Integrated suggestions


Hi all,  for personal reasons I need to sell my $17k tube integrated & would have to replace it with something much cheaper - around $4k, maybe $5k...

I only mention the price of my current amp so you're familiar with the level of performance to which I am accustomed. 

It would need to have at least one balanced input, line only is fine, at least 30W PC, any class is OK as long as it offers exceptional performance for its price point! Tube or SS. Capability to run 4ohm speakers.

Any suggestions...?

I know there are many but you guys may suggest something I may not consider.

Thanks. 

128x128infection

The one integrated in that price range that I find interesting is the Gato Audio Amp 150.  I have no personal experience.  The reviews have been positive and the sonic trait’s described in the reviews align with my values of reproduction.

Decware ZMA for tubed although slightly above your budget. 2 yr wait but i know where to find one on the secondary market.

Kinki Studio EX-M1+ for SS.  I have this amp and it is the closest to tube sound I've heard.

Jerry

If you prefer a more neutral sound this Octave V40SE is very highly regarded and well worth a look…

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/257-octave-audio-v-40-se-integrated-amplifier#:~:text=For%20those%20in%20pursuit%20of,V%2040%20SE%20highly%20enough.&text=Price%3A%20%244900%20USD.
 

If you’re looking for maybe a little more tube goodness and are open to buying used I think this Audio Hungary X200 could also be great, and I believe the seller offers an in-home trial period that’s really great to have…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/225597593896

Hope this helps, and best of luck.

I own the Musical Fidelity M-6Si integrated amp. I am VERY surprised it sounds this good.

The Musical Fidelity M6si offers excellent performance, facilities, and power. As per the Musical Fidelity web site “Internally, the M6si is configured as 2 independent monobloc power amps with a separate preamp. It is, in fact, a preamp with 2 monobloc power amps that just happen to share the same casework. The M6si has 220wpc. It has very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio and extremely flat frequency response”. I am very happy with my Musical Fidelity M-6Si integrated amp since this amplifier deliveries the sound quality I am looking for.

Musical Fidelity M6Si amp link:

M6si In Brief

  • 220WPC
  • Excellent technical performance
  • Amazing load driving ability, unconditional stability will drive any loudspeaker
  • Wide range of useful inputs including asynchronous USB and switchable MM / MC Phono
  • Preamp output
  • Internally it is a separate preamp with two independent monobloc power amps; effectively a separates system in a box
  • Excellent, hunky build quality
  • One XLR Balanced in line