Parasound Halo Integrated is worth an audition.
Integrated Amplifier with the Good Bass and Extended Highs
Looking for an SS Integrated amplifier with the NAD's or Simaudio's deep bass but with the extended highs
for the PSB Synchrony speakers. I listened PSB with the Accuphase E-470 (which I shouldn't) and since then I can't find the right amplifier. I tried Belles Aria but I didn't like the bass.
for the PSB Synchrony speakers. I listened PSB with the Accuphase E-470 (which I shouldn't) and since then I can't find the right amplifier. I tried Belles Aria but I didn't like the bass.
54 responses Add your response
New Anthem integrated amp, STR. 200w/8 ohm, 400w/4ohm, 550w/2 ohm ARC Room correction, DAC and mm & mc phono on board. $4499. https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/model=str-integrated-amplifier/page=overview I have an older Anthem I225 Integrated Amp. It commands 225 watts into 8 ohms, very high voltage, current. I recently upgraded mine with Mundorf Capacitors. N |
@djengan - Ouch, $12K is real money. I did a quick google search and saw a couple around $6K, but they look like they might be grey market sellers. The Rega Elicit-R retails for $3K. I bought mine used for under $2K and I'm really happy with it. Would be worth and audition if you have a dealer nearby. |
I agree with glennewdick - Luxman is more affordable than Accuphase and actually may be even more affordable with their new US distribution. I have not seen the new price list but I am certain you can get a new Luxman integrated for $6,000 or less. I have owned both brands and Accuphase is better sounding. If you are smitten by the characteristics of the E-470, you might be a bit disappointed with the Luxman integrated sound (a bit more polite that Accuphase). Music Direct sells Luxman and they offer a 60 day money back guarantee. It might be one way to go! |
Maybe an integrated with tone controls? You can tailor to your liking. I heard the Hegel 360 at the Los Angeles Audio Show and it was very good; considerably better than the Rost although the Rost was pretty good. They performed comparison tests between the Rost, 360, and their reference separates. The 360 was fairly close to the separates and it and the Rost have built-in DACs. The demo speaker was the KEF Blade 2. I liked the Hegel sound. |
The T+A has tone controls....Not well known, but well worth checking out... Here is the base model.... they compare it with the Hegel H300 & H360... http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/987-t-a-elektroakustik-pa-2000-r-integrate... |
djengan Parasound Halo Intergrated, designed by the master John Curl. Even has a dac and phono stage in it, puts many boutique >$5k units away. https://www.stereophile.com/content/parasound-halo-integrated-integrated-amplifier Cheers George |
many good ideas here. I really like the Hegel sound and the fact that they are very versatile and can be used with many types of speakers. I opted for the h200 and am really enjoying it. I will probably not replace it as I am really happy with its clean, rich sound. My next purchase will be different speakers like planars or a small tube amp as a second system as I have no desire to change the Hegel. |
I’ll chime in, since it’s been touched on. I own Luxman’s L-590AX, and imagine it may be everything you’re looking for. Used, around $4000 in great shape. 30W in Class A. To me, it’s stunning. Still certainly not cheap, but I bet it’s tremendously similar to the Accuphase. The newest version is the L-590AXII, this is their top of the line SS integrated, MSRP is $10,000+/-. Mine is the previous version, two years old. I'd bypass their A/B amps and move up to the Class A. L. |
Bonjour, try this one if you can find it in your country: Analog Domain Isis M75 http://www.monoandstereo.com/2014/11/analog-domain-isis-integrated-amplifier_30.html http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/analog-domain-the-isis-m75d-integrated-amplifier/ |
Primare I32 has more than ample bass and amazing, sparkling highs with no underemphasis of mids/vocals. I think the list is about $3,000. A new I35 is coming out very soon. I was really impressed with the Aria until I heard the Primare. Review: http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/primare-i32-integrated-amp/ Dealer locator: https://vanaltd.com/collections/primare |
I like the Bryston integrated amps. Plenty of clean power and solid bass and they come with the optional DAC or phono and a standard 20 year warranty. http://www.bryston.com/products/power_amps/B135-3.html |
Just wondering how long you listened to the 505 ux? I have read a rave review of it in one of the audio rags. I recently purchased a l-507 ux and thought it was terrible when I first hooked it up. I could not believe how bad this thing sounded. (I'm using it with VMPS RM30 Series II speakers) I let it burn in for several days and it started to sound much better. I have had it now for about 7 days and I am beginning to love this thing. Turned it off last night and expected I would have to wait to let it warm up again but within an hour it sounded better than ever. It just sounds better every day. If the class A sound is what got you then the 590 is likely to be the ticket in the Luxman line but just sayin you really have to let these things settle and burn in to know what they sound like. |
I wish I knew more, or had more experience to comment further. When I bought my L-590AX I read all the Luxman reviews I could find, which certainly weren’t a tremendous amount. Most reviewers liked the sound of the two class A amps over the others, and the 590 over the 550. I have zero regrets. Bass is super, and very well controlled, midrange and highs are awesome, great detail, but not bright or forward. Also, from one review that I can no longer find, these amps are really only class A up to the rated 30 watts, and then switched to A/B, and were putting out about 90 watts/channel into 8 ohms. There is an L-550AII currently for sale here for $2000. This would be a 20W amp, which was later superceded by the L-550AX, then the L-550AXII. It looks nice. For me, I didn’t want to wonder "what if", so I went to the 590. Good luck, L. You might find this worth reading. http://nordaudio.pl/uploads/pdf/luxman/test/20141202-EN-l590ax.pdf |
I was lucky enough to get a mint Rega Osiris for just over 34% of list price. At hat price it was a steal. And yes, it is very good. I believe that because it is a Rega product, costs $9995 list and it is not fancy enough that they are not a top seller. And, due to these factors, occasionally a used one come up at, considering it's true quality, can also be obtained very reasonably. Also if anything ever goes wrong, Rega is totally excellent to deal with. That's for sure. |
<<Krell dealer disclaimer>> The Krell Vanguard intergrated amp sounds excellent. It has a large, open soundstage, detail, legendary Krell bass punch. It's hard to find fault with it. I use it regularly to demonstrate $28k Magico's. Runs them effortlessly. It's the best sounding integrated they've ever made. I'd add it to your list. :-) |
