Recommend a non-polite sounding amp / integrated

@cdc  I took the opposite journey to your good self; I started off with the qualities you're looking for, but wanted more "polite".

I re-started my HiFi life after 20+ years with Naim, which is where I ended my first hifi journey. Didn't really enjoy the presentation as I once did when younger.

Switched to Atoll, the IN200 Signature another linked for you. This is a very energetic amp; definitely NOT polite 😊, although I see you don't need the 120w output. In that case, maybe look up Atoll's smaller sibling to the IN200; IN80. I've not heard this Atoll model myself, but The British Audiophile has reviewed the IN80 also and enjoyed it.

As I say, I've taken the opposite journey to you. I wanted a more polite, less in your face, balls to the wall presentation of the Atoll IN200, and ended up with a Marantz Model 30. Hope this gives some context.

Good luck with your search 👍

I had an LSA Time Warp for 3 weeks, purchased from Wally. It was horrible in my system....used passive, pre with gain, could not get it to do anything well. However, my best bud also bought one at same time ( on my recommendation no less ), and he loves his.

Yes, it is a Warp One.....And btw, what does 'non polite' mean ? My interpretation of a non polite amp would be the old Crown DC 300. 

Just as an fyi. I am enjoying a recent acquisition to my ’small’ amp collection ( small = quantity ). LOL. Not funny actually, as I have WAY too many amps ( and preamps ), all over my place. DIY FW F4, by my friend rawsonte ( keep all negative comments to your selves, ty ). It required me to use my Usher P307A, and the combination is EXTRAORDINARY. I will likely do a review / write up at some point, about my personal experiences with " where is the gain most important ", in a system. The answer is the source, of course. My best, MrD

@painter24

Thanks for the re-recommendation on the Atoll. I will definitely see what I can do to get one. It gets a little tricky in that some are over 20 years old. Looks like the signature is the current model of the IN200 and IN50. Not sure if I need the newest model. I agree with you about Marantz so I think we are on the same page.

@mrdecibel is rawsonte Tim Rawson? I had one of his Aleph clones. We need more people like Tim. Agree on the Crown, haha.

UPDATE: This is going to take some time. The Leben CS-300XS replaces the CS-300 and costs $4,795.00. No matter how enamored, I’m not paying 5K ears unheard and no returns allowed. As an aside, seems Japanese prices have gone up crazy. I got a Teac PD 301 CD Player with FM Tuner USB for $421 and currently is $709 on Amazon.

Best Buy stopped selling the Technics SU-G700M2. Although maybe now it is called Panasonic-Technics SU-G700M2.