Which Integrated with Power,Current, and Bass


In your system, at a show, in a showroom, or at a friend's, what integrated amplifier have you heard produces solid low end (bass), highs etc consistently with whatever speakers you heard it with?  I'm looking for a solid state integrated in the $2500 and under range that can accomplish the above with my Klipshch RF 7II which although seemingly efficient are a challenging load dropping down in the bass region below 4 ohms.  I listen mostly to classic jazz with a little rock, r&b mixed in.  Or, which manufacturer have you heard consistently produce integrated amplifiers producing solid low end with whatever speakers? caveat: I don't like anything lean or that tends towards lean!  Would love to try an integrated that doubles down, but that seems out of my price range with the exception of the Krell (used).  Need a fairly smooth amp up top because the Klipsch horn can sometimes get harsh. Not interested in tubes though. Currently using Anthem 225 but not convinced.

Have thought about:
Vincent SV-237mk
Musical Fidelity M6si
Yamaha A-S1100
Parasound Hint 6 or Halo
Krell S-300i
Musical Fidelity A5


foster_9

Showing 8 responses by foster_9

Thanks erikt! I almost bought an MF A5 last week.

I forgot one integrated on my list of considerations, the Peachtree Nova300.

Also, the integrated should have a phono stage. I currently have a Thorens TD 160 to consider.

Other sources: Underwood mod Jolida JD 100, 2 Don Allen modded Philips and Marantz changers, Krell SACD Standard III, Macbook Pro
Jafant,

The Anthem 225 has improved the low end of the Klipsch, but I think the Klipsch bass can be more. An integrated amp that doubles down maybe? I like the 225 however, good phono stage too. The Anthem STR is jut too much money for my budget. It would be great to try though.
Jafant,
Must be nice to have that AX-5 up for consideration! My budget isn’t what it used to be- blew through way too many dollars in audiophiledom.
jafant,

It looks like I may just have to stand pat with the Anthem I225. Today the power of this integrated just seem to come out of my speakers and energized the room! It hinted at this before but not to the extent I’m hearing now! Also, the stock power cord is the one that has produced the best sonics, most powerful images and top to bottom power. So far I’ve tried a Silver Audio Wattmaster and VH Audio Flavor 4 with the 225 which seemed to stunt the power of the integrated, but with the stock cord the current and dynamics returned after a few days. What have you found to be the power cord that brings out the clarity and bass?
Thank you jafant and George. And I have always observed better sonic performance at night. Interesting George, the Parasound Halo or Hint huh? Power, current and bass....

acurus, what makes the Krell S-300i underrated?
jffyg, owned the Wyred4Sound STI-1000 back in '09. I considered the Peachtree Nova300.