Retirement integrated amp for a “fiscal conservative”

Sugden Masterclass IA-4 (Class A integrated 33 wpc into 8ohms)

$5000 on the used market

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.

I am going to second the suggestion of Lab12 Integre4. 

I am using it for my main system and the realism of the instrument is incredible. It certainly renders cello and double bass more accurately compared to all other amps I have heard so far. I am using 4 KT170s, will cost around $500 to replace, but supposedly Lab12 claims their design will prolong tube life significantly. One and half year of heavy usage with this amp, and so far, the tubes are still working perfectly. If tube cost replacement is a concern, you can always go with a quad of 6CA7 or EL34, which will cost around $100-120.

Another option you can consider is a hybrid design. Pathos Inpol2 MK2 is a hybrid pure class A with tube pre. Just slightly more than your $8K budget. 

You’ve received a lot of great suggestions and at 8K you are beyond my budget.  Good for you!  Just wanted to say welcome to the club and hope you enjoy your retirement!  Music is a great hobby to grow old with in my experience.  

@bassbuyer agreed, I will save this post, great list/recommendations. If ever I will have anywhere near this budget, not that I am not happy now

The Vinnie Rossi Brama mentioned above is way above your budget. His previous series included an integrated amplifier, L2i- SE, which established the design  with a 300B tube preamp section and a Mosfet solid-state amplifier section. Depending on the add-ons, it will still set you back between 10 and $12,000. Very nice sound and outstanding domestic construction.

So I second the suggestion that the Marantz PM-10 could do the trick. I'm currently breaking one in. It is driving New Legacy Signature SEs. It's a great Amp, imo. Sounding better with every hour. Analog only, dual mono, fully balanced. And acoustic instruments sound wonderful. On top of that, Music Direct is selling them at $5k, and you have a 60-day trial period. When I was looking for a new amp for the Legacys, I saw a lot of interesting used options but committed to not buying anything without being able to audition it. At the end of the day, it's got to sound great with your system in your room. My two bits. 

Ez streams: congratulations on your retirement! You have a wonderful system. I have David Belles separates and really like them. In the system now is a Crnus Magnum 2 by Rogue and I had a JJ preamp tube and wanted to test out what people were saying about the change. I put in aTelefunken nos from Andy Boman at Vintage Audio Tube and I was amazed at the change. For $200 it was a great investment . 
 

good luck you have some wonderful recommendations. I heard the Luxman with Magico at AXPONA 2024 and was in love. But the price tag was way  beyond my reach. Luxman  makes some wonderful equipment .

Ez streams: congratulations on your retirement!
You have a wonderful system. I have David Belles separates and really like them.

In the system now is a Cronus Magnum 2 by Rogue and I had a JJ preamp tube and wanted to test out what people were saying about the change. I put in aTelefunken nos from Andy Boman at Vintage Audio Tube and I was amazed at the change. For $200 it was a great investment . 
 

Good luck with your search you have some wonderful recommendations. I heard the Luxman with Magico at AXPONA 2024 and was in love. But the price tag was way  beyond my reach. Luxman  makes some wonderful equipment .

The Denon PMA A110 is an excellent integrated that punches way above its price class, and in my system sounds nearly indistinguishable from the $9K Luxman 507Z.

It even has a lower noise floor than the Luxman and very similar in tactile build quality. 

as others have pointed out, your speakers, measured by Atkinson at under 84 db efficiency, do limit your choices.  And given that you’re going from all-tube and still want warmth, even more limited.  Agree with the Pass Labs and Accuphase recommendations therefore.  The Class A Accuphase behemoths are wonderful, but pricey.  But one of their Class ABs would also be really nice.  

Sugden, Luxman or Accuphase.  Many come around to that conclusion.  I've owned, appreciated and enjoyed immensely several high end tubed components over decades.  All American handmade;  Manley, VTL, De Havilland.  In the end I tired of the tube chase.

8K brings really nice stuff.  Best of luck in your search.

Congratulations on joining the rank of us retired. I purchased a Pass amp as my retirement gift and I'm glad I did as it's given me hours of musical enjoyment. Another company I haven't seen mentioned is Parasound, both of these companies have a somewhat tube like sound and put out plenty of power to the speakers. 

Good luck, enjoy the music.

@celtic66 not to get off topic, but my wife and I lived in Boston 1980 - 1982. Great time to be a Celtics fan and go to the Boston Garden!

Yes, we'll actually nod to the Celts of GB, but appreciate the pickup.  Radiology contracts near Boston allowed several visits....by "T" and pedestrian.  Driving amongst "Mass-holes" is a death wish.  Enjoyed my time touristing.  

Again my many thanks to your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions!

