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Need an integrated amp that sounds engaging at lower volume

May I please have any recommendations for an integrated streaming amp to match with Sonus Faber bookshelf speakers? My best friend wants help picking out a stereo, he's no audiophile, but he loves and collects music and he can afford a decent stereo. He wants the Sonus Fabers, so the speakers are fairly settled.

I don't stream music much but that's all he does. I have a Hegel H200 which I love but my concern is that this amp seems kind of laid back at low volume, and this guy listens to music at fairly low volume, otherwise I'd recommend a Hegel H360/390.

So I'm thinking something with a little kick and nice midrange at lower volumes would be perfect, but I would appreciate suggestions very much b/c I never had bookshelves and I like music fairly loud. If there's an amp that fits the bill under $4,000 all the better.

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

sloane27
ghdprentice
6,945 posts
 

I would look at Linn. I can vouch for their high end streamer. While I have technically heard their all in one solution, I wasn’t really paying attention. But worth checking it out. Over the last decade or so, they really put some engineering effort into their DACs and streamers and have an all-in one solution.

Don’t get me wrong. For most of the last five decades I would only have thought of Linn as a turntable manufacturer. My dealer had me sit down with a top of the line Linn streamer / DAC feeding a Audio Research VSi 75 integrated amp about five years ago or so and I was blown away. Not something I would have thought in the realm of possibilities. Honestly… it really shocked me. 
 

Having said that… unless you are willing top spend top dollar. I am not an advocate of all in one boxes… they can’t compete with top notch single function boxes (see my system… you’ll get the idea.)

joncourage
185 posts
 

Enleum 23r

sloane27 OP
21 posts
 

Thank you everyone for your input, I do appreciate it! 

 

@audioman58 I appreciate your input thank you, I mentioned the speakers were settled and I mentioned a budget, preferably under $4,000.

In any event I told him to get a Naim Uniti Atom (he wanted something now). It has high marks on reviews (here and elsewhere), he doesn't need much power, and it seems to be a great pick for someone that only streams. Lest I forget, it has a picture of the album cover of the song it's playing on it, which I couldn't care that much for if I tried (it may be better than not having it, I can't say), but my buddy loves that and truly to each their own.

Thanks all!

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

@sloane27 

good call on the naim uniti atom... terrific one box do it all unit, works great and sounds great on speakers that aren't too demanding

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,631 posts
 

I have an heard an H360 and own an H390. They both are fairly neutral sounding and have plenty of power for your friends SF speakers. I happily listen to mostly Jazz and classic rock @40-65 dbs. Occasionally, I’ll crank it up and the amp handles it easily.

All the best.

JD

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