Integrated that blew you away

Integrated that blew me away was not sound because I am in the camp that subscribe to the notion that a competently designed amp shouldn't impart any audible changes to the tonal identity of the speaker/room frequency response balance; but let us table that discussion.

What impressed me about the Integrated was how seamless the app systems, I/O abundance and how it fit my personal aesthetics. It is the MA12000 2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier from McIntosh @gochurchgo 

It's all personal preference,  and we usually recommend what we have owned.   I'll be no different in sugesting the Hegel H590, now the H600. IMHO,  a terrific integrated.  It ticks all the boxes from good power to very good DAC.  I just didn't find it came up short in any area.  Cheers.

I've always been a separates guy but my second system has an integrated amp.  It sounds great, I'm pretty confident I could have spent more on budget separates and still not have gotten the same performance.   That amp is a Cyrus i7XR.   Way too small for your needs but it's a great example of how good an integrated amp can sound.  

My Dad has the McIntosh MA8950.   That is a seriously good amp.  The built in DAC sounds excellent.  He has it driving a pair of Sonus Faber Electa Amator III anda REL S/510.      It's a great amp. .

Moon/ SimAudio makes great integrated amps too.   

Definitely want to home demo amps in that price range if possible.   

My favorite integrated is the Synthesis Audio A 40 (40 wpc KT -66 tube) or their A 100 amp (100 wpc KT-66).  Both have built in DACs that are good and remove control.  The only major negative, to me, is a lack of balance control.  I hang out at an audio shop and I get to see how shocked some people are with the sound of these amps.  Most who take these home for a trial end up buying.

I have separates, but would have no problem with either of these superb integrated amps. The Nagra is lighter and more compact so it might be better for downsizing

Nagra Classic Integrated amp

Jadis DA 88 S

burmester 032 and 232, both are superb

I am going to agree with @larryi. I have had the A40 in my system and wish I didn’t sell it, I would now like to use it in a secondary system. Has a great built in DAC as well. If you want a bit more power the A100 is a nice upgrade. The only reason it is no longer mine is I upgraded to separates. 
 

john

My main system: C-J: ART 88, ART Phono, 27A

My summer home system: Marantz PM10 and matching SA10

I did compare them together before sending the Marantz stuff to it's new home.  The Marantz PM10 has a Class D amp, separate power supplies for each channel and also another separate one for the preamp section.  The C-J 27 A is Class A.  The C-J has better micro detail, but the difference is subtle.  Both offer superior liquidity, sound stage depth, and allow hours of listening without fatigue.  The Marantz has much more power and handles difficult impedance loads with ease.  It is a great match for B&W 802D diamonds, which is why it was my choice.  There is clear superiority for both the C-J 88 Line Stage and Phonostage.  Greater resolution of detail, more life like imaging, just more magic.

For solid state, Luxman 590axii (and the 595 SE)

 

for tubes, and my absolute favorite, MadterSound Compact 845. It’s an absolute champion of portraying “live” putting you right in the middle of the performance. Eerie real!!!!

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/cayin/a88t.html

I truly love the sound of the 6snl and 6sl7 tubes, (all prior owned units used 12’s), and I changed and prefer KT88’s to the 6550 it came with

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make some effort to tell us more:

budget

tubes or SS?

consolidating phono setup, i.e. want option of MM Phono built-in?

features: mode/mono/balance/tape loop ....

rca or xlr options?

how much power ______?

still using efficient Klipsch Speakers? those allow a not too big tube integrated

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I love my Cayin A88T Tube Integrated, but I need features of other equipment, and the MK1 version has been updated to external bias which I would much prefer (but they dropped the 16 ohm taps).

I wanted tubes, modern remote volume, thus newer integrated. Had to sound as good as my Fisher 80AZ Mono tube amps, after research I tried and kept it.

replaced these

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650129374-fisher-80-az-tube-power-amp/images/5220361/

 

It has no Mode switch, no balance switch, and bias is difficult internal adjusters, but I needed that MK1 version to get 16 ohm taps for my speakers with 16 ohm drivers/level controls from 1958.

 

In the end, I added a McIntosh tube tuner preamp tor it’s wonderful features and mode switch, and run that to a Chase RLC-1 remote line controller to get remote balance, a feature I really love and encourage.

