2. amps-preamps
  3. 1136848549

Is There any Truly "High End" Integrated Amp?


I'm a reasonably well experienced audio nut and have tried a number of "good" integrated amps. I wonder, though, if there are integrated amps that are good enough for the "best", most revealing speakers. (Think Avalon Eidolon, Verity Parsifal, various JM Lab Utopias, and a variety of other fine speakers that do not have mammoth power requirements.)

People talk about the Levinson, the Musical Fidelity KW-500 and the lesser MF amps, the BAT integrated, The Rowland Concerto, etc. etc. etc.

I would like to hear from people who have actually tried the top tier of integrated amps and would be very interested in learning of their findings.

Don't need to be the most expensive. Could be the YBA Passion, Classe, MacIntosh 6900, Krell 400i, or any of a number of integrated amps that are supposed to sound good.

Hope to hear some good feedback.

Thanks very much.
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Showing 2 responses by listener57

listener57
730 posts
 
I have used the Aronov Audio LS-960I which is well worth considering. I have paired it with the very top of the line Mapleshade Records power cord and it has been positively thrilling with a variety of loudspeakers, over the years.
At its used price, around $1200, it is a "steal" and still very moderately priced when purchased new, factory direct.
listener57
730 posts
 
I think you are on the right path, realistically seeking to balance performance against price. Just look back at the posts for the moderate priced suggestions if you want to see a "for the money" Aronov Audio LS-960I which runs about $1200 used, and the company has converted from building new units to continuing as a repair facility.
There are quite a number of high value integrateds among the ones mentioned by all who posted to your thread. So, your real life budget plays the final role in which integrated makes the cut.
When you buy used there is very little risk since used prices have a way of staying relatively solid for good equipment. That's why many members have tried more than one integrated.
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