2. amps-preamps
  3. 164061-3105

Looking for a ‘’No braine’r Integrated amplifier under 7500 or so

hello all!

I’m looking for ideas on a ‘slam dunk’ flexible high value solidly performing INTEGRATED amp for an office system, but one that for a while can be my ‘go to’ or primary unit and is a bit above entry level.

preference is to buy new, but preowned in the right scenario works for me as well.

Pesently I’m starting all over in amassing gear and felt to initiate the project by wading into the water slowly.

I have on hannd remnants of my former   efforts in a then very good line stage preamp and DAC, though the DA age is showing and well behind current popular trends  and support for new formats.

also on hand are some ‘so so’ amps, and several pairs of speakers and I just added a Blue Sound Noede 2I.

ultimately I see nearly everything being replaced but felt starting with a very nice Integrated seems as good a starting point as any.

topology is as such, not too too imoportant. decent power however is key as speakers being paired here are as yet unknown. likelyhood here is a pair of monitors and a sub.

the music playback will likely be streaming from providers and NAS files.

Aesthewtix Mimas has peaked my interest currently. and having owned bAT their INT is interesting too. apart from these two I’m wide open to suggestions on current one box amp solutions..

glass or sand power here makes little difference apart from thereafter mating speakers to the INT power constraints..

your thoughts, and expieriences here are vastly appreciated. THX
blindjim

Showing 3 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
4,442 posts
 
I have the CODA CSiB and I think it is great. It is the 2018 version and is not even the best version of this unit. Though I imagine the 2021 version is only a bit better. (used 3.4K)

I am getting a Krell K-300i integrated hopefully this week. Have not heard it yet but it is got some amazing features. ($7K new with integrated DAC).

If my wife gives me a hard time about setting up my KEF LS50's in the family room with one of these 2 integrateds then I will sell one of them.
yyzsantabarbara
4,442 posts
 
There are no cooling fans on the KRELL K-300i, at least none that I see or hear. I will check if there are any near the vents. I bought it recently and it is a great integrated. Better for my needs than the Luxman 509x which I feel is a bit limp. The Luxman m900 is much better than the 509x and the KRELL K-300i is in that league.

The KRELL has some serious bass power and it is buttery smooth. I am a Benchmark guy and yet I love the sound of this KRELL. I compared it to the CODA CSiB which was also amazing and another one I would take over the Luxman 509x. I sold the CSiB and kept the KRELL K-300i. Though I did recently buy the CODA 07x preamp for another system based on the sound of the CSiB. I am trying not to buy the CODA #8 amp to pair with the 07x.

I plan on hooking up Yamaha NS5000s, with it’s 12 inch woofer onto the KRELL. That will be a killer system. The KRELL’s internal DAC is so-so but I plan on using it because it is so convenient to have just 1 unit for music.

BTW - the reason I sold the CODA over the KRELL was because I needed to sell one and I had an offer to buy the CODA anytime I was willing to sell it. Both are great but I needed the rack space and the money to try other things. I used to think the Mark Levinson 580 was the best integrated I had heard but the CODA and KRELL were more impressive to me.

BTW2 -  Just checked the KRELL with a flashlight and magnifying glass. I see no fans inside that unit. I do understand that fans usually are on the back but I wanted to double check.
yyzsantabarbara
4,442 posts
 
In the cutout photo, those 2 things near the display could be fans. Though I do not hear anything there. This unit is played for most of the day in the living room and at the end of the day the unit is warm but I still do not hear any fans.

I maybe opening up the unit to make a speaker connector repair in the near future so I will be able to see for sure. I could also ask KRELL tomorrow when I talk to them about sending me a new speaker connector.

Though I am not concerned about any potential fan now after using it for weeks. I used to have this unit situated 1/2 foot from my sitting position when I had it in my office and still heard no fan.
More to discover