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I never saw or heard one, I noticed, the Cyrus i7XR mentioned above by oddiofyl has the rare remote balance feature in a compact SS Integrated with MM Phono. there is it’s bigger brother i9XR, but I think the 7 is enough for your Klipsch speakers. 

 

 

I've had a couple. The first was one you probably never heard of: the Dussun V8i. Great amp...Chinese made...I think pretty much a Mark Levinson.

And now my current one: Anthem STR. It does everything and does it all VERY well. 

Bel Canto EX1, pure music, back backgrounds this is my SS choice

Tubes Qualiton X200 is spectacular and again pure music no real coloration other than it is a tube integrated.

Hybrid Canor AI 2.10 and the Pathos Remix In-Pol. 

Accuphase E-650 - Class A, 30W. The newer version is E-700. In a right setup (like mine, paired with Tannoy’s Canterbury) you’re treated with refined, organic and effortless presentation. Accuphase sound is about graceful precision, where everything feels perfectly in place, nothing overstated and more importantly nothing missing.

For me it was the Audio Research I-50... and it is inexpensive. It is so musically rich. Every time I listen to one, my eyes close and I am whisked away with the music. I wish I had somewhere to put it. My equipment is "better"... more powerful, detailed, etc. But it is just incredibly beautiful. I hear ARC has or is releasing an I-70... I can't wait to hear it. But once again, I don't need another integrated. 

I was very happy with my first Integrated Amp, which was my first "big boy" system when I turned 14 back in the mid-'70's -- a Kenwood KA-9100.  That amp gave me much joy throughout High School and College.  Unfortunately, it was stolen during a home robbery in 1990.  I also had a Nakamichi SR2A, which was a very different creature, but I enjoyed the Nelson Pass touch and still have my complete Nakamichi setup (amp, cassette, and CD player). 

 

The Integrated I use now in a bedroom system is a Reisong A10 EL34 Tube amp.  Remarkable little beast.  Solidly built, nice components, and it only cost me $380 about 5 years ago.  Reisong makes some amazing gear.

The NAD M33 got an awful lot of love when it came out. PuriFi amp, Dirac Live, BluOS streaming, MM/MC phono. 
 

But the best integrated amps I have heard is from Ayre. 

When I was shopping for an integrated I auditioned Pass int250, Dag Prog int and Gryphon Diablo 300. I decided on the D300, works great with my Magnepan 3.7x.

McIntosh MA6600 integrated amp.  As soon as I saw and heard it at Audio Classics, I purchased it.  The Parasound HINT integrated I had at the time is like a toy compared to the McIntosh integrated.  I play it every single day for hours on end as it’s in my office system and have no desire to change it.  It’s a perfect match for the JBL L100 Classic speakers and SVS sub. 
 

I had quite a few integrated amps in that system prior to the Mac, a Rogue Cronus Magnum with the KT120 tubes, a Parasound Halo, a Classe integrated that went back to Quebec 3 times for cold solder joints and I didn’t like it’s very dark sound, Parasound HINT integrated.  The Mac blows all the others away.  

@gochurchgo 

FYI - I own the Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp and am genuinely surprised by how good it sounds-I’m very happy with my decision. The M6si delivers excellent performance, features, and power. According to Musical Fidelity, “Internally, the M6si is configured as two independent monobloc power amps with a separate preamp. It is, in fact, a preamp with two monobloc power amps that just happen to share the same casework. The M6si has 220wpc, very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio, and an extremely flat frequency response”.

Synergy between components is key to a great audio system, and in my setup, the M6si is clearly a perfect match for my PMC speakers. Its high power, stability, and versatility makes It a “destination product” that rivals much more expensive amplifiers. I hope this helps. 

 

@gochurchgo 

This is an amazing hobby! You asked for “an integrated amp that blew you away” and received 21 high-quality amplifier suggestions, including mine. Interestingly, I didn’t notice a single duplicate among the recommendations.

My experience is that the sound quality of any amplifier depends not only on the amp itself, but also on everything else in your system-including your room.

i suggest choosing an amplifier that appeals to you and demoing it in your own setup to hear how ‘everything comes together’. As I mentioned before, it’s the synergy of all your components working together that truly “blows you away”.

