Audio Hungaray Qualiton A50i vs LTA Z40+ Integrated

If you care about the cost, Willsenton R800i could be better choice.

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/2255800647196262.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt

There is a detailed thread about tube rolling of it.

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/willsenton-r8-and-r800i-805-or-845-news-and-views.1107931/

if Focal sounds bright, you can tune the sound through tube rolling.

Thomas

I use Amazon Music HD and Tidal. Can you recommend a good afordable under 1k replacement for the Ifi Zen Adapter?

Yeah, do a trial of a Qobuz account that most people, including me, prefer over other options and offers lots of hi-res content as well. Buy a decent streamer (iFi Zen Stream would be a good choice although you’ll need to spend $6 on the best mConnect app to work with Qobuz) and get a decent Wi-Fi extender like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MR90E3A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 or Mesh system and go hardwired to your streamer with a CAT7 or good Ethernet cable. Bluetooth is garbage at your level and an insult to the amps you’re considering. Full stop.  I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be,uh, mean here but Bluetooth is just a nonstarter at this level.  Man up!!!

I’m one of those who’d argue that weak links in the audio chain will drag down the overall performance of the system. Bluetooth is (I think we can all agree) the worst-sounding streaming option. I’d definitely look into a dedicated streamer. Among the more affordable, positively reviewed options are the Ifi Zen Stream ($399, liked by most for sound quality but has unreliable wifi, if you can’t use ethernet); of course the Bluesound Node ($599, very popular with a nice app); and the recently released Eversolo DMP-A6 ($899, haven’t heard it but it’s been getting strong reviews).

I should add that the Ifi streamer is a transport only -- it doesn't have an internal dac. If you choose that one, you'll either need to buy an external dac (usually the better option) or get an integrated amp with a dac built in. Of course, the cost of an external dac changes the price calculation. If you have the cash, I'd recommend the Denefrips Ares II Enyo for $850. Their dacs to me sound more natural and "undigital" than similarly priced chip dacs. (Switching to Qobuz should also help in that area. I think it sounds more natural/less digital than Tidal.)

I agree with the others who are saying that the first thing to upgrade is your streamer/DAC situation before upgrading amps.  That is a lofi solution you're using with ifi and your phone.

Having said that, I have the Qualiton 50i and it is amazing.  Musical, holographic, and very powerful.  I happen to have it paired with Audio Solutions Figaro M speakers.  That's a perfect match because Audio Solutions uses the Qualiton 50i to voice their Figaro M speakers.  I have also run Harbeth S-HL5  speakers on this amp, and I have never heard the Harbeths sound better.  

I am not familiar with the LTA amp.