Best of the best Integrated amps in 2018

@david_ten The Altius upgrade on the Absolare Integrated involves an upgrade of all internal wiring to Echole's top Limited Edition cabling. It also involves an upgrade of other internals, including the transformer (though the upgraded transformer might now be standard across the range). There is also now an option as well for a new volume pot and volume display (not sure if they are included in the upgrade price, this occurred after my upgrade). I'll reach out to Absolare directly to get exact current details. What I do know is what I heard. :)

Hi. I am sure if you would be matching any of the aforementioned amps to the Thiel speakers pictured. That would be a major consideration in selecting a new amplifier. That said, I would also consider the Hegel H360 Integrated amp which has an onboard DAC that is quite good. The amp is capable of driving the most demanding speakers with ease and the noise floor on the DAC is exceptional. Good luck.

Jmac7,
Based on feedback from experienced listeners I trust the Line Magnetic 508ia is a fabulous sounding amplifier. However I don’t believe that it would be the best choice for the OP’s Thiel speakers given their load characteristics of low impedance in the lower frequencies (High current demand). Actual listening could prove otherwise but on paper not an ideal match (2.4 ohm at 125 Hz.).
Charles

I don't think anyone mentioned Hegel here. The H360 is great but they have the H590 in the pipeline for fall. At 300WPC it should drive just about any speaker without trouble and sound fantastic doing it. I believe it will sell for $12K which is affordable using this list as context.

@joshfilm Thank you! I spent some more time at the Absolare website and have a better feel for the differences in model levels as one steps from Passion to Signature to Altius.

I recently purchased a T+A integrated and it is coming on song, gloriously actually, now that it has 10 days of run time on it.

I am open to other amps at some point further down the road, especially those with vastly different topologies. Charles ( @charles1dad  who has posted here) had recommended I consider an 845 based amp...and I was very impressed with the Mastersound EVO 845, especially its amplifier section. Absolare’s 845 SET monos are ones I would love to consider.

In the meantime, if I have the opportunity, I will make a point to audition / demo their Integrated amp.

Thanks for bringing the brand to my attention.