Integrated amp recommendations

Have not heard it yet, but reviewers have been all over the NAD M-33.

check out some of the reviews. 

Rotel Michi X5
  
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2020/08/17/rotel-introduces-michi-series-x3-and-x5-integrateds/

YG caramel are great speakers. Of the choices you mentioned, I have used Naim uniti nova and loved them. They are very very good and you will not be disappointed. I sold it and sometimes I regret selling that. I wanted to go class A and now have luxman 590axii and they are different level. Even though it is rated at 30 watts, they are more powerful and they can drive caramel easily (they can drive most speakers with sensitivity > 86) as long you don’t want it very loud. I am now using luxman 590axii with lumin t2. Depending on your budget you will love the combination of luxman 590axii or 509 with lumin t2 or x1. I think the sweet spot will be to get 2 units (integrated amplifier with streamer/dac) rather than going all in one or all separate. 

you want rich and sweet sound you haven’t included tube amplification as a potential option (or is the luxman you mention one of their tubed units?)

i don’t know your yg speakers. don’t know if they rule out tubes

prefer solid state

The NAD M33 is a good option and I think will sound good with your speakers.   

This is where I would normally recommend something from AVM but the only unit they have available at the moment is the CS8.3 which is $15,400 MAP.  I think it would be amazing with your speakers.  The CS5.3 and 2.3 which are in the sweet spot of your price range are delayed till next year due to COVID 19.  

Maybe something from Primare?  They have modules that go into the I25 and I35 Prisma units that should give you what you are looking for in terms of functionality.  Not sure how it will sound with your speakers though.  

Full disclosure, I am an NAD and AVM dealer.  I have not relationship with Primare.  Unless a dealer has stock on the M33, they are out-of-stock till the end of the month.  I have a few on order right now.  

+1 @jjss49 OP should at least consider hybrid. Full disclosure: not a dealer.

I suppose to clarify, I am not looking for a rich coloured sound. I just want an accurate sound which is not lean or clinical...that's why i said rich. In particular I like to "feel" the weight of voices and instruments

I just sold my Modwright KWA150SE as I need to downsize to an integratred for space reasons, if that helps. Its a great amp though and I like that sort of sound.

I was thinking like a Luxman 507 or 509, but it may be too smooth and warm compared to a modright

@acdvd I hear you. My tube preamp does not color the sound. I compare it back and forth as a hybrid addition to my solid state integrated -- in other words, I listen with tube preamp/solid state amp only vs. solid state integrated only. It is a rich sound but it is not colored or overly saturated in any way. It is not at all clinical. My solid state integrated is a bit clinical, in comparison. Some like that. Not me. Just my experience.

@hilde

like quarterbacks who throw the ball, can’t catch it for the receiver

we can provide advice with good intentions, can’t be sure it will be taken

op misunderstands what good tube gear does given his stated preferences.... it’s ok though... there is certainly plenty of very nice ss gear around too for those who just don’t want tubes

tube is not an option due to young child in the house who will be attracted to the light and heat of it...

@acdvd

totally understand on the kids and tubes

you may want to minimize the number of boxes, but if you might consider separates, consider dan wright’s swl 9.0 tube pre (no exposed tubes, all internal within the chassis) and one of his ss power amps... you will get best of both worlds

dan’s gear, his ear, his quality is beyond reproach

good luck!

Since you are familiar with and like Dan's gear have you considered his new hybrid integrated?

I did notice it. have any of you tried it, it looks like its made to order though.
What dac/streamer would you put with it for about $4000.

I don't know if it's "made to order" or if dealers aren't stocking it due to the price.  To stay under your target price for a DAC/Streamer you would have to look at the Lumin T2, the Teac NT-505 or the Aurilac Altair G1.  I prefer the Auralic software package and the other two both use Lumin based software. I own the NT-505 and three Auralic streamers.

@acdvd

just call dan at his 360 number

he or his wife/assistant kristin usually answer - they will give you the straight scoop, and likely can even sell to you direct

i have not kept up closely, did not realize dan is making a new hybrid integrated

if he is making it i am sure it is built beautifully and sounds absolutely wonderful

AYRE AX-5 / AX-5 Twenty Series.
Happy Listening!

Ayre not available where I live (or prohibitively expensive)...
question for you guys:
Is it better to have:
(1) poweramp only and a pre/dac/streamer all in one (eg Moon 390 or Boulder 812 to be released)
(2) pre/power together in one box, with a separate dac/streamer (eg Auralic Altair)
(3) all in one box...which means less cables and racks and clutter

Better, I would not care to say, however I would look into an integrated amplifier with a separate DAC/streamer (option 2). Many excellent integrated amplifiers out there.  Reduces rack space and removes need for 1 interconnect.

What about the Modwright 225i integrated?