Looking for recommendations for integrated with a more “organic” sound.


Hello all,

I hope that you are all doing well, and that I might tap into your collective knowledge base and experience to find a new amplifier. 

Current system includes Bluesound Node2>Denafrips Enyo>Dayens Ampino>Zu DW6 Superflys. I stream probabaly 95% but maybe 5% is vinyl or CD. I sometimes use it to watch movies in 2.0, but that’s not my main concern. 
 

I’m really enjoying the sound of this setup. Very organic with nice harmonic richness. Surprisingly good bass extension and smooth and pleasant highs. Imaging is good. 
 

What I would like to do is preserve that natural and organic sound, while also adding more inputs (Ampino only has 2) improving bass definition/control and impact, and perhaps elevating detail retrieval. I would trade a bit of smoothness for a bit more HF extension. A basic remote is also on the checklist. 
 

My budget is maybe $2500, but I’m not in a desperate position, I could potentially stretch it a little if I wait. 
 

New units are preferred, but I would consider used if it achieves my goals. 
I’m open to SS or tubes, but cost of the tubes is a concern. I’m susceptible to tuberoll-itis. Speakers are pretty sensitive, so mega-watts are not required. 

The system is in a medium sized living room which has 9” ceilings and is open to a kitchen and dining room, so there’s lots of volume. Most listening is at moderate volumes, but I’ve been known to crank it on occasion. Musical tastes are extremely varied. 
 
basically, I’m looking to maintain the organic tone and natural presentation while improving performance, adding input options (3 minimum) and adding remote. 

I don’t want a DAC, but a better-than-basic phono stage would be a bonus. I’m more interested in performance than features.

Is there anything out there that might fit the bill? 


Thank you in advance for your input. 
Tom

 

earworm22

You must know a competent tech to put some vintage in a well working state...

But even with these cost a Sansui alpha can beat most competition in the ratio S.Q. price...

I was lucky i know a tech who did well at low cost for my Sansui AU 7700... The more recent Alpha 607i does not need more than a few adjustment...

Read about the alpha series....

You will pay way more than their cost to beat them...With luck and it is related to your specific needs you can buy an AU series piece at low cost.... Alpha series are costlier and Japanese had not sold them much outside Japan because of the Yen level at these times...

Read about them... Dont buy in a hurry....

My first amplifier was a low cost Sugden...😊

mahgister -

I hadn’t really given the "vintage" option much thought. I have a number of older units, but TBH the upkeep can be a drag.

How would you rate the reliability and upkeep costs?

Agree on the recommendation of the hybrid Unison integrated as it’s got tubes in the input stage and MOSFET solid state output that’s high biased toward Class A-type sound. As the tubes are only on the input side so they should last a long while and probably are not overly expensive to replace. That’s a very nice combo of design features for what you’re looking for, and there are reviews out there that’d be worth reading. This authorized dealer offers free shipping and a 30-day return policy…
https://soundapproach.com/unison-research-unico-primo-class-a-integrated-tube-amplifier.html

Hope this helps, and best of luck.

I would look at the more expensive Lebem tube integrated.  One of the best sounding integrateds I have ever heard.  Almost makes me want to trade my McIntosh SS integrated for one.  Note I said almost.

Not sure of your price range, but I just bought a pair of PS Audio BHK 300 Mono block amps and their BHK preamp. They both have tubes inputs and Mosfet outputs so you can get the best of both worlds especially tube rolling.

All the best.

Thanks for a host of suggestions, folks. Several I’ve not considered before. 
I appreciate your input very much. 
 

Tom