Integrated Amps

Cody@TARA

Cody@TARA

New member
Joined
Dec 18, 2014
Messages
12
Location
Ashland, OR
Hello! Lately the TARA Labs listeningroom has been playing with a Behold Gentle G192 Media Player, whichalso functions as an power amp, preamp, and contains a number ofother features. While it is a very impressive device, it got methinking about our usual setups primarily consisting of separatecomponents. Personally I have always leaned toward separates, toavoid compromises that may arise due to compacting all of theequipment in to one package. I would enjoy hearing others thoughtsregarding their preferences. Anyone here using an integratedamplifier that they love?
 
Yes. Musical Fidelity NuVista 800. Doesn't sound like an integrated at all. Beautiful hybrid design. BUT....if I change speakers (currently Dali Epicon 8's), I MIGHT change amplification to better suit the new speakers (whatever those might be).
 
Other than power(loudness), I can't hear any difference between current McIntosh amps and pre-amps.
 
I have a Dartzeel CTH-8550 that is to date my favorite solid state amp and a Line Magnetic 219IA that is to date my favorite tube based amp. While I think there may be benefits to be gained with the right separates, and that search continues, several good separate setups have been sent packing by either of these integrated amplifiers....
 
I have to admit that I absolutely love my Jolida Fusion 3502. It sounds amazing and cost next to nothing in the grand scheme of things. 50 wpc of wonderful EL-34 tube goodness. It takes all tubes up to and including KT-150's and is a breeze to bias. One XLR input and several RCA inputs with remote on\off.
 
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The PrimaLuna Dialogue HP Integrated is another bargain that hits way above it's weight!
 
I'm a pretty big fan of integrated amplifiers, and have been using the Karan Acoustic KA-I 180 integrated since 2009.
 
Many if not most of today's integrated amps aimed at audiophiles are basic amplifiers with what amounts to an impedance buffer and a passive volume control, no extra gain stages. Unless you need the extra power from bigger basic amps and active pre-amps, or you want to keep your speaker cables ​really ​short its hard for me to see an advantage in more complexity.
 
Mike said:
Any thoughts on upgrading to the SE model?
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Maybe someday Mike, not at this point in time. Funds are low at the moment due to system reconfiguration.
Out of curiousity, how does the SE model differ, and at what cost?
 
I am using a Unison Unico and just ordered a Luxman integrated. Lately I feel the need to simplify my audio gear and have started selling off my separates.
 
nile49 said:
I'm using a Luxman 590aX and am quite satisfied with it. I'll probably post a little write up on the piece in the next day or two.
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Please do, I was just looking at that the other day.

I'm another that will put their vote with the Line Magnetic 219ia, these are beasts! I've got 89db speakers & this integrated has the furniture vibrating at 24w :snicker:
 
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