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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
lanx0003
822 posts
 

@chenry and many other

Many recommendations here for Sugden A21 get me interested mainly because of its value proposition. I am always craving for Class A sound. There are several version here: A21 (23 wpc to 8 ohms), A21ai (25 wpc to 8 ohms), A21SE Sig. (30 wpc to 8 ohms; 40 wpc to 4 ohms) and, in particular, their bass performance is sort of mixed bag and distinctive from each other according to the reviews:

(on A21ai) Even at their best, bass detail and drive were never among the A21ai’s strengths (Stereophile)

(on A21SE Sig.) Bass is powerful, controlled (TONE Audio Magazine); What I do wish for is more bass quality - quality, not quantity (6 moons Audio); With this amp, it was not speaker slam I heard but musical bass with air and space around (Audio Beatnik); Sugden miss a little in the bass compared to the Arcam (user feedback) and list goes on and on.

So, the bass performance on the regular A21 seems never being its strong suit and the bass on the more refined A21SE Sig. seems a mixed bag. I was not surprised by that because of the lower rated wattage into 8 ohms and NOT sustaining into 4 ohms (2 ohms is not reported) but wonder what is your listening experience?

 

subterranean6's avatar
subterranean6
37 posts
 

I loved the Ampino so much I now have Ampino separates. The preamp has a remote, though I never use it. I use them with DeVore Super Nines and I have no complaints with sound. Really love the Dayens tone, and the separates bring a different level of clarity, for sure. 
 

That said, everything I have upstream does skew warm, ‘musical’, organic, etc.

Maybe look into the Ecstasy Integrated? 

 

dvujovic
5 posts
 

Like @doyle3433, I also have the Margules ACRH-3 hybrid integrated amp and I absolutely love it. Wonderful detail and works equally well with both analog and digital sources. One thing I should mention is that with the phono stage I do hear a bit of hiss when I get my ear really close to my speakers, but I think a bit of tube-rolling will eventually solve it. I don't really hear it when I'm listening from my chair but the AR in me (anal-retentiveness) wants to eliminate as much of it as I can. You should be able to find a used unit within your price range.

And while I was doing a quick search for you - holy smoke - @doyle3433 is selling his! That's a tremendous deal and I'd jump on it quick!!

ditkaditkaditka
30 posts
 

We mite over your budget but a great integrated. 

 

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
461 posts
 

Synthesis Roma 96DC for about $3k.  

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