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

This might work. angela-gilbert.com

This might work. 

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.

At this point in my listening I could best describe the sound of the Azur 851A as relaxed and enjoyably colorful, in a class-A triode sort of way.

Record after record, the Azur 851A showcased a transparent beauty, and something I can describe only as sonic effervescence. Music had a bubbling, exciting energy that I had never experienced with an audio component at this price level.

Driving the un-broken-in Enzos (review to come), the 851A presented music with deep, deep, well-defined, tuneful bass, elegantly stated detail, and startling dynamics. What a giant-killer match!

the Cambridge Audio Azur 851A is sounding like a modest man’s Pass Labs amp (referred to XA60.5 mono, class A, $22k / pair). I’m talking under $5000 for amp, speakers, and cables that play with the impact, sophistication, color, and refinement of systems costing maybe $20,000 or more.

What about a Prima Luna integrated?

Cracks me up how many of you can’t seem to be bothered to actually read the OP’s post. He said he’d like to spend $2500. Maybe a bit more. So of course we get people recommending Dartzel and PS Audio separates , Krell. Jeez there seems to be a  real lack of reading comprehension here 🙃

+4, or is it +5 for the Sugden.  It seems to cover all your requirements, and is especially organic.  My only issue is it is a bit noisy with my Cornwall 4’s, but they are super sensitive.  Wonderful sounding amp!

@earworm22 

Tom, I'd give The Music Room serious attention:  well respected outlet with warranty.  It has Moon, ModWright, Unison Research, Lab 12 (to name a few) within reach or below budget.

Do not doubt me!

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.

@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?

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? 

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!!

We mite over your budget but a great integrated. 

Synthesis Roma 96DC for about $3k.  

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 😁

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.

Accuphase Class A

If you buy used and can stretch a bit you can consider Accuphase or Luxman integrated amps.

Though I did not see to respond to your original post. Thanks for getting back. Many do not. Given your desires and price range the Sudgen 21 suggestions seemed to me quite appropriate.  You made a great purchase.