2. amps-preamps
  3. 173846-151014

Suggestions for an integrated upgrade please

Hello everyone,

I am looking to upgrade my integrated here is my system

FLAC on mac book pro — Singxer Su6—Lampizator level4+ Gen5—jolida jd1000a

with gold lions preamp tubes and Mullard tubes— NHT 3.3 speakers

Before the Jolida I had an Hegel H100.

I like the midrange of the Jolida, it has a nice presence, nice timbres but the problem is when raise the volume, I don’t go deeper inside the music, it just gets louder but the sound doesn’t get bigger, soundstage is small. Also there’s no air with this amp. Bass is very weak.

 

The Hegel was technically nicer but I could never emotionally with the music on this amp. It just sounded fake.

 

I listen to 65-85dbs level, my room is small, 12’x18’

 

I want to stay with an integrated as my wife wont allow multiple components ans cables in the room

 

The NHT 3.3 are rates 87db @ 6ohm

 

I listened to a Kora 400, which sounded amazing but at 12k usd it is out my budget

 

It is hard to organize listening session because of covid

so I am looking for suggestions to narrow down the numbers of sessions needed.

 

I don’t mind if it is tube or transistor as long as it has beautiful midrange, timbres, deep soundstage and air.

 

budget is 3 to 5K usd, I don’t mind buying used or new.

 

any suggestions are welcome!

 

thanks

 

 

 

 

maurice89
mbolek
168 posts
 

@scotthiga    Curious what version you purchased?  Are the newer M2s available yet?

 

 

scotthiga
2 posts
 

@mbolek I purchased the original SU-G700 (of which the reviews are based on). I believe the M2 is available in Europe, but has not been offered for sale in the US. I purchased my unit (in silver) from Galen Carol Audio in San Antonio (although I'm in Denver). If you get a chance to listen to the SU-G700, I think you'll find the detail and depth of soundstage to be absolutely top shelf, as well as the fit and finish of the unit. Really worth a listen! Good luck in your quest.

why0why
70 posts
 

You can get a Naim Supernait 2 or 3 in that price range. If you want something new, the new Lyngdorf 1120 is an amazing piece of kit. It is extremely impressive and has built in room correction. At $2500, I think it is one of the better hifi values currently going.

bmontani
193 posts
 

At one point, I had a BAT VK3000.  I was a wonderful integrated and had a great soundstage and a magic to the sound that made it easy to listen to for hours.  I changed speakers and had to move to something with a bit more power otherwise I would still have it today.  You can probably find one for around $4K used.  

bassdude
493 posts
 

A lot of good information here... BUT... unless you’ve (or they’ve) listened to the same set up with various amps you (they) really can’t conclude much.

I would have no idea what electronics (i.e. source, preamp, amp, etc.) would sound good to you, since I’ve never heard a set up like yours with various electronics - nor, do I know what sounds good to you. That would be true of anyone else posting a suggestion.

However, I can attest to the quality of the sound of Harbeths driven by Hegel electronics - since I have that set up. And... as Alan Shaw suggests... his speakers do, quite litterally, sound best with Hegel electronics. Because I have several Harbeths and I’ve listened to them with various amps - both tube and solid state - I can make this statement - but - only in the context of what sound qualities I prefer.

And... that is the point... you will never be able to adopt all (or any) of the good suggestions in this thread... and... necessarily, achieve the sound you seek... except by mere chance!

So - you should start by contacting the mfr of your speakers and inquire what electronics they use to demo their speakers, as well as seek the experiences of others with your speakers. There is no other way - except - "chance."

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