Looking for a ‘’No braine’r Integrated amplifier under 7500 or so

@mapman
I also do like the Linear Tube Audio integrated amps on the tube side but your speaker choices will be more limited there.


blindjim>
if any tube INT is to be the choice it MUST be auto biased.

as 80% of the music we expereince is made in the first 20wpc, and this effort is targeted at a mid to small size room, I’m sure mating most any INT with most any speaker will work OK.

optimum results here will likely be either a matter of buy try and sell, or do the audiogon shuffle, or become flexible or easy to please otherwise with what ever combo is chosen.

all of the speakers I’ve in mind, or currently own would or should work OK with any decent 30wpc amp.

INTs I’m considering punch out power beyond 30wpc.

speakers I’m more interested in are mostly 2 or 2.5 way w/87db Eff, or higher, and usually spec’d at 8oms.

stand mounted and FS.

keeping strickly to my current plan , is the main problem.

for all intents and purposes I can buy within a bit of sanity, ANYTHING!.

anything that is, of course, I can justify. there won’t be a Vitas 30, or a VAC signature taking up space here. that is a given. I’ve heard both and both are very nice, but that entry fee vs sonic results is an unjustifiable endeavor IMHO.

hence my constirnation revolves around this notion: well, if I’m gonna spend XXXX for ABC, why not spend XXXXX for XYZ instead and then use it in the primary rig later on when I’ve relocated?

Then toooo there is this dog other barking at the aforementioned plan, just get yourself a more up to date amp, dA, and …spkrs while using your present line stage and cabling.
  ?
or buy one of the ‘turn key’ rigs your heard lately which boast an INT and speakers or separates and speakers that run about $7K w/o DA, and $10K with a Bryston or Benchmark du jour DA?

and that sports fans is my dilemma in a bit more than a nut shell.

thinking back on this thread perhaps I should have asked for ’turn key’ slam dunk INTs and Spkrs suggestion suitable for office/2nd room streaming and file playfack instead.

sheesh.


12mapman>
Myself, I find many flavors I like very much each with +s and -s so that heavily influences how I think about these things.

blindjim>
me too.


@hshifi
I know you have several speakers.

yes. all are vintage. some entry level as with the Canton bookshelf; Silverline SR 15; Phase tech PC 10.5 & PC 6.5 Std Mt.

sorry, no KEF… merely an interest in them.

thanks much for the link though. really.


wsrrsw
why not KISS. Toss out (sell) all the other stuff.

blindjim>.
did I mention ‘hoarding’ is my second hobby? lol

Looking for a ‘’No braine’r Integrated amplifier under 7500

Look no more than a Gryphon Diablo 120 or 300 nothing!! will come close.

Cheers George

@pkvintage lyyes. the BSN 2I is labled entry level . it seemed a good idea at the time.

some of its functionality is not amenable to beign vision impaired. I'm hoping its IOS app will be more agreeable.

regardless the llevel of subjective performance attached to a streaming device or its cost, the ability to use the thing via a mobile app will decree what is or is not possible, not necessarily its price.

curiosity more than anything else got me to pull the trigger on this, my initial 'streamer'.

so..... we'll see just how accessible the high tech genius designers have as well engineered their software.

BTW... NAD uses the BS sW in its #33 INT and its cost is a multiple of the 2I. it as well seems a popular enough component to have been listed in this thread as another INT possiblity.

it ain't enough to sift thru the hardware choices, the SW too must     be accessiblde compliant.

Is that Node not an entry level streamer? If it is, I would spend some of that $7500 on a better streamer. 2k more on a quality streamer, Lumin comes to mind, there are several others, will be a much bigger improvement than the 2k more you would spend on the amp. 

I did for me. 

Lots of good recommendations.  I'll just add Sim Moon Audio to the list.

thus far I am certainly overwhellmed with the feedback sports fans! thank you all.

my eyes have been opened to possibilities I would never have concieved otherwise.

I’m going to read up on the items I’ve no EXP with which are listed here, and reconsider my previous notions on some of those proposed solutions I did not feel buttered my bread at first listen.

I’ve enough EXP to know synergy is key in the amp + spkrs union. with that in mind, monitors are the prefference as I mentioned earlier to be the choice maybe even mini monitors if i go with a nearfield setup.

we’ll see. .

likely the deal maker IMO apart from the feature set and cost will be support.

if a thing has none its not gonna land here unless its something like a cable. I believe makers should be easy to contact and support should yield timely solutions for end users as after the sale service/support is its own statement of & for the product, its designer, build, andat times its performance.

Going forward, the ease of accessibility for upgrades and or support means
a great deal at least to this audio nut.

