2. amps-preamps
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Integrated amp for tube lover

Downsizing and looking for an integrated amp of 100 or more watts/ channel that will satisfy a tube lover. Not many tube integrated amps fit that power requirement, but open to tube or solid state. Considering Krell K300i, CODA CSiB, Boulder 866 (doubt that it is "tube-like" enough), and Gryphon Diablo 300 (more expensive than I’d like). Can use separate phono and/or DAC. Thoughts on these or others?

hedwigstheme
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waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
959 posts
 

I searched for the "perfect" integrated amp for three years and tried many, including some of those mentioned in this thread. The Synthesis A100 was by far my favorite and it also has an excellent DAC. I just changed speakers and may be switching to its little brother, the less powerful A40, which appears to be a better match for my new speakers since they do not require anywhere near that level of power. But the A100 fits your description perfectly.

paradisecom
377 posts
 

Cary SLI-100 or a Rogue Cronus Magnum.  

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,865 posts
 

This Belles would fit the bill. I’ve owned the Belles Aria and I doubt that you would go wrong. It is an outstanding solid state integrated that has a tube like sound!

https://powermodules.com/aria-signature-integrated-1

jsalerno277
360 posts
 

The Burmester 032 or the new 232 integrated amp combines tube like liquidity, dimensionality, sweet (non fatiguing/no edginess) high frequencies, midrange bloom, and image density with the transient  speed, micro/macro-dynamics, bass power, clarity and resolution of solid state.  The new 232 offers a DAC card option.  A must to add to your audition list.  I am a ex-Krell big separates lover but once I auditioned Burmester I divorced my Krells for a younger, more athletic, and exotic Burmester 032, never looking at another since.   

 

 

 

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