Looking for a ‘’No braine’r Integrated amplifier under 7500 or so
These days making life simple and going integrated is a very good choice. I am heading more in that direction over time and have done a good bit of product research. Features matter here as well as power and sound quality for a slam dunk. Given that clearly look at NAD M33 or Anthem STR. Another very good less expensive option is Bel Canto c5i or c7r if tuner matters. 60 w/ch there will get you to high safe listening spls with most speakers but not the ultimate spls. I have c5i in my family room system and can vouch for that. Has everything save MC phono and tuner and always sounds great. 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. |
Check on the AVM A5.2. Extremely flexible as you can add a DAC, Phono and FM Tuner card in expansion slots. 185w into 8 Ohms, is Class D with a tube based input stage. It is incredibly detailed with wonderful bass response. The tube input stage tempers any brightness. It is not quite as warm as a Pass or Naim integrated but will work with all but the brightest speakers. Lists at $6500, DAC cards are $600 each. Gary Beard wrote a review of it for Positive Feedback and I would agree with it. I have one here that I am removing the DAC card and phono stage from and am sending along to a customer early this week as they bought just the base unit. Incredible amp |
Norma IPA-140 integrated, wonderful sounding amp.https://www.audiothesis.com/product-page/norma-audio-revoipa-140b-integrated-amplifier |
Pass Labs Int 60... or even the Int 25 if you want smaller. Both no brainer for sure. So many options at this price point... all good for the most part. A Simaudio 700i (used) hits all the buttons too. If you really want to go crazy and have a dac on board etc... Hegel 390, almost untouchable in the 5-6k realm. |
