Integrated Curiosity


Hello all,

I was finally able to get a hold of some of my dreamed of speakers. I’m running expensive speakers on a cheap tube integrated amp with 45 watts. It sounds lovely, fleshed out beautiful mids, good soundstage, smooths out bad recordings- you know, very tube-like.

 

I want to go to the other end of the spectrum. Solid state, priority on slam, dynamic, a dampening factor, bass control, detail oriented,  leaning towards analytical is ok. Big power is a plus.

 

Im curious about older Krell integrateds, I’ve heard Hegel and enjoy them.  Really want to draw on the experience here for other ideas.
 

budget around $2500 

Thanks much for your thoughts,

 

128x128birdfan

What speakers, what "cheap" tube amp and what is the size of the room?

 

DeKay

Depending on how much power you think you need, here are a couple Hegels that are reputed to have very high damping factors…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650063339-hegel-h190-sealed/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650056688-hegel-h360-integrated-network-streamer-dsd-dac-headphone-amp-mint-condition/

Krell would also seem to be a great choice, so I think you’re on the right track. From what I’ve read the Krell might be a little warmer sounding of the two, but take that for what it’s worth.  Best of luck.

The very heavy older Krells were far from warm. Pair them with speakers from B&W or Focal and they could be ear splittingly analytic.

Hegel makes several integrated amplifiers. As the number gets bigger, the quality gets better. The H190 will do a good job for you and if you save your money, the H390 (used) will make your very expensive speakers sing!

All the best.