looking at several tube integrateds. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,814 posts
 
I was going to sell my KRELL K-300i this week after it returned from KRELL with some cosmetic work. However, after putting it back with my Thiel CS3.7 I cannot sell it. It is just too good.

If you have neutral to bright speakers the warm KRELL with it's very smooth and relaxing sound with great bass is a top contender.  The first 90 watts is Class A and the unit as 150 | 300 at 8 and 4 Ohm. It is also stable at 2 Ohm but it does not double again from 300 watts. There was was a guy on USAudiomart .com trying to sell his silver one.

This unit has a ROON READY streaming built-in via Ethernet. Functionally, KRELL's implementation is the most useful ROON READY I have used and sound is very good. However,  I use an external DAC (via XLR) with Fibre streaming, which are both a bit better. I do keep the NETWORK streaming plugged in via Ethernet to have the option of hearing the internal DAC.
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