Recommend me my next solid state integrated ...

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KobeeDog

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Jan 1, 2014
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Hey guys,

Looking to get back into solid state for awhile after many years of low powered tube amps. One of the reasons I'm looking for a change (besides the fact that like change!) is that I'm kinda tired of being limited to a rather small subset of high efficiency speakers.

In the past, for SS, I've owned:

Cambridge Audio 840A
Naim 5i
Sonneteer Alabaster
Rega Elicit
Krell KAV-400xi
McIntosh MA6300
other stuff I can't remember ...

What would be your recommendations be? I'm looking at a budget of around 1-1.5k (new or used)

Cheers.
 
Ayre and burmester are two I have had good luck with. Their are so many it would take a long time just to hear even a small percentage of what is out there.
 
Kobee,

If you're looking for meaningful guidance, you're gunna have to give us some more info. The following questions will give us a solid idea as to what products may be a good fit for you:

1) What other components are you using? Speakers. Source(s). Etc..
2) Are you looking for any specific features? Like a certain number of inputs, a built-in phono pre, etc..
3) Of the integrated amps that you've owned, which was your favorite and why?
4) Going off of that question, can you describe the kind of sound that you're looking for?
5) Lastly - Do you want a product from a big-name company, or are you willing to try something from a more obscure company?
 
What did you think of the Elicit? I thought it had a lot going for it; but was a little recessed and reserved for my liking. Word is, the new -R is better in every way. I can also second Ayre as being worth a look/listen.
 
If you're looking for meaningful guidance, you're gunna have to give us some more info. The following questions will give us a solid idea as to what products may be a good fit for you:

1) What other components are you using? Speakers. Source(s). Etc..
- Components are always changing, the last couple of years I've been using high-sensitivity speakers, but the whole exercise of going with a more powerful amp is to open up more choices for new speakers
2) Are you looking for any specific features? Like a certain number of inputs, a built-in phono pre, etc..
- 1 input is fine, no phono, remote is essential
3) Of the integrated amps that you've owned, which was your favorite and why?
- Probably the Cambridge Audio was the best all round solid state amp I ever owned
4) Going off of that question, can you describe the kind of sound that you're looking for?
- like most guys, I want it all :-) ... precise, but not fatiguing. Good sense of pace would be good too
5) Lastly - Do you want a product from a big-name company, or are you willing to try something from a more obscure company?
- Obscure is fine!
 
Kobee,

Looks like you are trying to stay within a $1500 budget? What's your max price?
 
Garth said:
Ayre and burmester are two I have had good luck with. Their are so many it would take a long time just to hear even a small percentage of what is out there.
Click to expand...
I would be curious to know which models come in under $1500, even used? :happy:
 
The other solid choice in this price range is the NAD C375BEE. There's also a version with an integrated DAC .
 
The Hegel is a good recommendation. Truth be told though, I wouldn't use the word 'precise' to describe any of the Hegel integrated amps that I've heard. They are voiced quite pleasantly though, and the built quality is certainly nice.

For what it's worth, I'd check out the Dayens Menuetto if I were in your shoes. It's more linear than the Hegel, yet still retains a 'beautiful' signature.
 
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