@corelli thank you for the link to the original JA Perspective Stereophile review. I had read that back when doing my speaker research. 
 

I see a Pass Labs INT-250 on US Audiomart for $7,600 that seems to match several Audiogon member recommendations and should provide the same synergies John Atkinson described in his article. 

@celtic66 the T is running a bit slower these days than in 1896 so walking it is :)

Heed Lagrange. 

If you're happy with the Rose 150B, you might take a look at their integrated amps.  The RA180 or RA280.  I have the RA280 paired with the Hifi Rose RS250 DAC/streamer that I'm very happy with.

Before you buy any of these really expensive amps, check out the Advance Paris A10 ($2,500) or A12 ($3,700). They have numerous analog and digital inputs, beautifully designed circuitry, including a high-bias setting with which the first several watts of output are in Class A, and, frankly, they look cool with big blue VU meters and two preamp tubes. They have a warmth that is missing in most solid-state amplifiers.

There’s a used Aesthetix Mimas here

Yamaha A-S3200 comes in right at your max budget but can be found on sale or open box. The Technics SU-R1000 also gets good reviews but may be hard to find and is over budget unless you find an open box.  PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2 comes in about half your max budget. 

I also agree with 6+ Luxman. Enjoy your retirement!!

ezstreams

Another +vote for AYRE Acoustics AX-5 Twenty Series. This particular Integrated is perfect for all genres of Jazz. Thank me later.

Happy Listening!

Find a used 1st-generation Creek Destiny integrated amp. They sound wonderful, the only downside is that they’re RCA interconnects only.

I'm just going to add the Advance Paris A12 Integrated ($3700) with phono, DAC, Subwoofer out and cross-over, tube pre-amp, dual mono power supply and more.  I really think this is an underpriced amp by a company looking to built is brand name in the US. With the budget gap, you can get a killer DAC/Streamer and or  a dedicated tube pre-amp, like Cary.   Just my 2 cents.  Good luck!!

Class A solid state (my Musical Fidelity Class A is _very_ close in sound to my OTL tube amp)

OR one of the well reviewed newer Class D amps where the filtering occurs after the feedback loop.

@ezstreams Congratulations on your retirement!  Eat healthy and live as long as the good Lord allows you too!

My buddy had the same thought process as you have concerning his desire to decrease the number of tubes in his search for an integrated amp.  He bought a Rogue Cronus Magnum III integrated amp.  It sounds really good in his setup with his floor standing Fyne speakers.  It replaced his Audio Research LS2 preamp and Quick Silver mono blocks. The Rogue integrated performs well!

Godspeed to you!

After years of tube amps but also facing retirement (congrats btw), I too decided that 9 tubes were too many. I had a Rogue Cronus Magnum II and loved it. My love for Rogue products got me to upgrade to the Pharaoh II and couldn’t be happier. I’d suggest you add it to your auditions. Best of luck!

Check out Lavardin ITx.  Great SS integrated that is famous for its analogue sound. 
Also well known for their build quality.

I’m also just entering retirement and have sensitivity to high frequencies.  I’ve been slowly converting my system to Audio Note.

Good luck

Atoll. I recently auditioned the SDA 200 and ordered an IN300 amp for my retirement system. The IN400 is supposed to be even better but out of my price range. Check out reviews by the British Audiophile. I also listened to the Bel Canto E1X all-in-one (long time Bel Canto fan and owner)—wow! Bested the Atoll but at a higher price point. Good luck — there’s a lot to choose from. 

Maybe look into a Soulnote A2 in your price range

I'm primarily a tube guy but also really enjoy my Luxman 550AXii.  Warmth of tubes with some solid state "grunt" for the bass.   Since getting it my tube amps have been getting less use. 

There's nothing wrong with a newer McIntosh integrated.

If you want to simply relax and enjoy the music with a piece of gear that will put a smile on your face ever time you use it, then your shortlist should definitely include the Luxman 505 100/150 W/Ch or 507 110/200 W/ch Z series and the Mark Levinson 5805 125/250 W/ch - On offer now from Music Direct for well within your price range. While quite different in many ways, both are extraordinarily well designed, well built, and well supported, and in addition to their long pedigrees, have fabulous sound quality.

I’m not a big fan of minimalist one knob designs - 50 years in this hobby has given me an appreciation for well conceived and well executed feature sets. Nor does most esoteric European hifi gear appeal to me for the same reason I’m not a fan of esoteric European sports cars - It’s all fun until something breaks. Then, get out you big checkbook and be prepared to wait. Ask anyone who’s ever owned a Lotus. or, back in the day, a Tandberg, great sounding electronics and miserable reliability with perpetual backorders on parts.

