This might work. angela-gilbert.com
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
68 responses Add your response
Cambridge Azur 851A. Class XD (bet. class A & B). No phono but Stereophile referenced it with Class A traits. It throws a ’sweet’ sounding and ’bouncing’ bass at low volume level in my room compared to my other Class AB Parasound PA. I experienced that quality of sounds also with Accuphase A75 (Class A, $32k new, $15k used). Amazing stuff.
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I bought the McIntosh MA252 for that very reason... it's a totally analog amp, and it sounds great... it even has a subwoofer output jack... One consideration is that it's only 100 WPC, although it usually tests at around 125 WPC... but since I'm an Old Fogey now, it's loud enough for me... I just got tired of surround sound and computerized multi-channel receivers that took an advanced degree in computer electronics to master... the sound is smooth, rich, and yes, I would say, organic.... the only downside is the cost... you'd be hard pressed to find one used for less than $3,500... |
I can't direct you to an integrated, but there is a lot to be had for much less than $2500 if a Power Amp is considered. The Links Post 1683 with a Youtube Clip will give the impression of a Organic Sound, if we are on the same Hymn Sheet. The Links will show Two Builds that can offer the Organic Impression as I interpret it. One Build is Low Watt think SET Watts the other will drive almost any load. If aesthetics are not the main goal, either of these builds with a EE's help should come in at less than a $1000, leaving plenty for a Pre-Amp. All my Amp's used for many many years and up to the most recent are commission built for me, I have not looked back, when it comes to value vs performance, its a no brainer.
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@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?
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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?
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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!! |
Thank you @dvujovic ! I agree completely on the ACRH3. It really is a solid musical amp. I also heard that slight hiss, I noticed it when no music was playing, and between tracks. I was able to reduce that somewhat by swapping out the stock input tubes. I’m really sort of reluctant to sell it. Just trying to condense my gear a bit. And truth be told, I’m itching for a TT upgrade 😁
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As @mdalton posted, the Synthesis Roma 96DC is an excellent choice. I have had several synthesis amps, both integrated and mono blocks, and their warm, organic, engaging sound captivates me. |
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! |
Congrats @earworm22 the Sugden will serve you well. Glad it checks your boxes and as you get to know the sound, there will be more in store. Best wishes. |
