Recommended integrated amplifier for upgrade
Hi, i am searching for suitable integrated amplifier to match/pair with my Sonus Faber Concertino Domus, my current integrated amplifier is Krell KAV-400xi.which is about 15 years old.
My sound preference is towards slight warm, wider stage with music genres of jazz, classical, new age music, and few jazz vocals.
Shortlisted few integrated amplifiers like Accuphase E-280, Luxman L-505uxii, McIntosh MA5300,
What is your recommended integrated amplifier which is 'best pair' to provide Sonus Faber house sound? .
I can't speak to Audio Science's possible affiliations or commercial biases. I'll be honest, though - I'm a litle biased against it. The sheer number of reviews suggest that they are really just lab tests. I did read the Topping review linked above. His one paragraph listening test consisted of hooking up 1 speaker. You may each reach your own conclusion as to the ultimate value of this lab test. |
I own a Rogers High Fidelity EFH 200 Mark II Integrated Tube amp & really like it. Very powerful, very well made & sounds excellent top to bottom. It s very dynamic, w/lots of detail & a dead silent black background. No tube noise even w/ the volume up on efficient speakers. Its hand made by Roger & his staff in MA w/ a full lifetime warranty! It operates in class A mode so it runs hot & needs breathing room but worth it. You can watch several videos on youtube by Roger about his amps, their design, build quality etc. Good luck. |
@auronthas, not familiar with your speakers but seems they are 4 Ohm jobs. As such, I would be very wary of the MAC MA5300. Nice amp but not sure its power supply is up to the task with those speakers. It'll drive them OK, I think, but not sure it will really make them sing. I've done serious seat-time with the MAC MA5300 and the Moon 340i that overthemoon mentioned. I'd recommend you check out that amp paired with speakers as similar to yours and/or 4 Ohm nominal load speakers of similar sensitivity to see what you hear. In short, if you are considering Class A/B amplification for those speakers, you should listen to stuff that has a robust current supply. |
+1, As was suggested above, the Ayre Acoustics AX-5 Twenty amp is excellent. BTW, there is an Ayre AX-5 Twenty amp listed for sale on Audiogon. Please see: Ayre AX-5 Twenty amp listed for sale Another less expensive alternative is the Ayre EX-8 2.0 integrated amp. Please see this link: Please see this review of the Ayre amp: |
