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
kclone's avatar
kclone
652 posts
 
I don't think the Peachtree 500 is ready for a few more months.  If your 150 is new and you have only been running it for a couple of days, it will get even better. 
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
I don’t think the Peachtree in in the same league with most if not all of the gears on your list. I can say with certainty that Boulder 810 is a line stage preamplifier not an integrated and I have heard it extensively paired with one of the larger Pass Labs class A amps and it’s nice sounding preamp. Not particularly warm to my ears but that could depend on a lot of factors. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,466 posts
 
My mistake the Boulder I was thinking of is the 865.

My Peachtree is used.
yyzsantabarbara
4,466 posts
 
I was not thinking that the Peachtree was better than the items on my list. I was just thinking that it's short comings may not be that great relative to these other units. I do like keep cash in my wallet.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
You're right in that sometimes when you keep all other things the same, changing one piece may not provide as much sonic improvement per dollar spent. I have not heard the Peachtree but I have heard the LS50 switched between a lower end NAD and a higher end Mark Levinson - I think No. 585, integrated at a dealers store and the difference was night and day. I also heard it with a Primaluna integrated at the same store and it was really excellent but only at lower listening levels. Worth considering for an office/bedroom system.
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