Recommendations for a integrated amp

Highend:

I have some "unusual" combo’s due to downsizing and keeping cables that I like ($400 BMI power cord and 47 Labs interconnects on the Sharp/Polk/Kenwood mini-system used @ the computer that cost closeout/used/found on the street $83.50).

I understand from one of your previous posts that you really like the speakers, but have you considered auditioning other speakers with your $4K budget - which may cover new amplification as well?

Not written in stone, but generally it’s advisable to match amplification to speakers and not the other way around (this "kernel" of knowledge being directed @ upgrading the speakers after new amplification).

DeKay

DeKay

I appreciate your concern. I have set a price point on upgrading my amplification to a point where I can audition variety of speakers(if time and budget permits). I dont know what the outcome would be with another amp and the Triangles. However, like I mention in my previous post, I will eventually upgrade in the future with other speakers.

We're you referring a 4k budget that includes both amplification and speakers? It is not a bad idea and would still sound better then what I have. However,  I will still limit myself to certain upgrades.

I bought a naim supernait2 used on here for $2300 about 7years ago and picked up neat xplorers for $1950 recently from audiogon. That’s slightly over $4k, and imo an incredibly impressive combo for the non audiophile enthusiast that I am. I also have a DAC (denafrips Pontus) that I purchased new. Point being I have an integrated amp that retails for $5k (for the newer model) and speakers that retail for $5k and the combo exhilarates me every day. Just upgrade both rather than have some massively imbalanced setup. I had the naim powering neat motive sx2s before upgrading and it felt painfully restrained.  And the motives are about 2k new.

"We're you referring a 4k budget that includes both amplification and speakers?"

Yes, as finding a nice amp/speaker combo is quite feasible within that budget.

Having looked up your location (I'm in CA as well) I understand that auditioning gear is not a simple task.

The only dealer I'm aware of that is sort of close to you is Gene Rubin Audio who is south of Santa Cruz).

I also assume that the "USB input" requirement will be a limiting factor, but if it's big on the wish list you might look for a used PS Audio Sprout100 (read up on it) that sells in the $400-$500 range (hey other people suggested amps).

DeKay

DeKay

Another on the short list is the musical fidelity M6Si. A beast and its rival I think is the Hegel 390.  Both should prove contenders.