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Class A integrated amp recommendations

Greetings 'goners after a prolonged absence from posting here but  eavesdropping on your conversations in the interim! I was hoping to get some feedback on your experiences with class A integrated amps. My audio journey thus far provides some context.

The core of my system, Sim Audio Moon I5 integrated, Joseph Audio RM7si Signature on 20” Sound Anchor stands has remained unchanged for about 20 years. Sources are Sim Audio Moon Nova and Rega Jupiter2000 CD players, Sim Audio Moon LP3 phono for my AR ES-1 turntable with Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH cartridge. Cables are Zu Audio.

Primary music interests are acoustic jazz, small scale classical, classical/crossover, some orchestral; but I can, and do, veer all over the map when a bout of nostalgia hits: classic and prog rock, punk, grunge, reggae, singer/songwriter. For me, it’s always been about the music. The stereo is only a tool. It is not the work. During that time I’ve not felt the need or urge to chase gear. I enjoy music.

Until about 6 months ago when I acquired a new turntable: Technics SL-1210GR with Audio Technica AT33PTG/II and Ortofon 2M Black cartridges. Then a PS Audio Stellar phono. And now, as I’m about to retire, I feel like a kid! Those Blue Note reissues have awakened some kind of Mr. Hyde in me that wants to try new stuff!

Hence this post. Your experiences with Class A integrateds feeding speakers similar to mine would be greatly appreciated. I'm intrigued by, but have not heard, gear from Pass Labs, Sugden, and Luxman. Of course, cost is a concern as the law of diminishing returns keeps me away from the insanity of uber-pricing.

Kind Regards

jlamb

Showing 3 responses by jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

Suggestions have been made to add a subs but I think they might overpower my space and I don’t really have good placement options for them anyway.

as @soix commented, properly integrated and implemented, adding subs will be the impactful change to your system (i suggest smaller rel's)... they will not overpower your room but they will make the sound truly wonderful, full range, with a vastly expanded sense of space and dimensionality

@jjss49 Do have any thoughts on the Pass int-25 vs the int-30?

int30a is based on the older gen xa30.5 power amp whereas int25 is based on the newer xa25 power amp... both integrateds have slightly less headroom than the power amps on which they are based (but still plenty for higher efficiency speakers used in medium/smaller rooms) -- the 30 will sound slightly sweeter more rounded, whereas 25 will sound a little sharper more direct more matter-of-fact

 

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

Pass INT-25.  Best sound for the money and perfect for higher sensitivity speakers. 

More dynamic and transparent than the Luxman models.

i am a pass owner and big fan

but i think there would be many who would argue with the feelings expressed above, both on the question of value for $ as well as sonic differences vs luxman

 

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

@jlamb

you have quite a good system already, joseph rm7 sigs are an excellent standmount monitor

my suggestions to improve your sonics would be

a) add one or a pair of rel subs t7i/x or t9i/x -- the sonic benefit will be substantial, even using your current i-5 amp

b) amp wise, i suggest a pass int60 (int25 may not be enough juice) or a hegel h390 or 590 (not class a, but sounds as good/better)

have fun, enjoy!

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