2. amps-preamps
  3. 188714-184934

Looking for integrated solid state amp for daily usage

I love the sound of my tube amps, but I need an amp powered on all day every day (like 16 hours per day) for my nearfield desktop setup with JBL 4309 speakers (using directstream mk1 dac).

I have tried a Schiit Aegir and a Schiit Ragnarok, but didn’t like either compared to my cheap tube amp and expensive tube amp. They just seemed boring and dead to me.

So I’m looking for suggestions on a beautiful sounding solid state integrated amp that sounds big and engaging as much like a tube amp as possible, if one even exists. I don’t want a tube preamp with a solid state amp.

I listen to a lot of music types from classical to jazz to classic rock.

I’d like to keep the price under $3k if possible, used is great. I’ve heard Accuphase and Luxman are really good, but price seems to be more than $5k for those.

retroactiv
hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
159 posts
 

Gently used Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary. Sounds incredible, smooth and inviting. You can get one for about $3500-$4000 (retail $10500). Made in Italy, will drive almost any speakers.

audio_is_subjective
52 posts
 

The NAD 3020 v2 is quite nice and it served my daughter quite well through Grad School. 

Perhaps a Hybrid Integrated Amplifier would fill the bill. 

 

jimcrane
160 posts
 

Try listening to a Wyred4Sound integrated to see if it meets your preferences in sound. Even the model on the lowest rung (STI-VII) has lots of power and all the models have low power consumption in the stand-by mode. Good luck in our search.

Jim

mlsstl
1,392 posts
 

You might check out Bel Canto -- some years back I went from an Image Audio tube amp (KT88 outputs) to a Bel Canto C5i and was happy. (I've since moved on to separates.) The Image Audio and Bel Canto weren't exactly the same but I enjoyed them both and found each very listenable.  The C5i is discontinued but you can periodically find them used for around $1K.  The new C6i model lists for just over $3K.

 

overthemoon
402 posts
 

I'd encourage you to listen to Moon's 250i v2.  I had a 250i as a loaner for 2 weeks and it sounded a heck of lot better than I expected it would given it was subbing in for 2 400 watt per channel mono-blocks.

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