I’d also be wary of Krell, whom I would otherwise recommend, due to the unfortunate death of their founder earlier this year. Their website redirects to a Thai online soccer betting site (!) indicates they’re still notfully running the business. This is unfortunately an all too common situation for small business - no continuity plan, When they lose the founder, they become essentially rudderless.

One last recommendation, The McIntosh MA-252 Hybrid Integrated Amp. 100/160 W/ch. Nodding to the MC-275 School of Design, visually it’s a bit of a love it / hate it proposition, but there’s no denying the heritage, the build, or the sound quality. As for me, It puts a grin on my face - and my ears. At $4500 it's an absolute steal.

Try a tube preamp with a solid state amplifier. Some of the ARC preamps only have a couple of 6H30 tubes.  A slice of tube heaven, but greatly reduced tube costs.

For reliability and sound, as well as ease if use:

any Luxman

any Accuphase

Pass Int 25

CJ CAV 60 S2

Belcanto E1x

Resolution Audio CA 50

Accuphase if you can find one. Luxman or pass labs otherwise. Can’t miss with any of those. 

Hi, I recently did the same thing of researching and replacing an older tube amp in my early retirement period. I settled on a Yamaha A-S2200. Really enjoying this amp. It has nice detail, imaging and kick. Won’t break the bank and will leave you with $$ for more music or other retirement goodies.  Good luck and enjoy retirement. 

Hi, I recently did the same thing of researching and replacing an older tube amp in my early retirement period. I settled on a Yamaha A-S2200. Really enjoying this amp. It has nice detail, imaging and kick. Won’t break the bank and will leave you with $$ for more music. Good luck and enjoy retirement. 

What about the Musical Fidelity M-6Si integrated amp? I am VERY surprised it sounds this good in my system.

The M6si offers excellent performance, facilities, and power. As per the Musical Fidelity web site “Internally, the M6si is configured as 2 independent monobloc power amps with a separate preamp. It is, in fact, a preamp with 2 monobloc power amps that just happen to share the same casework. The M6si has 220wpc. It has very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio and extremely flat frequency response.

The sound quality of my M6Si is excellent. I suggest you give it an audition.

Please see M6Si link

After I retired, I sold my separates for a Marantz model 30 integrated amp.  Almost as soon as we started listening, my wife and I agreed that the model 30 sounded  better: imaging, realistic tonal quality, incredible dynamics and bass clarity.  It's class D and runs cool for hours.  Speakers are Paradigm Studio 100 v4's, Sony XA5400ES SACD player, EverSolo DMP-A6 streamer, and Bryston BDA-3 DAC. 

At my age, I prefer fewer components (less wiring), solid state, under 35 lb, and no sharp corners. 

Nothing in my system cost a fortune, and I enjoy the sound immensely.  That's fiscal conservatism, of sorts.

Have you considered any Hegel Integrated Amps? I have the H390 - solid state pre-amp/ amp / DAC which delivers 250wpc and damping is 4,000 (not a typo)!  An H390 would certainly be in your price range as they have now introduced the H400 which is similar in wpc and damping and is still under your budget at $6995.

I own PASS 250, Hegal 390, Accuphase 380 and Macintosh 352 hybrid. I love the sound of all 4 and I rotate them. The Pass is the forever amp. You can’t go wrong with it if you can spend the dollars. I’ve owned the pass 60. Its a very warm sound amp that is very engaging but may not suite all taste. The 250 has all the audiophile qualities. Warm, detail, holographic. Non fatiguing. Very good bass control, without being too tight or too wooly. Class A sound up to 15 watts. There have been many good recommendations here so I don’t think your decision is any easier. I can say the pass is built like a tank. It’s built to last and holds its value. Superb support if that matters to you. 

@dwest1023 those are very well reviewed and respected amps!  I can only imagine how fun it would be to enjoy and compare them!!  Thank you for your assessment and comparison observations from your systems perspective  

That said, I can’t imagine physically moving them in and out of a system. Other than price, the Pass’s weight is a concern at my age a 3 herniated disc surgeries over the years. However, my so played football and is still good friends with several offensive linemen 😂

Ezstreams, I’m 70. That Pass 250 weights about 105 pounds. I use a hydraulic lift 

move it on and off my rack. That said my next choice would be the HEGAL. It’s warmish with excellent bass and good detail. I enjoy it as much as my Pass. If you are looking for neutral with just a hint of warmth in the midrange that would be Accuphase. Talk about build quality. The best I ever seen. Attention to detail is incredible. I don’t know what to say about my Macintosh other than it has tubes in the preamp stage. The sound is audiophile sounding but nothing special. I only purchased it because I always wanted those blue meters. Now that I have it, I always listen with the meter turned off.Go figure 🤣