Pass INT-25, split decision and maybe option?
I recently bought a used INT-25 to drive my PureAudioProject Trio15Classic. I have never been so torn by an amp as by this one! On one hand the details are addictive, but on the other hand, the details can be so distractive that I struggle to listen to the music. The INT-25 does do space really well and that’s definitely something I love and look for in an amp. I do miss some of the midrange magic and the warmth that a tube amp brings as well.
At this point, I’m not sure the INT-25 is going to stay. There’s so many things I love about it, but other things that distracts me from listening to the actual music.
I also miss some of the warmth that tubes bring. Is there such a thing as an integrated tube (or hybrid) that retains all the strength of the INT-25, but adds the midrange magic and warmth of the tube amp? Don’t mind if I lose some of the distracting details in the recording, but don’t want to give up too much of that. The PAP's do like a bit of power (the INT-25 is definitely sufficient), so low power SET's are not likely where I'd go.
@ghdprentice @yogiboy doesn’t the I-50 require a technician to bias the unit when tubes are replaced? I was seriously interested in this integrated as a first foray into tubes but this was the main reason I shelved the idea. Maybe it’s not a big deal or doesn’t matter to the OP but it sounded like a pita to me. I was really disappointed to learn this about it. |
