Integrated that blew you away


Like most I run separates but am looking to downsize but also upgrade. So for the first time since I decided I wanted as close to a world class system as I could afford, I’m looking at integrated amps.

 

So if you’re a separates guy/gal but heard an integrated that really struck you. Please share. I want to hear all the steamy details. The speakers, the source, the pursed lips and steamy glances.

gochurchgo

Showing 3 responses by panzrwagn

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. 

@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. 

@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.