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. 

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I'd certainly be tempted by the Willsenton R800i, which would leave you with $1000-2000 to upgrade the tubes to your liking.

Also, maybe you could get a deal on a Synthesis A40.Virtus. I have its big brother the A100, which I prefer to any amp I've ever owned.

Good luck finding something you will enjoy for a long time.

The Parasound Hint has everything you mentioned and is a Stereophile class A piece of equipment

+1 on the Octave. Never owned one but I spent some time and their room at the RMAF with Dynaudio speakers and it was impressive. A modest display that sound everything but modest.

 

If you are open minded you might check out the Rogue Audio Pharaoh II. Tube/Hypex hybrid. Good bang for your buck gear with solid service and support, in my experience. No experience with this particular product but I have ran tube pre’s with class D amps with good success.

Also audition a Hegel Rost in my rig that was impressive.  Would considered their integrated products anytime. 

@soix  I'm currently using the V70 Class A (KT150) with the Super Black Box & Telefunken driver tubes. It's very revealing with speed & impact, plenty of midrange punch. I'm a musician so another way I would describe it is very much like an excellent tube guitar amp! 

I'll be sad to see it go but as I mentioned personal circumstances are a factor. 

I've previously owned the HP700 pre & the V110SE. Years ago I was in a position to purchase the MRE 220 but I hesitated & life moved on. I wish I had as they're way more expensive now. 

Prior to the V70 Class A purchase I considered the V80SE but really wanted full class A (V80SE is A/B) & at the time found auto bias appealing. 

If you need any more info just message.

 

@stringreen  yes you're right, it's a very depressing!

Don't know much about Line Magnetic apart from the name. The Belles Aria Signature seems to be a contender.