@axeis1, +1. The Naim Nait 50 is a really, really good small form factor integrated amp. Many positive comparisons to the SuperNait 3.
Looking for integrated solid state amp for daily usage
I love the sound of my tube amps, but I need an amp powered on all day every day (like 16 hours per day) for my nearfield desktop setup with JBL 4309 speakers (using directstream mk1 dac).
I have tried a Schiit Aegir and a Schiit Ragnarok, but didn’t like either compared to my cheap tube amp and expensive tube amp. They just seemed boring and dead to me.
So I’m looking for suggestions on a beautiful sounding solid state integrated amp that sounds big and engaging as much like a tube amp as possible, if one even exists. I don’t want a tube preamp with a solid state amp.
I listen to a lot of music types from classical to jazz to classic rock.
I’d like to keep the price under $3k if possible, used is great. I’ve heard Accuphase and Luxman are really good, but price seems to be more than $5k for those.
56 responses Add your response
On the used market, see if you can find an Audionet SAM G2 for $3K. They typically pop up a little higher, but healthy negotiations go a long way. Another one to consider is the Margules ACRH-3 (or 4 if you are lucky). It is an integrated amp with a tube input buffer stage and solid state output stage. These guys sound very big and quite tubey in engaging ways. |
We suggest thes seperates: Hypex Nilai 500 Stereo Power Amplifier You will be amazed. Deer Creek Audio is an authorized miniDSP and Hypex dealer
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Consider a pre-owned Simaudio 600i. They usually go for around $4K, so perhaps a little above your budget. I would not consider it to be "tube like", but it's very neutral, detailed, and dynamic. I have mine in a second system paired with Harbeth P3ESR speakers and could easily live with it as a main system if circumstances forced me to liquidate some of my better gear. |
