2. amps-preamps
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Looking for integrated solid state amp for daily usage

I love the sound of my tube amps, but I need an amp powered on all day every day (like 16 hours per day) for my nearfield desktop setup with JBL 4309 speakers (using directstream mk1 dac).

I have tried a Schiit Aegir and a Schiit Ragnarok, but didn’t like either compared to my cheap tube amp and expensive tube amp. They just seemed boring and dead to me.

So I’m looking for suggestions on a beautiful sounding solid state integrated amp that sounds big and engaging as much like a tube amp as possible, if one even exists. I don’t want a tube preamp with a solid state amp.

I listen to a lot of music types from classical to jazz to classic rock.

I’d like to keep the price under $3k if possible, used is great. I’ve heard Accuphase and Luxman are really good, but price seems to be more than $5k for those.

retroactiv
mlsstl
1,435 posts
 

You might check out Bel Canto -- some years back I went from an Image Audio tube amp (KT88 outputs) to a Bel Canto C5i and was happy. (I've since moved on to separates.) The Image Audio and Bel Canto weren't exactly the same but I enjoyed them both and found each very listenable.  The C5i is discontinued but you can periodically find them used for around $1K.  The new C6i model lists for just over $3K.

 

overthemoon
417 posts
 

I'd encourage you to listen to Moon's 250i v2.  I had a 250i as a loaner for 2 weeks and it sounded a heck of lot better than I expected it would given it was subbing in for 2 400 watt per channel mono-blocks.

cherbib
40 posts
 

try this:  

Elac DPA2.  reliable, cool running, nice sounding and plenty of power.....a bargain and well reviewed in Stereophile.  

 

shanesrain
89 posts
 

I’m a pretty big Nelson Pass fan. He’s been said to have a more tube like sound in solid state. So certain adcoms, and thresholds, not sure, its been awhile, but I believe threshold is the name, not positve. Lol Thresholds are pretty hard to come by though. Mcintosh might have some solid state too. I start researching engineers and looking at earlier works, imo.

smargo's avatar
smargo
51 posts
 

a peachtree gan-fet class d 

 

its very direct and tube-like - sweet but not sugary - ballsy but not overwhelming

as much as we try to go back to solid state amps - my discovery of the peachtree never fails to impress me - not all of time - but most

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