Integrated Amp Choices


From numerous visits to audio stores in the BIG city 2 hours south of my place, and after listening to a couple of dozen speakers (up to $18,000) both passive and active. Our simple ears have narrowed it down to these 2 speakers (so far):
KEF R11s - https://us.kef.com/r11.html and Triangle AustraleEZs - https://www.trianglehifi.com/en/produit/hifi-floor-standing-speaker-ez-australe/ These 2 sound the best to both my wife, offer good value and both very close to each other in price.

Here are a few integrated amps (in around the $5K range) that I am considering and I was hoping the community can give their votes to which would compliment the speakers of choice (so far) the best?

https://simaudio.com/en/product/340i-x-integrated-amplifier/

https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/model=str-integrated-amplifier/page=overview

http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=2

https://www.sugdenaudio.com/anv-50-integrated-amplifier

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MA5300

On Sale Occasionally:

https://bryston.com/amplifiers/b1353/

https://www.marklevinson.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MARK+LEVINSON+NO+5802.html?dwvar_MARK%20LEVINSON%20NO%205802_color=Black%20%2F%20Silver-US-Current&cgid=integrated-amplifiers

Onboard DAC is a big consideration too, so hoping for your further comments on DAC sections as well.

Prefer new or demo over used.

Thanks,
High-amp





high-amp

Showing 1 response by 2channel8

I understand your reservations about Class D and I also understand that you were not looking for more suggestions, but only for the observations of those who have listened to the particular pairings the you listed, @hi-amp. But in case you might find it useful and you can find one in your area to audition I am going to throw the Primare I35 out there as something you may consider.

https://primare.net/product/i35-dac-modular-integrated-amplfiier-and-digital-to-analog-converter/

As you can see it has a DAC and you can also add a streamer module. It is also within your budget. I have the I32 and love it. I hope to upgrade sometime. The advantage of these is that they are not at all picky about the speakers they drive, so matching is much less of an issue. Whatever you decide, I hope you are overjoyed with the result.