2. amps-preamps
  3. 172680-34747

A decent integrated amp under 2K ...

I'm looking for an INTEGRATED AMP. My speakers are Altec 620A (100 db efficiency) and my listening room is 14 x 21. I mainly listen to digital files from my DAC (Metrum) but sometimes I feel less lazy and put on a vinyl on my Garrard. I don't need a phono stage, I use the one from another integrated amplifier (Spendor D40). Here's my shortlist:

1) Belles Aria Integrated (slightly powerful for my needs)

2) Croft phono integrated (since I don't need a phono stage, I think it's a shame to burn tubes for nothing)

3) Rogue Sphinx V3 (too powerful for my needs)

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS: I can live with tubes but only in the PREAMP section and I try to avoid Class A due to the heat. I'm open to Class D (proof: the Rogue) but the choice is limited and these devices come with a bunch of stuff I don't need. I rather spend my $ where it will make a difference.

regards

128x128alaindexe
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 

@sbank : my amp is open all day long and it get way too hot in the summer... also I had PLENTY of tube amps when I was younger & I do not like the hassle to deal with them...

@yogiboy : I don’t see the point of burning a tube if I don’t need it, which would be the case with the Croft... 2 out the 3 tubes are for the phono and I basicly never use my Garrard... when I do, I already have a phono stage in my Spendor integrated (that I use for another pair of speakers)

@jimcrane : not really my type of machine... but who knows, I could be wrong...

@jerryg123 : yes, the Belles Aria is on the top of my list... and the AVA SET 120 used to be there also but I removed it, I don’t know why...

@big_greg : Vincent is a nice option... as for Modwright, it is WAY over my budget...

joey54
432 posts
 

If you can live without a remote the Quicksilver integrated is a vey special amp that sounds great and is super reliable. It will have no trouble driving your speakers.  Also, made in the USA. Good Luck!

alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 

@joey54 : I have specified that I didn't want tube in the power section... it creates too much heat in the summer... only in the preamp section, I am willing to «deal» with tubes ...

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,743 posts
 

@alaindexe,

Look at the Schiit Ragnarok integrated amp. Sixty watts per channel. Also, selectable gain.

https://www.schiit.com/products/ragnarok-1

dill
2,460 posts
 

I have a Pathos Classic One MKIII and have enjoyed it for many years, worth a consideration.

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