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Looking for recommendations for integrated with a more “organic” sound.

Hello all,

I hope that you are all doing well, and that I might tap into your collective knowledge base and experience to find a new amplifier. 

Current system includes Bluesound Node2>Denafrips Enyo>Dayens Ampino>Zu DW6 Superflys. I stream probabaly 95% but maybe 5% is vinyl or CD. I sometimes use it to watch movies in 2.0, but that’s not my main concern. 
 

I’m really enjoying the sound of this setup. Very organic with nice harmonic richness. Surprisingly good bass extension and smooth and pleasant highs. Imaging is good. 
 

What I would like to do is preserve that natural and organic sound, while also adding more inputs (Ampino only has 2) improving bass definition/control and impact, and perhaps elevating detail retrieval. I would trade a bit of smoothness for a bit more HF extension. A basic remote is also on the checklist. 
 

My budget is maybe $2500, but I’m not in a desperate position, I could potentially stretch it a little if I wait. 
 

New units are preferred, but I would consider used if it achieves my goals. 
I’m open to SS or tubes, but cost of the tubes is a concern. I’m susceptible to tuberoll-itis. Speakers are pretty sensitive, so mega-watts are not required. 

The system is in a medium sized living room which has 9” ceilings and is open to a kitchen and dining room, so there’s lots of volume. Most listening is at moderate volumes, but I’ve been known to crank it on occasion. Musical tastes are extremely varied. 
 
basically, I’m looking to maintain the organic tone and natural presentation while improving performance, adding input options (3 minimum) and adding remote. 

I don’t want a DAC, but a better-than-basic phono stage would be a bonus. I’m more interested in performance than features.

Is there anything out there that might fit the bill? 


Thank you in advance for your input. 
Tom

 

earworm22
hsounds
129 posts
 

Luxman 507x or 509x/z. We still do not know your budget. The thing I love about Luxman integrated amps is they can be an amp/ preamp/ or an integrated. They have optional tone controls which is great for not so great records, and can push most speakers. I hope this helps  

chenry's avatar
chenry
100 posts
 

I am not sure what would or would not qualify as "organic." If you are looking for what some people term a "musical"  as opposed to a precise presentation, then class A amps, Musical Fidelity A1 or possibly a Sugden A21 SE Signature might fit your description. The Sugden has only line level inputs, so no phono stage, and you would probably need a phono preamp if your turntable does not have one. The Musical Fidelity has a phono preamp. Neither amp has a lot of wattage--class-A and all-- but both are known to drive difficult loads well. I have a Sugden, running with a pair of JBL 4349s and am very happy with it. With Zu speakers, I would think you would have no problem. The Musical Fidelity is very well reviewed in its current version. I wouldn't worry about the heat factor, yes, they get warm, but if you aren't stuffing your amp inside a rack with no ventilation, it is no problem. I don't think it is much different than AB amps I have had (with more power.)

yyzsantabarbara
4,519 posts
 

A used KRELL k300i integrated at around $5-6k is a Class A (mostly) with a smooth buttery sound, with decent details, and powerful. The DAC module is OK and super convenient. It also has great ROON READY integration with built-in RJ45 streaming. You can improve on both the DAC and streamer (go fibre). However, that would not be an essential thing to do since the DAC module is rather good.

dayglow
1,741 posts
 

If "organic" matches my definition a pre-owned Norma IPA-140 is a stellar but slightly over budget($2500?) option

earworm22 OP
20 posts
 

Thanks all, for your additional suggestions. 
I guess I buried the lead: budget is around $2500 so some of these are out of reach at the moment. 

Lots to look into and research. 
 

thanks again. 

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