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Class A integrated amp recommendations

Greetings 'goners after a prolonged absence from posting here but  eavesdropping on your conversations in the interim! I was hoping to get some feedback on your experiences with class A integrated amps. My audio journey thus far provides some context.

The core of my system, Sim Audio Moon I5 integrated, Joseph Audio RM7si Signature on 20” Sound Anchor stands has remained unchanged for about 20 years. Sources are Sim Audio Moon Nova and Rega Jupiter2000 CD players, Sim Audio Moon LP3 phono for my AR ES-1 turntable with Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH cartridge. Cables are Zu Audio.

Primary music interests are acoustic jazz, small scale classical, classical/crossover, some orchestral; but I can, and do, veer all over the map when a bout of nostalgia hits: classic and prog rock, punk, grunge, reggae, singer/songwriter. For me, it’s always been about the music. The stereo is only a tool. It is not the work. During that time I’ve not felt the need or urge to chase gear. I enjoy music.

Until about 6 months ago when I acquired a new turntable: Technics SL-1210GR with Audio Technica AT33PTG/II and Ortofon 2M Black cartridges. Then a PS Audio Stellar phono. And now, as I’m about to retire, I feel like a kid! Those Blue Note reissues have awakened some kind of Mr. Hyde in me that wants to try new stuff!

Hence this post. Your experiences with Class A integrateds feeding speakers similar to mine would be greatly appreciated. I'm intrigued by, but have not heard, gear from Pass Labs, Sugden, and Luxman. Of course, cost is a concern as the law of diminishing returns keeps me away from the insanity of uber-pricing.

Kind Regards

jlamb
soix
8,750 posts
 

 

Suggestions have been made to add a subs but I think they might overpower my space and I don’t really have good placement options for them anyway

I respectfully disagree with this. I think adding two small subs could be revelatory to your listening experience. An example would be a pair of SVS SB1000 Pro subs that measure only about 13” square yet still get down to an honest 20Hz (-3dB) and include DSP integration software that makes them relatively easy to seamlessly blend them with your speakers and room, and a pair will only set you back $1150. Plus, and very importantly, subs are not only about bass — not by a long shot. Properly integrated subs will greatly enhance both 3D imaging and greatly expand the soundstage in addition to providing more dynamics and better bass overall. SVS offers a 45-day, risk-free trial period (including shipping both ways) and I’d highly recommend checking them out. Even if you upgrade to something like Pulsars in the future you’ll wanna keep the subs. Just something else to chew on FWIW.

https://www.svsound.com/products/sb-1000-pro-subwoofer

chenry's avatar
chenry
102 posts
 

The Accuphase E-280 integrated is class-AB, not class-A.

Accuphase currently make two class-A integrated amplifiers, the E-650 and E-800 with 30W/8R and 50W/8R respectively.

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,002 posts
 

This goes without saying...SUGDEN A21SE SIGNATURE....

eryoung2k
87 posts
 

I have a Outlaw Audio RR2160MKll,  It's a Class A B Integrated Amp,  Extremely happy with it!  Built like a Tank. 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,610 posts
 

Suggestions have been made to add a subs but I think they might overpower my space and I don’t really have good placement options for them anyway.

as @soix commented, properly integrated and implemented, adding subs will be the impactful change to your system (i suggest smaller rel's)... they will not overpower your room but they will make the sound truly wonderful, full range, with a vastly expanded sense of space and dimensionality

@jjss49 Do have any thoughts on the Pass int-25 vs the int-30?

int30a is based on the older gen xa30.5 power amp whereas int25 is based on the newer xa25 power amp... both integrateds have slightly less headroom than the power amps on which they are based (but still plenty for higher efficiency speakers used in medium/smaller rooms) -- the 30 will sound slightly sweeter more rounded, whereas 25 will sound a little sharper more direct more matter-of-fact

 

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