2. amps-preamps
  3. 184732-2897

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
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,578 posts
 

paulcreed

Very nice- CJ CAV 45 S2. I am hoping that the company will build an Integrated with more Power. Sweet "control" Amp.

 

Happy Listening!

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,578 posts
 

infection

I concur, the price is a good guideline while providing more build-quality information.

Big step down $17K tube integrated to $4-5 range. Still, there are plenty of excellent contenders to discover.

 

Happy Listening!

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,640 posts
 

Check out a used Hegel H390.

swhite007
17 posts
 

@rhljazz 

I sold a Luxman LX-380 tube based integrated and purchased a Gato Amp 150 AE and it amazed me at how good it sounded. I am driving a pair of Aerial Acoustic 7T’s and the pairing has been absolutely fantastic! The Luxman was OK but the Gato was next level and honestly has provided me with the best music I have ever heard in my room.

I read a comment earlier in this thread that reported fan noise. I have never heard such noise. The thing is dead quiet from my listening position.

My research also found nothing but positive feedback so I took a leap of faith and have not regretted it since. It’s a keeper. I’m a very happy camper.

Cheers and good luck in your search.

 

swhite007
17 posts
 

@rhljazz 

I sold my Luxman LX-380 to purchase the Gato Amp 150 AE and have zero regrets. It’s an amazing integrated with all the juice I need to run my Aerial Acoustics 7T. 


 The sound is so clean and pure. Even my wife commented when she first heard it. I have been so impressed by it. A keeper for sure. If I ever upgrade from here, it would likely be Gato’s own separates. I do not feel any need to do so at the moment though. I am beyond happy with it.

 

As for the previous comment by another user about fan noise, if it’s there, I’ve never heard it from my listening position. 
 

I use the HT bypass feature out from my Anthem MRX-1120 into the Gato and even my home theater sounds better with the Gato powering the front pair.

 

I hope this is helpful with regards to your interest in this particular unit. Too many times, as hobbyists, we are unable to find reviews, opinions or adequate feedback regarding a particular piece. Good luck in your search.

 

Cheers!

 

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