Hey if you have ls 50 metas and a sub, you are good to go for most normal and safe SPLs at least up to 90db or so.

I use the 500w/ch BEl Canto monoblocks with mine, but I do not feel need to go super loud, seldom above 90db, and the Bel Cantos never come anywhere close to breaking a sweat, which is a good thing. ls50s are great but still small and only will go so far loud and clear. But, I do not use an active crossover. ls50s are working full range even with the sub. Add that and let the sub do more work and that (offloading some bass off the ls50s) should take things a good bit even further off any decent number of watts.

With ls50s, you do always need an amp with a lot of juice/current delivery no matter what wattage to drive them to their max in regard to tonal balance, accuracy, detail and all the other usual good things that go along with those.

Mimas is excellent choice. Belles Aria Signature is better and <$

Hello,
I know you have several speakers. You need to pick one or two and give the models. I know you have the KEF LS50 Meta. Great speakers. I would pick those. Plus KEF has the new matching sub KC62 for $1500.  With this speaker the lateral and horizontal movement won’t matter due to its design. The new sub is small but supposedly goes to 11hz. We will see. I say the Hegel 390 for $6000. The sub and the amp are $7500 together. The DAC inside the Hegel is awesome. I talked before about keeping our local shops alive. My local Hifi store in the Chicagoland area is 
https://holmaudio.com/  
They have several brands that were talked about above. Later get some good stands with isolation feet to take this system to the next level. 

McIntosh 

I like tubes, Here’s something beautiful to look at and has a lifetime warranty. As ebay takes around 13% you have headroom to negotiate (as in call them).

As you will be using monitors and a sub why not KISS. Toss out (sell) all the other stuff.

Get something like a PS Audio Stellar Strata or a Naim all in one

I also do like the Linear Tube Audio integrated amps on the tube side but your speaker choices will be more limited there.

Personally, I am a speakers first kind of guy whenever possible. Get the speakers that will serve you well in your room. Consider dispersion patterns among other common factors used in picking speakers.

Though starting with a quality amp that offers good value and can drive anything is also a valid way to go. I don’t necessarily want to have to change my amp everytime I change speakers.

A lot has to do with expectations.....what sounds good to you. Do you like only one flavor of sound best or many? Or not even sure? Its a very personal thing.

Regardless, modern high quality integrated amps take away a lot of the guesswork because everything is integrated for you to deliver a particular flavor of sound well. Lot’s of recent technical innovations that make integrateds a more attractive choice now than ever before.

Myself, I find many flavors I like very much each with +s and -s so that heavily influences how I think about these things. There is no "ultimate sound" that fits the bill for all.

As others have said you really need to pick out the speakers before you choose an amplifier. I am a big fan of the Aesthetix Mimas with the internal DAC card. I have used the Mimas with a pair of Harbeth SHL5+ and my current speakers, Vandersteen Treo CT's. It has been the best amplifier I have used for sheer musical enjoyment. The musicality of this amp keeps me up late many nights. It's impossible to concentrate on anything else while the music is playing.

You have gotten some really good recommendations on this thread and I urge you to listen to as many of these amps as you can. Only you will know which one is right for you as we all hear things differently and have different listening priorities. Good Luck!

Hegel.  Current is H390, but since they have a H95, I would wait for the H395.  Finest integrated around, the 390.  My guess is that the 395 will come out shortly and have Roon integration.  250w per channel, and my H360 makes my Raidho's sing.

For office,  take a look at rotel X5 ..

Give the Vincent Audio SV-737 a look. They make some very respectable sounding gear.
https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VISV737

Magnum Dynalab 307 hybrid integrated amplifier for about 5K new. For some reason the company keeps low profile. I got a used certified for 4K and it was like new. Plenty of power (200W), dynamics and excellent full sound, even at low volume. Highly recommended. I have paired it with Yamaha NS 5000 speakers and Ideon Ayazi DAC. Another one you may get used below your budget is the  Vitus RI 100. Good luck.

Vinnie Rossi LIO

This is my recommendation. Amps from Musical Fidelity. The 600 has 220 wpc and is the best sounding integrated I have ever heard. At $7,200 it is a steal.  Not overrated or overhyped. It is actually made in England. Here is a review from Andrew Robinson.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfWNQvw-Jq8

If you are thinking mini monitors and subwoofer or pair of subs then Lyngdorf TDAI3400  , loads of power on tap and the best room correction out there. Allows you to have a normal looking room with flow no need to shell out on room treatment flawless integration of subwoofers.

Works fantastically with Jern 14 monitors and rel subwoofers. 