The new Soulution 331 integrated. This is the best-sounding component I have heard in over 35 years in this hobby. It easily competes and surpasses separates costing many thousands more. It was auditioned through a pair of Magico A5s which I think actually held back the 331s performance. 

Here's three, plus a fourth ringer. 

1) McIntosh MA-252 100W/ch Tube/Solid state Hybrid. For $4500, and a whole lot of retro styling and a decent MM phono input, this is hands down, a bargain. 

2) Luxman 509Z. At $12,495, its the top of the Luxman integrated line. The 509Z has 120 W/ch, an excellent mm/mc phono section, impeccable pedigree and execution, plus flexibility not many integrateds offer.

3) Mark Levinson 5805 $10,500 125/250 W/Ch (8/4 Ohms) Fully equipped with both an excellent DAC and MM/MC phono stage. This is 62 Lbs of very solid hardware. And, with onboard DAC and phono stages,  it can save you a small fortune in interconnects. Add to that the Levinson/Harman/Samsung ownership chain, your chances of being hung out by the manufacturer away are as low as it gets.

I haven't gone into the SQ of any of these. Suffice to say, all three are in the 'Excellent' category, but how well each ... integrates ... with your speakers will depend on your speaker choice. Personally, tough call, but I'd probably go with the Levinson, unless i was on a budget, then the McIntosh. Not slighting the Luxman, I've had and enjoyed their gear, just not my cup of tea here. 

The fourth 'ringer' would be the NAD M33 Masters Series. 200W/380 W/ch Streaming Integrated  Amp. A $6,499 electronic Swiss Army Knife, with streamer, DAC, MM/MC phono, DIRAC room correction, analog and digitsl inputs, plus XLR Balanced, HDMI, USB, inputs and Bluetooth, it's all here. If you can't connect to this amp. It can't be connected to. But it may be a little too integrated for some. It's o ly real question marks are it digitizes all inputs, including phono, your thoughts on Class D amps, and the lack of balanced preamp outputs. 

@lalitk  I keep seeing Accuphase described as “dark” and recently someone said only their class A sound that way. I have no Accuphase dealer here but I’m hoping that’s not true.

@hgeifman  it is! The amp I decide to go with will affect speakers down the line.

@panzrwagn  the 5805 has been high on my list but I have no way to audition. Can you describe the sound and your experience with it?

 

The new Buchardts E50 connected to my HEGAL 390 is blowing me away. Smooth, wide soundstage, incredible bass, very articulate highs. I have 4 other integrated and hoping my Pass 250 will go to an even higher level. 

Belles Aria Integrated would be my recommendation, but it depends upon what speaker you want to pair with it.

Bob

Hegel H390 or the new H400.  I have the H390 and can attest to it being phenomenal.  However the DAC IMO is just OK.

@gochurchgo 

Accuphase gear—especially their Class A amplifiers—often gets described as “dark” because of its tonal balance: smooth, slightly laid-back treble, rich mids, and a non-aggressive presentation. But “dark” can mean different things depending on the listener’s reference point. Some hear it as relaxed and refined; others might interpret it as lacking air or sparkle.

Accuphase generally avoids the hyper-detailed or ultra-etched sound, which can make them seem darker compared to brands like Gryphon, Hegel, or even Pass.

When you ready to pull trigger on Accuphase gear, PM me for my Accuphase dealer contact info. 

Here's a third vote for the Synthesis A40 or A100, both with excellent onboard DACs. Three or four years ago, I went through an extensive search for the "perfect" integrated and had some very good ones in my system from Boulder, Vitus, Linear Tube Audio, Lyngdorf, Devialet, Line Magnetic, VAC, and maybe a couple of others, but the Synthesis ended my search.

It is a truly fantastic performer.

@gochurchgo My mental notes on the 5805 was one of it being dead neutral tonally, very dynamic and well controlled in the bass, and very quiet (likely a result of proper gainstaging in the design process) especially in the MC mode. If anything it might be described as a touch vivid, but never overtly forward and never harsh. It certainly does not have the romantic warmth of the Mcintosh, or the near instantly identifiable house sound of a Marantz (which is definitely warm and romantic with a 'delicate' and extended treble I actually kind of enjoy that, but it's not neutral.) and I would have to say it's 'ballsier' than the Luxman. 

