2. amps-preamps
  3. 173846-151014

Suggestions for an integrated upgrade please

Hello everyone,

I am looking to upgrade my integrated here is my system

FLAC on mac book pro — Singxer Su6—Lampizator level4+ Gen5—jolida jd1000a

with gold lions preamp tubes and Mullard tubes— NHT 3.3 speakers

Before the Jolida I had an Hegel H100.

I like the midrange of the Jolida, it has a nice presence, nice timbres but the problem is when raise the volume, I don’t go deeper inside the music, it just gets louder but the sound doesn’t get bigger, soundstage is small. Also there’s no air with this amp. Bass is very weak.

 

The Hegel was technically nicer but I could never emotionally with the music on this amp. It just sounded fake.

 

I listen to 65-85dbs level, my room is small, 12’x18’

 

I want to stay with an integrated as my wife wont allow multiple components ans cables in the room

 

The NHT 3.3 are rates 87db @ 6ohm

 

I listened to a Kora 400, which sounded amazing but at 12k usd it is out my budget

 

It is hard to organize listening session because of covid

so I am looking for suggestions to narrow down the numbers of sessions needed.

 

I don’t mind if it is tube or transistor as long as it has beautiful midrange, timbres, deep soundstage and air.

 

budget is 3 to 5K usd, I don’t mind buying used or new.

 

any suggestions are welcome!

 

thanks

 

 

 

 

maurice89
ballhog
38 posts
 

The Qualiton a50i is an excellent sounding integrated, it retails for $8200 but I think you could bargain a little. Class A 50wpc tube amp.

mbolek
164 posts
 

@scotthiga    Curious what version you purchased?  Are the newer M2s available yet?

 

 

scotthiga
2 posts
 

@mbolek I purchased the original SU-G700 (of which the reviews are based on). I believe the M2 is available in Europe, but has not been offered for sale in the US. I purchased my unit (in silver) from Galen Carol Audio in San Antonio (although I'm in Denver). If you get a chance to listen to the SU-G700, I think you'll find the detail and depth of soundstage to be absolutely top shelf, as well as the fit and finish of the unit. Really worth a listen! Good luck in your quest.

why0why
70 posts
 

You can get a Naim Supernait 2 or 3 in that price range. If you want something new, the new Lyngdorf 1120 is an amazing piece of kit. It is extremely impressive and has built in room correction. At $2500, I think it is one of the better hifi values currently going.

bmontani
192 posts
 

At one point, I had a BAT VK3000.  I was a wonderful integrated and had a great soundstage and a magic to the sound that made it easy to listen to for hours.  I changed speakers and had to move to something with a bit more power otherwise I would still have it today.  You can probably find one for around $4K used.  

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