I came from the world of too many boxes pre dual mono and phono stages and know the pain. Integrated are great.

In UK sugden possibly ATC who makes speakers but also do great amps.

I have a luxman and like many others who buy luxman and accuphase they just stay for 5 years plus (I’m keeping mine forever)
So depends on speakers but I have the 550ax2 running into tannoy speakers and as a 20w class a it is effortless. Cracking phono stage too.
So the 550 or 590 class a if speakers 90db or more and maybe the class ab 507 or 509 into difficult loads...like electrostatics (these work in class a for first few amps)
I had a new power supply modded for my bluesound and actually use a chord DAC but as a started the bluesound is very good.

Sugden ANV-50 or Sugden Masterclass IA-4 or Pass labs, all class A, all sound tremendous. 

@blindjim... given everything you stated above, you need to seriously consider the Hegel H390 in your auditioning. It is an outstanding Int and has all that you want and don’t want. No it isn’t tubes, but class a/b dual mono design. It has the grunt to run pretty much anything.

The go to integrated amp would be an accuphase they have never skimped on quality at all in their fifty year existence.

Two words: Speakers first!
More words... Everything thing else will hinge on that. Amp, sources, etc. IMHO you cannot make a wise decision on an amplifier, integrate or otherwise until you know what speakers you will be using. Enjoy the hunt.
Happy listening.

Hi blindjim. My opinions here are going to be very different than everyone else. They all sound like they have more experience than me. But here goes... I personally LOVE the Naim uniti atom/nova line. It is absolutely amazing. I have an atom which puts out 40 wpc and the nova which I think is about $6000 puts out 80 wpc. Although 40/80 doesn't seem like much many reviewers have noted that the atom can drive many speakers just fine. This will of course depend on your distance from your speakers, how loud you like to play, and how sensitive they are. I sit about 10 ft away driving martin logan 6xti speakers (93 sensitivity) and they get loud and the bass remains tight and deep. It's incredible. I would go for the nova for the 80 wpc at your budget and unknown speakers. The naim is an all in one box solution and they call it a "lifestyle" product because it's just so easy to plug and play right away. It's visually nice to look at and again in an office setting seems perfect. You're not looking to fuss with too much and just want a simple solution that has amazing connectivity. The naim ticks off all boxes there. That would be my suggestion to look into. 

I have the CODA CSiB and I think it is great. It is the 2018 version and is not even the best version of this unit. Though I imagine the 2021 version is only a bit better. (used 3.4K)

I am getting a Krell K-300i integrated hopefully this week. Have not heard it yet but it is got some amazing features. ($7K new with integrated DAC).

If my wife gives me a hard time about setting up my KEF LS50's in the family room with one of these 2 integrateds then I will sell one of them.

Linear Tube Audio - UltraLinear Integrated. You can get it with a built in phono stage if need be. 

sorry I'm late getting back to this post...

@mapman

Features matter here as well as power and sound quality for a slam dunk.
There are other Bel Canto options worth a look at but can get pricey.

I would strongly consider McIntosh as well. Get the one that meets your needs best. I particularly like the two hybrid models. As I do the hybrid offerings from Rogue.

if smaller speakers are ok look at Vanatoo active speakers. These cost a pittance, sound great, are very adjustable and have a lot of modern technology baked in to enable that. Fabulous product. Add a sub and you are on the big leagues for sound and good to go. The latest similar active speakers from KEF another excellent option.

I own and can also vouch for Vanatoo and kef ls50s though my KEFs are passive version. Currently run the latest meta version but own originals also.


blindjim> thanks much. that’s a lot of input and it is all is very welcome.

I vaguely recall the NAD house sound. I am familiar with BC fairly well and own their BC DAC 3 still. friends have owned more recent dACs and a complete set of BC power, albeit with various spkrs.

I’ve not been disappointed with the sonic results BC has delivewred regardless the spkrs, Jamo, Canton, ML, etc.

i know nothing much of Rogue but am interested in hybrid power, be it Class d or more trtditional topologies.

McIntosh never has been an attention getter IMO with the exception of what I’ve heard from their 600 series and 500wpc monos… and that sort of investment here is far too much.

I went with BAT some years back and enjoyed that presentation although the prefference was bAT tube pre and BAT sS amp. thereafter I went all tubes monos and silverwlines.

the KEF monitors interest me, as do joeseph, pulsars; Harbeth 7s, and the newer Silverline modest towers selling for $2K retail. preludes I think.

in all I enjoy a punchy natural sound with great imaging and presence. i’ve no issue adding a sub if needs be

I’m in flux now with a likely move just aahead, and some refurbishing on this house so it will sell quickly and these irons in the fire preclude my pursuit of the real goal of assembling another primary system for some time yet, sadly.

