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Have a bug for a new (to me) integrated

Hello all. I am seeking some opinions on a new to me integrated. Currently I have a Cary SLI80HS powering my beloved Volti Razz speakers. I want to keep the Cary, it really is a great tube amp. It's just that I've never powered my Razz with SS and I am very curious. Also I enjoy rotating gear in and out of my set up, always have. 

I have narrowed my pre-owned contenders a bit, I am open to other suggestions too.  Trying to stay in the $3 to $4k range. I listen mostly to metal, rock, and Jazz. Room is about 12'x12, not well treated other than a love seat and a couple other pieces of furniture. 

Naim Supernait 3

Luxman

Accuphase

McIntosh. 

I welcome all discussions and suggestions. 

Thank you! 

doyle3433
kennyc
2,875 posts
 

@doyle3433 just to be clear, are you looking for a “warm” SS, or neutral - warm goes best with Volti, but neutral more different than Cary?

jperry
2,537 posts
 

I would pick a Luxman, but first I would also spend a few bucks and at least put panels on the first reflection points on the wall and ceiling.

roadcykler
338 posts
 

I like Luxman stuff and the room size or room treatments have absolutely zero effect on how an amp sounds. Speakers, on the other hand...

noodlyarm
151 posts
 

+1 on the Krell k300i.   I have one and it is simply excellent.

From your list, I would lean to Accuphase as well, but I the Krell sounds better to my ears.

yyzsantabarbara
5,555 posts
 

@doyle3433 I had the Krell k300i and the Duo 175XD amp which has the same Duo design for both. I loved the sound of both.

It seems to me all your choices are super warm with tubelike characteristics. Other than more power you are not really going away from your comfort zone of tubes.

If you want to really explore the dark side of SS do a 30-day home trial of the Benchmark AHB2 amp with your tube preamp. That could be great and 100% different than all SS amps except maybe the SimAudio Moon 761 + 861 amps.

I just looked up your speakers and see that they are horns. The AHB2 are paired a lot with horns because of the silky-smooth top and deep space like noise level. I once sold AHB2 monos to a guy with horns.

I am debating this myself as I demo an incredible tube DAC vs the most resolving DAC available (SS). What to choose is a tough one.

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