???What's The LEAST Expensive "End Game"Amplifier You've Ever Heard???

I’ll be trying a Class D Audio mini GaN 5 very soon. We will see.

My end game usually only lasts until something new , different and cost effective comes along.

Been running mainly Class D for a number of years.   Currently have more recent Hypex Ncore and older Icepower. 

Chances are those with “end game” amps also have speakers that the amp can drive well. So both together is what really matters.

Also worth noting features matter a lot with integrated amps. Different users will have different needs. So sound quality alone is not everything when it comes to integrated amps.

I’ve had a Cambridge Evo 150 for a couple years now and finding it hard to justify any change.  I’ve had a Bel Canto C5i for a number of years now.  Technology has evolved so so am sure I could do better but that little gadget still puts a smile on my face every time. 

@chillydog what amp did the Rega replace?  Thanks. 

I have several amps and even more speakers in various rooms. Objectively I know which performs best overall. But subjectively, they each sound really good but different and I happily spend a good amount of time with each, depending mostly on mood. Variety is the spice of life for sure!  

Hmm. If fewer parts =better sound then why are some of these amps so darn expensive?

Just get rid of the spam parts and lower the price! Problem solved!

I’m only half kidding. Not all parts are created equal.
 

When people say “better sound” all it means is better to them. Lots of good sounding fish in the sea at all price points. Mainly you need an amp capable of driving the speakers to their max. Beyond that a lot simply comes down to personal preferences.

Shohei Ohtani”s end game is quite a bit different than mine.  I’d be lucky to bat .200  with maybe one or two dingers. Plus my fastball ain’t what it used to be. 👴

”End game” is a bummer.  What fun is left when the game is over?  Gotta play the game!!!🎯