Looking for recommendations for integrated with a more “organic” sound.


Hello all,

I hope that you are all doing well, and that I might tap into your collective knowledge base and experience to find a new amplifier. 

Current system includes Bluesound Node2>Denafrips Enyo>Dayens Ampino>Zu DW6 Superflys. I stream probabaly 95% but maybe 5% is vinyl or CD. I sometimes use it to watch movies in 2.0, but that’s not my main concern. 
 

I’m really enjoying the sound of this setup. Very organic with nice harmonic richness. Surprisingly good bass extension and smooth and pleasant highs. Imaging is good. 
 

What I would like to do is preserve that natural and organic sound, while also adding more inputs (Ampino only has 2) improving bass definition/control and impact, and perhaps elevating detail retrieval. I would trade a bit of smoothness for a bit more HF extension. A basic remote is also on the checklist. 
 

My budget is maybe $2500, but I’m not in a desperate position, I could potentially stretch it a little if I wait. 
 

New units are preferred, but I would consider used if it achieves my goals. 
I’m open to SS or tubes, but cost of the tubes is a concern. I’m susceptible to tuberoll-itis. Speakers are pretty sensitive, so mega-watts are not required. 

The system is in a medium sized living room which has 9” ceilings and is open to a kitchen and dining room, so there’s lots of volume. Most listening is at moderate volumes, but I’ve been known to crank it on occasion. Musical tastes are extremely varied. 
 
basically, I’m looking to maintain the organic tone and natural presentation while improving performance, adding input options (3 minimum) and adding remote. 

I don’t want a DAC, but a better-than-basic phono stage would be a bonus. I’m more interested in performance than features.

Is there anything out there that might fit the bill? 


Thank you in advance for your input. 
Tom

 

earworm22

Showing 6 responses by earworm22

Hi all,

Some very interesting suggestions here. Thank you all for your contributions.

As for Yamaha, I actually just sold off my A-S1200 as it does not pair well with my Zu's IMHO. Sounded much better with the Wharfedales I had previously. The midrange is much too thin and it lacked low bass weight for me.

I didn't mention it before, but I am not looking at class-D at the moment. The one amp I tried was impressive in many ways, but an even worse match and after talking to the manufacturer, he agreed that high impedence speakers tend not to pair as well with some class-D amps.

With different speakers, however, I could definitely understand the advantages of a well-implemented class-D design.

Cheers!
Tom

Thanks for a host of suggestions, folks. Several I’ve not considered before. 
I appreciate your input very much. 
 

Tom

ghasley - 

I have heard good things about Sugden. I see there are a couple used units out there.... Tempting. Thanks for the input!

 

mahgister - 

I hadn't really given the "vintage" option much thought. I have a number of older units, but TBH the upkeep can be a drag.

How would you rate the reliability and upkeep costs?

Thanks all, for your additional suggestions. 
I guess I buried the lead: budget is around $2500 so some of these are out of reach at the moment. 

Lots to look into and research. 
 

thanks again. 

He must think very highly of my Dayens Ampino. Apparently, nothing under $10,000 is an improvement. 😉

Hi everyone,

Not that anyone is still reading this post, but just in case I figured I would let you know that I went with a (used) Sugden signature A21 (not the SE).

So far, it pretty much checks all my boxes - nice warmish presentation, harmonic richness without mushy romanticism, not harsh but extended and reasonably detailed HF, good bass with a bit of low bass bloom, and the midrange is just lovely. Decent remote for volume control and a good built in MM phono stage complete the picture.

I think it is a great match for the Zu's for my listening preferences. 

Thanks for the suggestions! Happy listening!