2. amps-preamps
  3. 1243293566

What Integrated Amps have the sonics of Separates?

I want to get off the $$$ bandwagon. I'm tired of spending money, and then in a year, the equipment has dropped in used value substantially, since the fickle audiophile community has moved on to new favorites.

There must be very good sounding integrateds, or more modestly priced separates that perform as well. I'm still looking for quality, weight and finish, so it doesn't have to be just modest priced gear.

Thoughts: Rowland, Plinius, Simaudio, Vincent, or others. Don't want cheap, plastic, light stuff with limited power either.

There must be audiophiles who have felt the same way, and found things that satisfied them as well, or nearly as well, because they were tired of spending and spending.
audiosoul
richlane
167 posts
 
Audiosoul Quote: "I have so far preferred preamps with tubes, finding transistor preamps flatter and having less body and air. No tube amps for me."

I too like a SS Amp coupled with a Tubed Preamp, sort of the best of both worlds.

Maybe you would like an Integrated "Hybrid"; a SS Amp with a Tubed Preamp built in. The BAT VK-300X may be a good choice. I'm sure their are others here that can recommend other high-end hybrids.
nyctc7
91 posts
 
I'm pretty happy with my mbl 7008, which I have owned for four years. It is designed to drive the inefficient mbl 121 & 116, so it provides plenty of power and current, at least in small to medium size rooms. But nowadays I would say it is quite overpriced. If I was in the market I would buy the Burmester 32 that's currently listed here. But it mostly has balanced inputs. So does the Boulder integrated amp. This might be a consideration either yay or nay, depending on your components. What I especially like about the mbl and the Burmester is that they have a headphone jack. It's something I need for late-night listening in my apartment.

Here are some nice photos of cool integrateds. The Chinese Xindak is intriguing as it is massive and not that expensive. (scroll down) http://www.highendpalace.com/HEP%20Integrated%20Amps.htm
keithr
1,306 posts
 
BAT integrated, and right in your price range.
sdrenslow
65 posts
 
I recommend the BAT VK-300x SE integrated amplifier. 150 watt/channel, vacuum tube preamp section with 6H30 supertbues.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I want to get off the $$$ bandwagon. I'm tired of spending money, and then in a year, the equipment has dropped in used value substantially, since the fickle audiophile community has moved on to new favorites.

First of all, if the 'fickle audiophile community' can intimidate you with seperates, then they can do the same with integrateds. You have to learn to enjoy the music, ignore the glossy rags and silly threads that state the new emporer's clothe's are better.

That being said, I have 3 recommendations. All SS- Pass INT-150. Hybrid, BAT VK-300x. Tube, VAC Avatar Super.

I have heard many, and these are amongst my favorite in your price range. In fact, I have sold my ARC Ref 3 and BAT VK-75SE amp and am currently living happily with the VAC Avatar Super integrated. Is it the best I've ever heard? No, but it gets me 95% of the way there (especially rolling some NOS tubes) for a hell of a lot less $$$.

Now I just do my best to enjoy music, and ignore the latest "king to the throne" reviews, whether in glossy rags or in cyber-space.

Cheers,
John
More to discover