Looking for a SS integrated amp... approx. $1200 range
I have a older B&K power amp (model ST-55.2) running my Tekton Double Impacts. I find this amplifier to have exceptional sound considering its original cost (maybe $650?) and it's able to play to very loud levels without the top end breaking up or getting brittle or hard on the ears. I am connected via RCA directly from my DAC and I am able to dial the amps output down as it has gain dials or input sensitivity dials (or whatever you want to call them on the back). They are currently set to about 1/3 right now and playing music on the Tektons it is ridiculously loud at full volume (or 1/3 amp gain) - like I feel as if someone in my nearby area is going to call the police. This amplifier also has a left/right preout that I am using to send signal out to a pair of matched stereo powered subs. The DAC that I am using is Eastern Electric's last, best tube DAC with a NOS RCA tube and I have no reason to upgrade that - it sounds amazing.
So I want to get an integrated amp (maybe max budget around $1,200, maybe slightly more for the right piece) and it will be used from Audiogon - I have no reason for buying new. I want to be able to actually adjust the volume when needed via remote. But it also must have a preout (or preferably pair of L/R preouts for my subs) and a remote. That is really about it... I do not need an onboard DAC, a phono stage or a bunch of inputs... I am 100% Tidal from the streamer/DAC setup, so one input needed and I will not ever be using a turntable or CD player again... no other sources.
My speakers are 4-ohm, but very efficient and I figure they are pulling about 60 watts at full volume (guess) from the B&K amp. So I don't think that I need a ton of power really, but I do want a well-built, nice sounding amp hi current amplifier, not Class D. If it helps, I thought that the Hafler 9505 amp was the best I have heard and I have tried a lot of amps in the past.
So far, I am at least somewhat
interested in the Simaudio Moon 240i, Plinius 8100 (I know there is one on here now, but I have to have black), Creek, Exposure, Primare & Arcam. Because of my tube DAC, I don't think I want or need a hybrid amp with a tube section, but I might consider one. I would say I lean towards a preference of a slightly "laid back" tube type sound and the B&K amp kinda fits the bill (for a SS amp). If B&K had made an integrated amp, I would likely be going that route already, but I do not want a big AV receiver just to have B&K. I have my doubts about any of these integrated amps mentioned sounding better than the B&K amp, but I guess I need to try and find something. I do not want to have to deal with a preamp either... I have already tried that many times.