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Need an integrated amp that sounds engaging at lower volume

May I please have any recommendations for an integrated streaming amp to match with Sonus Faber bookshelf speakers? My best friend wants help picking out a stereo, he's no audiophile, but he loves and collects music and he can afford a decent stereo. He wants the Sonus Fabers, so the speakers are fairly settled.

I don't stream music much but that's all he does. I have a Hegel H200 which I love but my concern is that this amp seems kind of laid back at low volume, and this guy listens to music at fairly low volume, otherwise I'd recommend a Hegel H360/390.

So I'm thinking something with a little kick and nice midrange at lower volumes would be perfect, but I would appreciate suggestions very much b/c I never had bookshelves and I like music fairly loud. If there's an amp that fits the bill under $4,000 all the better.

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

sloane27
mlsstl
1,428 posts
 

>> Have a look at the Schiit Ragnarok integrated amp.

Same problem as with the LSA tube amp -- only $1,500.... 😁  (And I say that as a happy owner of the Schiit Lyr 3/Aegir combo.) 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,082 posts
 
  1. Your question usually has more to do with the Loudspeaker then the integrated amplifier.
  2. you didnot mention your budget  Coda makes a Great U.S.A made integrated with 3 power choices when ordering up to almost 20 first watts  at lowest power setting 150,300,600.
  3. retail around $6500 If interested Mike at Audio Archon is a great dealer of Coda which btw is over 35 years in business,
auroravengeance's avatar
auroravengeance
134 posts
 

If you still can find one, I think Sony TA-A1ES would be perfect. I am using one now and first 15 watts as Class A is enough for most bookshelves. 

I think Denon PMA-A110 is also a highly biased design so should be good too. I’ve heard this once paired to Q Concept 300 and it sounded pretty good. 

Yamaha AS-1200 or AS-2200 is a safe bet as well.
 

 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

If you still can find one, I think Sony TA-A1ES would be perfect. I am using one now and first 15 watts as Class A is enough for most bookshelves. 

while i heartily also endorse the ta1 1es - what a spectacular amp and wonderful value it is, i think what will suit the op best is a unit with a loudness feature - i think the yamaha's still have them right?

auroravengeance's avatar
auroravengeance
134 posts
 

I don’t think any of those I listed above have ‘loudness’ button. I was looking at Luxman’s website and it seems their current integrated do not have ‘loudness’ button too. Seems like this feature has gone the way of dinosaur?

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