Warmest solid-state integrated for under $2k


Hi,

I'm looking for the warmest sounding solid state integrated amp on the market for under $2k new. Any ideas?

Thanks!
omains

Showing 4 responses by omains

Hi Harrold,

Well, here's the deal. Yesterday, I heard the Joseph Audio monitors again, and I really loved them. I realized that I can buy them new for not much more than I was planning on spending on a used speaker, and I'd really like to start building a relationship with the local dealer, since they've been so unbelievably helpful. I'm going down to Concord within the next few days to hear the Silverline monitors, but if they're not significantly better to my ear than the Josephs, I'll go with the latter (I can't afford Silverline new).

The Joseph's are great, but they're not as sensitive as the Silverline, and SET won't be able to provide enough power. If I do go with Silverline, my search for a SET amp will continue, but right now I'm interested in how much "tube-like" performance I could get from an SS amp. Also, I've decided that getting into tubes right now may not be the smartest idea, because I move around a lot, and whatever I get will be shipped all over the place.

Thanks for your diligence, and happy 4th!

Oliver
On Wednesday July 6th, 4:15pm, at Music Lover's Audio in Berkeley, the shootout begins! I tentatively purchased a demo model Silverline SR-15 from Silent Lucidity in San Francisco (best dealer in the world, IMHO), and I'm bringing it to Music Lover's to hear against the Joseph Audio Rm7si Signature Mk II. I'll be hearing both through a Manley Stingray and Arcam 100wpc integrated (interchanged), a Wadia CD player, Synergistic and Shunyata cable. Anyone who wants to come hear is welcome, especially Howard!

Oliver
Great, Howard. I actually have a rehearsal with the Walnut Creek Opera at 8, so I'm going to have to jet right after the audition, unless the choice is so easy that I get done early. We'll see. I have time reserved until closing at 6:30. Anyway, I'm sure we'll meet up at some point if not tomorrow.

Regards,
Oliver
I know this isn't relevant to the topic anymore, but... I did the audition today and Silverline won over Joseph. The sound was warmer, the soundstage was bigger. The detail was a bit better on the Josephs. I was razzed pretty hardcore by the salesman (we were in the Joseph Audio shop), but I survived. I'm now the proud owner of a pair of Silverline SR-15s!

Oliver