2. amps-preamps
  3. 155445-103591

Looking for a hybrid integrated to do it all!

Hi everyone, I'm sure this request will draw some ire from the "separates only" crowd but here goes! I'm looking to transition my separate preamp/DAC/amp stack to a more minimalist setup fairly soon but have had some trouble turning up possible components. Here are my rough requirements:

  • Needs to be a hybrid tube/SS design as I like the tube sound too much to let go
  • Needs to have a high quality integrated DAC
  • Should be well built and competently designed with good components
  • Has to output a decent amount of current (around 100wpc @ 4 ohms)
  • This is subjective but it needs to be aesthetically pleasing
  • Bonus points if it has a high quality integrated phono stage (not a must since I'm willing to go separate on this)
  • Bonus points if it has a remote
Pretty much the only option I've found so far that checks all the boxes is the Heaven11 Billie. If anyone has any suggestions of other products to look into that are like this, definitely let me know! For what its worth, I will be using this with a pair of Dynaudio Contour 20s and my budget is no more than $2500 (but I would consider used gear as well). Thanks!
primarist

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,565 posts
 
If you can find a used Peachtree Grand Integrated X1, it ticks off most of your boxes, sort of.  It has a tube buffer and is Class D amplification.  I like the newer Peachtree Nova 300 better.  It has a really good DAC and a decent phono stage and takes up a lot less space than the Grand Integrated.  No tubes though.

I recently bought a Vincent SV 237 integrated, which is a true tube/solid state device.  The preamp section is tubed and the amp section is class AB with the first 10 watts in class A, 150 watts at 8 ohms, 250 at 4 ohms.  It does have a USB DAC, but I've never used it and have no idea whether it's any good or not.  No phono stage.  It does have a remote.
big_greg
6,565 posts
 
Peachtree has always been on my radar but how do they typically sound?

Peachtree uses Class D amplification, and has a pretty neutral sound signature.  If there's any defining characteristic to it, it's just a little rolled off in the highs.  There's plenty of detail there, but perhaps not quite as sparkly as some amps.  I found that speaker pairing was pretty important.  It sounded a little "dry" and "boring" with some speakers.  I have it paired with Focal 1008 BE speakers now and it's very dynamic, detailed, and easy to listen to.  I'm not familiar with your speakers and can't guess as to whether that would be a good pairing.  Peachtree has a 30 day return policy.  You'd only be out the shipping costs if you buy one and don't like it.

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