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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
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
813 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
709 posts
 
Coltrane:  which integrated do you have? i'm still looking at several tube integrateds. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,959 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.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,767 posts
 
If you want solid state you should check out this Van Alstine. It is an amp with a passive preamp. BTW, many moons ago I owned the ADS 810 and I thought it was a great speaker!!
https://avahifi.com/collections/power-amplifiers/products/set-120-control-amplifier
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
813 posts
 
@shtinkydog, it’s a Willsenton R8. 
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U0BDFT4f55w




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