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Recommendations for modern integrated with tone & balance controls other than Mcintosh

The "purist" approach is no longer viable for me due to recent hearing loss, and I'd also like to simplify my tube separates which consist of preamp, power supply, and pair of mono amps.
 Budget up to 10K. But, of course,  I also could just go with a Schiit Loki for $149 bux and keep feeding my tube gear. :) Thanks in advance for any suggestions.


ps
ps OP
770 posts
 

@builder3 

Thank you very much.  I should mention that two of the things I find so appealing about the Luxman, in addition to SQ,  are the excellent build quality and retro aesthetics.  The on-unit controls as well as the remote control are pure pleasure to operate.  Perhaps some might say that I've developed an integrated amp fetish. :)

builder3
796 posts
 

I completely agree.

ps OP
770 posts
 
An update due to a recent successful experiment. On a whim, I connected the Luxman 550-AX II preamp out to a Conrad Johnson 60 wpc EL34/KT77 tube amplifier. This resulted in excellent full-function synergy and is likely very similar to the Luxman LX-380 tube integrated but with more power. Happiness.
mesch
3,530 posts
 

Sounds like a great way to have both SS and tube amplification at one's disposal.

ps OP
770 posts
 

@mesch

I spoke to Luxman and they seconded my opinion although they did suggest I consider the LX-380 with the caveat that the power of that amp might not be sufficient.

Since I already have the Connie J amp, I figured there was no reason to buy another component. Additional pluses are that I do have more gain using the Lux preamp section- not to mention the excellent phono stage, tone, balance, and loudness controls should I want to employ them. Which is what I was looking for initially.

For me the phrase "best of both worlds" applies. Another big plus is that the build quality of both the CJ and the Luxman is second to none.

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