"warm" solid state integrated amplifier


I am interested in purchasing a new solid state integrated amplifier in the $6000 to $8000 price range. As I am getting older I am finding many amplifiers to be uncomfortable to my ears, "bright" is the term I see frequently used.  I am looking for an amplifier that is "warm".  Thank you and  I appreciate any advice I receive from Audiogon members.

 

tubeless

KRELL K-300i - very smooth (first 90 watts Class A), powerful bass, non-fatiguing. I also have the internnal DAC for streaming. It does not run that warm. In terms of features and sound I think it is really unmatched at the price.

Check out the review on Stereophle for the K-300i. The Stereophile reviews of the Boulder 866 ($15K) and the new D’Agastino ($40K) also compare those 2 with the KRELL. As a reader I get the sense that the reviewer is saying why spend the extra money when you can get the K-300i instead.

BTW - I have this unit stuffed into a closet to be a headphone amp. Kind of a waste of the unit, but one day I will have this integrated setup to use all of its' features. I did have this unit on Thiel CS3.7 speakers, which are hard to drive. They souned great. However, I need separates for the CS3.7 system due to placement issues.

You can go with either the Luxman 550 AXII or the 590AXII depending onnyour budget. Both are excellent.

Most say Pass and Parasound are on the warm side i don't think you can go wrong with either.