Excellent choices as above. Mine- AYRE AX-5 Twenty Series. This Integrated Amp is easily 90% of Twenty Series separates, saving thousands of dollars.

 

Happy Listening!

Well, +1 on the NAD M33 Masters.   It’s very impressive; fast and detailed without any harshness.   But, my real favorite is the Krell K300i.   90W In Class A, 150W AB, and all lovely.   Superb aggressive well controlled bass and warmth.   No bloat or flabbiness.   Great mids and clean crisp smooth highs.   Nice detail and black background.   That’s my go to integrated.

Some of my most pleasantly surprising experiences were where something greatly exceeded expectations.  Theses include instances where something inexpensive and/or very old delivers great sound.  I recently heard a Scott 299C stereo integrated tube amp that was killer good for the money the buyer paid (he did his own restoration).  

The one integrated that has swept the floor off under my feet must be Soulnote A3.

@maverick2108  have you heard the A-2?

@gochurchgo I currently own the A2, D2 and the E2 with ATC SCM20PSL speakers.

@maverick2108  wow I would love to hear that. How would you describe the tonality of the A2?

we are integrated specialists 

we sell rega, nad,naim, krell ,synthesis, atoll,coda unison research esoteric and  a few others,

selecting a great integrated comes down to sound quality, features wattage solid state vs tubes or hybrids

there are a few really great integrated amplifiers:

the coda csib has bettered nearly every integrated we have tested

one really cool setup is the naim NSC 222 streaming preamp dac 

which can be stacked with the matching Maim nap 250dr power amplifier 

so you can have essentially an Integrated amplifier which is really separates

Dave and Troy

Audio Intellect NJ

 

 

It’s very neutral to slightly warm sounding amp with lots of detail and resolution. Mids are fantastic with great stereo imaging. The A2 has been the best I have heard in terms of PRAT. You listen and forget about critical listening. Engagement is its forte. I have owned the luxman l595se previously and though sounded great never sounded right to me in comparison. The A3 is awhile another beast. Level of detail and soundstage is amazing. 

Hegel H390.  Great integrated amp, although the added “Streamer” is almost useless and the added DAC is okay, but a better DAC really makes it sing.

@maverick2108  thanks that’s great info

@audiotroy what are the pros and cons between the CODA and the Krell?

@noodlyarm Love the Krell K300i, just can't recommend it given the current status (or non-status, really) of the company. Having been burnt by a disappearing manufacturer once, I have no intent of repeating the experience, or recommending someone invest significant money and put themselves in the position of having to walk away from it. 

Sugden.  Yes, the A21SE or the IA 4.  They all work well.

 

@lalitk 

You are spot on with your description of Accuphase! 
 

I’m shocked no one has mentioned Esoteric….

There were two... the Musical Fidelity A1 with a set of JBL 4312s - that was my 1st great amp after coming from a pretty solid Yamaha CA-810 and then about 12 or so years ago I heard a Simaudio Moon i-7 at the headmaster's house where my son was going to school. It blew me away with his ProAc 2.5s. That particular setup was so dialed in that at the time, I'd never heard anything sound great; it humbled my modest setup and was inspiring. Just my experience

Sooner or later I will slim down to an integrated ...  Great suggestions above!

May I add Electrocompaniet to the list ....

 

@dwest1023 

I would love to hear your rig!!  

The value leader in amps is the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II or III but they have to have the KT120 tubes and a couple NOS 12AX7/ AU7 tubes.  It blew me away many times and sounds better than most amps priced significantly higher. 

Pair it with some dynamic refined speakers 90 db or higher and enjoy the clear, refined, highly atmospheric multi dimensional sound stage.  A real sonic workhorse. 

Have the solution 745 sacd player hooked up to the dan dagostino progression integrated.dead silent with pangea 9 power cables and furman 20 i to protect from surge.so far so good.magico q7 on some hagel h30 a on the pre out progression.the progression running kharma grands rotated in focal utopia and the tekton ulf all beryllium.hooked up the krell lat 1 to fpb 700 krell just recapped that comes out the progression pre amp outputs.. I think the hunt is over.famous last words from a audiophile.enjoy the music. I buy all used it goes farther.