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Lab12 Integre4 review from new owner

Just purchased a Lab12 Integre4 integrated amplifier and just figured I would let some folks know that this is a very fine amplifier. I bought it very slightly used. I have a Bluessound Node and Fluance Rt85 going into the amp and out going to KLH Model 5 speakers. Also have REL t9 Hooked up sometimes.
This amp is crystal clear and relaxed. It is an a/b amp running 4 kt150 tungsol tubes at the power stage and 4 6n1 p in the preamp stage. I upgraded from a Yamaha as1200. The reason I changed amps was I thought the Yamaha was a little too much with my speakers. Too much forward sounds. I’m not good at describing sound so bear with me. It was to sharp I guess. Very detailed and great wide sound and soundstage but just “too much” This Lab12 is still as clear but it is not as in your face but still very natural and I can hear every instrument out front but not as out front as the Yamaha. Just natural in the room feeling Plenty of power as the volume knob doesn’t go pass 10 or 11 o’clock unless I’m really ready to roll. John Prine Souvenirs album is mellow and weighty at the same time. James McMurtys latest rocks. Electric guitars are warm and last a long time. The Kinks Muswell Hillbilly’s sounds new again. Los Lobos Native Sons is the sound of a band jumping out of my speakers. And the bass in Bob Marley Kaya is full and fast.
The amp is built very well and classy looking and not too big but is weighty. Just love this amp. Hope it lasts me a long time

laecp123
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,889 posts
 

I know , it’s a real sleeper.  I intended on trading up to something 2  X as much $$$ but it did not make sense. I love how it sounds and bought a nice analog rig with the money it would have cost.   Picked up a SOTA Escape with Origin Live Arm, 2m Bronze cart , Sutherland KC Vibe phono pre.   
 

With a good source the LAB 12 is hard to beat for under $5k.  It sounds great , just a very natural sounding source.   I don’t see replacing it for at least the 5 years it’s under warranty and I’m sure I will have it long after that.   
 

Some designers just have a good ear and voice their gear perfectly…. George of Zesto is also one , and Matt Formanek of Toolshed is another.   You know when something just sounds right.    

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
629 posts
 

+2 on loving my Lab 12 Ref DAC.  Picked it up used 6 months old and what a value. Glad to hear you are enjoying your Integre.  Lab 12 is a great company that gets it right.  I was considering the Integre but opted for seperates with different tube set.  If I went integrated it would be my selection.  Good choice!

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,889 posts
 

I listened to their Pre 1 and Suara Amp and they are good also.   Real solid build quality. 

superchunk
11 posts
 

I thought I would chime in here, older thread I know. I'm shopping for a tube dac and intended to buy the lab12 but got a bit sidetracked by some negative reviews or people saying it was only good for acoustic music.

I tried the melto and didn't like it (their phono stage).

The pre1 and suono on the other hand, I just spent a year trying to beat with every $20k ish amp that came my way: Dartzeel, vtl, levinson, Vinnie Rossi, octave etc..and non could beat the lab12 combination for overall presentation of pure music.

 

I'm trying to avoid the same thing (10 amplifier/integrated in 12 months).

 

Can you folk with the lab12 dac comment on rock/electricona etc..?

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
629 posts
 

Fantastic DAC for all the music I listen to.  Blues, folk, jazz, rock but I don’t listen to heavy metal rock, electronica, hip hop…Eagles, Dire Strait, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd,  Counting Crows are a few examples that sound great.  Tube choice makes an impact as well.  My choice is Russian Reflector 6n23p tube 1974 reflector Silver shield  “single wire” getter.  The Voskhod version is very nice as well. Highly recommend the Lab12 Ref!

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