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Retirement integrated amp for a “fiscal conservative”…..Part 1: I have a plan

Again, I want to thank the many many members who provided their thoughts and insights to my original post on this subject!!  The problem is (and its a good problem) you all provided a LOT of advice and recommendations; many diverse, some corroborating, and some conflicting options.  I did a lot of reading on several of the integrateds y’all suggested and PM’d a few of you to better understand your thoughts.  There are a lot of really smart people who support this Agon forum!!  I have a lot more knowledge now, thank you  

Which leads to the Plan:

1. Before spending up to $8,000 (my not yet wife approved budget) I need to confirm I can actually hear the sound qualities I’m missing in my current system.  Having a 68 year old hearing system with tinnitus, this is a real question for me.

2. I’ve booked a room at the Schaumburg Hyatt for the upcoming AXPONA; a 9hr drive from Huntsville AL. 

3. I’ve never attended an audio show, but its been on my bucket list for the past 5 years, so I’ll kill 2 birds with one stone (roadtrip)!

4. I realize that audio shows aren't the optimum listening environment, but if I can hear the sound qualities I’m missing there at the show; then game on identifying an integrated amp that will bring me closer in my system which will be Part 2 of the Plan 😀

5. I’ll start Part 2 there at the show listening to as many systems with integrateds in my price range (I’m fine with buying used and will factor that in to which amps I listen to).  Yes, the associated equipment in the chain and the environment will be different than mine, but it will be a great place to start!!

And that’s part of the fun of this hobby/obsession (at least for me); planning and starting the next journey!

ezstreams
kennymacc
442 posts
 

@ezstreams

Why go through all this "rigmarole" on a forum like this?  This is the age of high tech with a vast global market and information (new and used) at your disposal via the internet that you can utilize to do your own research.  In addition to searching the internet, search your local audio shops for auditions.  Attending audio shows is a good thing as well.  I was in your same shoes about four years ago when I too was in the market for an integrated amp.  It's like me asking others which speakers would be the best choice for me.  It's a waist of time.  Go do the research yourself.   You're the one that has to live with your decision.  Search to see which integrated amps are out there within your price range (new and used).  Go audition and then make a decision.  I ended up with a Hegel H590 integrated amp which is my end-game amp.  Happy listening.                          

soix
9,756 posts
 

Given your speakers and that you’re looking for better bass control I’d be cautious choosing a pure tube integrated and is why I recommended Unison Unico and Pathos hybrid integrateds in your prior thread. I believe Unison will be in the Top Shelf rooms 1402 or 1404 but didn’t see Pathos. One of the Fidelity Imports rooms may also have Unison amps but couldn’t find any specifics so maybe give them a call if interested. Happy hunting!

bigkidz
3,403 posts
 

The only integrated amp I would consider is the Line Magnetic.  It is 28wpc if I remember correctly BUT the transformers used are some of the best.  I think it retails for $4800.  Just plan awesome sounding and those transformers is all where the music comes from.

 

Happy Listening.

ezstreams OP
63 posts
 

Thanks guys!

@audphile1, @lalitk ​​@zlone I agree, AXPONA won’t be the best critical listening venue, but it will be a fun check on my bucket list and will provide an opportunity to listen contrast and compare equipment and talk with vendors. 
Although I live in an extremely high tech and relatively affluent city (Huntsville AL), we only have 1 hifi dealership (who only carries Primaluna, McIntosh, and Naim amps).  Nashville is 2 hours away and Atlanta is 3.5 hrs away. I’ve travelled to hifi shops in both cities. I’ve not been impressed with what I’ve heard there. 
@rick_n the Gryphon 120 integrated would be closer to my $comfort range. 

@soix the Unison Research I150 looks very interesting, especially being a hybrid. Thank you, I’ll definitely add it to my list. 

grislybutter
3,325 posts
 

all relative, 8K is a big fat budget, especially used

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