I do feel however having a nice INT and naturally revealing rig will enable me to do some checcking out of other elements of what’s out there now, wires, PLC, DAs, amps, spkrs, racks, stands, etc.


@erik_squires
In the "never have a doubt it will sound really good" category I'd put Luxman or Ayre.
My listening experience with Mc and Pass leads me to believe speaker matching is more important.

blindjim>
not a fan of Ayre though I can see where having a tube pre w/Ayreamps might be viable.
I heard several rig with Luxman $10K INT a yeear or two ago. many combos were indeed quyite nice. paired with Magico A3s and AQ wires was the best. another Lux rig w/Harbeth 7s was very nice. though I felt the ;’Lux sound’ too rounded or mello with less leading edge definition and or dynamic relief. the single hagel INT comprably priced had more distinction but the Dyne C60as   joined to it did not make an involving presentation. too detailed and not enough body. nearly the antithesis of the Lux/Magico affair.

the only Pass amps/sound I’ve experieced has been with hybrid panels, ala ML. XA and XS series. IMO the limiting issue therein was the panels. just never have warmed up to the lack of immediacy and impact of panels. I’m always agast at their ability to image though and yield such honesty.
.
.
@crouse
Man, so many choices at that price point or less. I would recommend you start by deciding what features you want or need such

blindjim> agreed.
my needs are minimal. remote. on board DAC is likely one as well. no phono. can’t see any need for tone controls either. pre outs and a sub out should do me.



mapman's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2xmapman18,412 posts
02-08-2021 2:12pm
Would add that many options for $7500. How much it actually costs will mostly depend on features and power requirements. If no brainer means going as loud and clear as you want with any speaker, for me that means 200w/ch or more. If you can live with spls that are not damaging to the ears (under 90db) then good sound with most any speaker can be had for much less.

Of course with high end audio, the sky is the limit in regards to how much it can cost but at some point you are paying mainly for build quality and/or aesthetics and the sonic benefits become more marginal and debatable as well unless you have heard the product before and had a chance to compare to others.

Then there are good quality high power tube amps which tend to be very expensive and lots of tubes to deal with and maintain .... Also inefficient and produce lots of heat.

blindjim>
you have written many sailient points an am grateful for your time and efforts.

a ‘slam dunk’ or ‘no brainer’ anything IMHO is something you hear (in this case) and imagine its value or costs at one price, then find out the item is well below what your presumptions were initially. naturally this supposed item has met or pushed all or most all of your audio nervosa buttons, of course.

or… once you’ve heard the thing, and heard the price, you almost break your arm getting your wallet out of your pocket to pay for it

its simply hearing that thing that butters your bread, is flexible in this scenario and is readily affordasble.

as for mating speakers that is why I’m considering those INTs with 150wpc give or take, into 8ohms as the base line for power.

heat as well leans me towards a hybrid arrangement, ala tube pre SS or ‘D’ power. rather than an all glass box.


@soix
I honestly can’t conceive of spending that much on an amp without knowing what speakers I’m going to use.

blindjim> thx
yeah I get that bit too. albeit with 100 to 150wpc @ 8, the choices are vast.

of lower powered INTs I did enjoy what raven offrered at the 2019 Fla Expo paired with their hybrid spkrs wherein the lower ranges were aided by on board amps. so there is that avenue and then we’re back into glass power completely and not a lot of it to boot

as for my target price I just felt in that arena the SQ should be delivered with more than a bit of integrity and present an involving toe tapping and grining emotive expewrience…

if mybrid, and the likely aim here, rolling the pre tubes allows for still more prefferential adjustments

in all, its simlply another begining… where things ultimately land may be somewhere else entirely. although I would care for the one box idea to be good enough one would want it to be a keeper and build quality often indicates such things as voice and reliability, hence once more, spending 7K more or less. ought to provide these attributes fairly well.
thanks so fr, I'll be back shortly and respond to the balance of your posts.

If you can live without an integrated phono input and a used one, nothing will even come close to a Pass Labs INT250.

I have to throw in the Musical Fidelity M6si and the Mcintosh MA7900.  Both are absolutely stellar.. The MF being better for the money but the Mc being a Mc.

No brainer here for an all in one, SOTA solid state amplification, streaming integrated 200 watt (into both 4 and 8 ohms) amp with Dirac Live room correction is the NAD M33. I have one and couldn’t be happier. Last time I looked they were tough to find in stock, but well worth the wait!

