Retirement integrated amp for a “fiscal conservative”

McIntosh MA 8950.

Perhaps there’s a different way to approach this.

You might want to connect with Ralph at Atmosphere regarding his Class D amps which are supposed to be wonderful (please note - I haven’t heard them). Ralph is a long time tube amp manufacturer who is now selling class D amps which have the tonal richness of tubes, though a lower distortion profile and is more stable with impedance variables. You could acquire his class D monos and put the remainder toward a nice preamp all while staying within your budget. 

At least something to consider.

we sell many high end integrated amplifiers from: naim,krell, synthesis,rega unison, atoll coda and many others.

the best integrated amplifiers  we have ever had is the coda csib and norma revo 140

Dave and Troy

audio intellect NJ

@ezstreams 

I, like you, am intolerant of any edge or harshness.  I am also semi-retired and very much enjoying my increased music listening time.  Congrats and best wishes.

One thing I would suggest you do is read this review of your speaker.  As JA points out, your speaker can be particular of what amp it is paired to.  Look the article over in detail including the measurements:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/joseph-audio-perspective-loudspeaker

As I noted, years ago I owned your same Prima Luna integrated (with stock tubes) driving a pair of VSA VR-33's.  Both good pieces of gear but that pairing never really did anything for me.  No magic it seemed. Never pulled me in and had me grabbing for one CD after another. Similar to your experience, I did not feel the PL had impressive control/power in the bass.  The midrange seemed a bit forward in this system. This was my first tube amp and it really did not do for me what I had read about.  In fact, it sounded rather solid state to me. Both were eventually sold.

Fast forward.  In that same space I now have a Erhard Ray SET (three tubes total!) driving a pair of Omega Super 7 speakers. Recently added a pair of REL t/5x subs. The result---SYNERGY!  Now I could appreciate the "tube magic" I was seeking.  Sound that was so live, dimensional, dynamic, with "saturated sonic colors".  Even though it is not my primary system, I listen to this system more and more.  

I would agree that it would be worthwhile to consider an amp that hopefully will better pair with your current speakers.  Sounds to me like an integrated that resists any tendency to sound bright or edgy would be best.  I am not sure I would recommend tube rolling with your amp.  Way too expensive of a game with an amp that has 14 tubes!

Out of the solid state integrated amps I have heard, I might suggest the Marantz KI Ruby.  I'm guessing this would have nice synergy with your speakers.  Very smooth without sacrificing detail, great soundstage, powerful controlled bass. That rich "woody resonance" your after should be apparent.  Heck, with your budget you could even afford the Marantz PM-10. I am sure it is very similarly voiced.

Good luck in your search.

The new Hegel H400 Integrated is supposed to be great.  I have the H390, the model the H400 replaced and it is pretty amazing.  Very quiet, very fast and a bit on the warm side.  Another thought is to look at a Hybrid,  where the input section has a couple of tubes and the output is SS. In my main listening room, I went with PS Audio.  Their BHK preamp and the BHK Signature 300 and or the new 600’s all have two tubes in them. Currently I’m using NOS RCA Cleartop 12au7’s paid $100 for a matched  pair from Brent Jesse and in the amps, I’m currently using some new Gold Lion 6922’s that I paid $140 for matched pairs.

All the best.