2. amps-preamps
  3. 132742-1460

Which integrated amp?

I am looking for an integrated amp for my system and would appreciate any input/ listening impressions for a couple that I have interest in. I have a couple of musts for any choice. At least one set of balanced inputs, pre amp outputs, and 4 ohm drive capability, 150 wpc minimum, solid state preferred but hybrid ok. My room is 11 x 15.5 x 8. I have a couple of different speakers either on hand or that will be arriving soon. They are the Mosaic Acoustics Illumination, and Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rod. A pair of Green Mountain Audio yet to be released monitors are to be on there way soon (hopefully). The Mosaic and GMA both need subwoofer support, thus the need for pre amp output. I want the integrated to be flexible in case I decide to go with a somewhat larger floor stander in the future. Listen to mostly rock, hard rock, metal, blues, jazz and contemporary jazz. Mostly I listen at modest levels, but want to be able to put the pedal down when I feel like it. I prefer sound slightly on the warm side of neutral and want to avoid etch/ glare. I would like to limit to $3500 in the used market. I have been doing some research and am interested in experiences with the following;

Modwright KWI-200
Hegel H-300/360
Plinius Hautonga
BAT VK 300x SE
Coda CSI 300b
Parasound Halo

I am open to other suggestions. Thanks for your input.

csmgolf

Showing 4 responses by csmgolf

csmgolf OP
868 posts
 
@lak

 I do not own any of the integrated amps I listed. I am asking opinions of those that have heard them to try to get a feel for sonics and how they may fit my needs. The Hautonga interests me a lot. One question about Plinius, is how are service issues handled? They are out of New Zealand I believe. Hopefully there is state side service available. I know that many people really like the Plinius sound.

@nycjlee 
I do not see pre amp outputs on the Ayre. It is why I did not ask about Ayre products. 

To everyone else, thanks for your input. There are a couple of more options I did not think of.


csmgolf OP
868 posts
 
@gdhal 
@imhififan 

How do the Musical Fidelity integrated amps (either M6 si or M6 500i) do at low volume or with speakers that are not real demanding to drive? I have read several reviews and am intrigued by them for sure. I previously had an LSA Statement, which was an excellent amp, but it liked to have the volume turned up a bit (10 o'clock on the dial or so) to perform its best. 
csmgolf OP
868 posts
 
@pumper24 

Thanks for the input. It is valuable to get both the positive and negative for the equipment in question. Very helpful information as it helps me determine if our preferences line up with each other.
csmgolf OP
868 posts
 
@gabby_835   

No problems. It is hard to sort out all of the recommendations here. I looked up the review you linked after you originally recommended the 600i in your first post. What is it specifically that you like better than the Hegel in respect to sonics? After scouring the web and the threads of multiple sites, I feel like I am getting some idea about the general sound of several of these pieces. I have not heard anything comparing the 600i to any of the others. A comparison to the Hegel may give me some idea if I may be interested in pursuing the SimAudio. Your input is very much appreciated. 
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