Recommendations for modern integrated with tone & balance controls other than Mcintosh


The "purist" approach is no longer viable for me due to recent hearing loss, and I'd also like to simplify my tube separates which consist of preamp, power supply, and pair of mono amps.
 Budget up to 10K. But, of course,  I also could just go with a Schiit Loki for $149 bux and keep feeding my tube gear. :) Thanks in advance for any suggestions.


ps

Showing 2 responses by joekapahulu

I have similar problems with my hearing as left ear has 25%loss due to a medical condition. Since this came on about 1 year ago, I have ended up using my backup Marantz PM8006 as my primary amp due to balance, 3 range tone controls and direct pass thru features.  It is not on the quality level of a modern Luxman at $1000 but is much nicer than expected for the price.  And, with the ability to go back and forth between direct and with tone controls I can compare sounds for every disc I listen to and also adjust bass, midrange and treble and balance. It has restored my enjoyment of music and reduced the depression I felt at losing both hearing and the ability to travel due to covid after retiring to enjoy both those very things. I still miss the warmth of my updated McIntosh MC250 but there is actually more detail with the Marantz so I feel like I am getting more of the music in a different way. I did hear the PM 14 and 15 when I got the 8006 and they were very nice and somewhat higher quality I just wasnt in the place to invest that much at that point. I think they too would fill your needs. 

Good to hear you are happy with the Lux. I too was looking to upgrade and looking at Belles Aria Signature. However, 2022 stock and bond market declines have put that on the back burner as I am focused more on just maintaining our lifestyle. Never working anywhere long enough for a good pension has me managing assets for income. Luckily I always invested bonuses etc so we will ultimately be fine but my income plan crashed with the market as bonds and stocks both went down. I will have to live vicariously thru others like you for awhile. Enjoy your new amp.