The Norma and CODA integrateds mentioned previously by others are very high current, Class A to almost 20 watts, and no global feedback and ridiculous damping to kill dynamics and detail. I have the CODA No 8 amp and it is better by some margin than anything I have had previously, and I have been in this hobby as a gear hound for some time. If you want better you are looking at Gryphon Diablo 300 at triple the cost new. If resale value is a primary concern, go for Pass Labs 60 or Luxman 509 used, though likely you will be waiting for awhile before one comes up for sale.

+1 on the latest revision of Coda CSiB, because it's the No.8 with a preamp section.

Luxman, accuphase, pass. I hear great things about coda but I would never buy an integrated without a rotary knob for volume. Up/down push buttons a deal breaker for me. 

I am pretty satisfied with my Krell K300i intergrated so far, with my Monitor Audio PL 300ii speakers and Marantz SAKI Ruby sacd player. I have to use an outboard phono stage is my only beef for my Gold Note Mediterraneao table. 

The Luxman L-509x is terrific but a bit outside your range. Not sure if you could find one used. Build quality is as superb as the sound quality. I recently got one and am floored at how good it is. 

I love the idea of the  "integrated turntable" by Mcintosh....with other additional inputs. Just a cool unit. Can't speak to sound. But it is an office unit



https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/lifestyle/MTI100

Blindjim...the is blind willgolf.  Please don't make the same mistake I made.  I bought Mola Mola Class D amps prior to knowing what speaker I wanted.  As soon as I picked out the speaker I knew the amp was not going to work well.  I believe a speaker is critical first step.  I ended up getting 98db speakers so super easy to drive.  I basically gave the Mola Mola Amps away for a new Tube amp.  

I believe you are aware of Raven Audio.  They make an assortment of integrated tube amps from $2.5 to $14k.  I had a Raven Reflection MK2 tube amp that was incredible.  You can get a Blackhawk for half of your budget and never need another Amplifier.  Call Dave Thomson at Raven.

If I were to go SS, I would definitely consider the Luxman line in your price range.  

My buying order of preference would be Speakers, Integrated Amp and then DAC / Streamer.  I just travelled down the journey you  are on.  I am now in the DAC phase and just ordered a Lampizator Pacific, so my much lover Lumin X-1 is for sale.

Good luck!

One important thing I forgot to mention ,Coda Audio all worked together with Nelson Pass, with  the classic Threshold company 
until the 1990s solid well thought out audio engineering .Compare Anything even seperates $5-6k each against this integrated amp 
the synergy is Outstanding .

Ayre Twenty series, Aesthetix Mimas. Both hyper musical and fad proof....

Pathos.

Mcintosh 

I just bought this from Coda ,I heard a earlier model ,and the new one is better , even the preamp section is on a separate bosrd and can be upgraded in the future. It has 3 options highest power 
400-800 wpc then 2 more options I bough5 option 1 the most popular which is very conservatively rated 150-300wpc but first 18 watts is in pure class A , which means for normal listening it will be at its best , the transformer Huge 3,000 va , with 80k in filtering caps . http://www.coda.cc/product/Silver or Black, I bought Black and 3 choices for buttons black,silver,or Gold ,Black and ahold looks nice. $6500 retail 
Mike at Audio Arcon is a very good guy to deal with and a fair deal.and free shipping it weighs 56 lbs 62 shipped.
look at stereo times best of 2020. My brothers Gryphon Diablo is a little bit better but at almost 3 x the price .IMO none better under $10k+.

Ayre AX5 Twenty.  End game integrated IMO.

I honestly can’t conceive of spending that much on an amp without knowing what speakers I’m going to use.  Maybe I’m just built different.  Best of luck. 

Would add that many options for $7500. How much it actually costs will mostly depend on features and power requirements. If no brainer means going as loud and clear as you want with any speaker, for me that means 200w/ch or more. If you can live with spls that are not damaging to the ears (under 90db) then good sound with most any speaker can be had for much less.

Of course with high end audio, the sky is the limit in regards to how much it can cost but at some point you are paying mainly for build quality and/or aesthetics and the sonic benefits become more marginal and debatable as well unless you have heard the product before and had a chance to compare to others.

Then there are good quality high power tube amps which tend to be very expensive and lots of tubes to deal with and maintain .... Also inefficient and produce lots of heat.

NAD M33 is worth a look. Depends how large an office but active speakers save some room. 

Man, so many choices at that price point or less. I would recommend you start by deciding what features you want or need such as on board Dac, on board phono, balance control, remote, etc.  From there you will still have a lot of options. I have a McIntosh MA7900 that suits my needs to a tee. Some aren’t fans of the sound of McIntosh amps but I am. Good luck!