There are some great integrated amps out there. The best sounding integrated amp under $50K, that also happens to be super light (as per the original request by "wharfy"), is the Mola Mola Kula. I am extremely fond of my Kula, for a number of reasons. It's very transparent, has proper tonality, and great sound-staging. One of the things that makes this a standout integrated is the option of a built-in DAC and a built-in phono stage. The optional built-in DAC is the amazing Tambaqui, which in and of itself makes this integrated a true high end bargain. The optional built-in phono stage is the Lupe circuit which is a killer and super quiet phono stage. I don't know of an integrated amp that can touch it in this price range.
What do you like about your integrated amp?
So, the other day I was moving my ARC REF 75 amp to clean the insides, along with the shelf it was sitting on, when suddenly I felt a stabbing pain in one of my obliques, as I was twisting my body.
Shouting out a quick, "Oh f***," my wife said, "What are you going to do when you get older, and can't move the amp?" I have periodically wondered that myself, since I am just shy of 71.
As the discussion title says-what do you like about your integrated amp? It's a wide-open query because I'm thinking if I'm going to consolidate my equipment, let's see what's out there? I'm partial to tube equipment and have enjoyed Audio Research for almost 30 years. Does that mean I should get an ARC integrated? Maybe, maybe not.
FTR--I listen to lots of jazz, folk, classical, not that much rock beyond what I grew up listening to-Beatles, the Dead, the Stones--stuff like that. I have a pair of ProAc 30Rs, an Aurender server, and an ARC CD6SE.
All your comments are appreciated-
David
- ...
- 64 posts total
I have very limited space and my Luxman 509-Z integrated takes up less shelf space than separates. I like the sound and aesthetics of the Luxman and it’s way more neutral sounding than the older McIntosh that it replaced. I dislike redundancy and the 509-Z doesn’t have an internal DAC as I already have a decent standalone DAC. It’s a class A/B amplifier although I could never find any documentation as to what volume it switches from class A to B. Lastly, the 509-Z added a volume indicator display which its predecessor lacked. It’s 63 pounds and I can’t move it by myself. |
Who cares as long as it sounds good. According to Luxman's literature it's basically a traditional push pull circuit with their ODNF Only Distortion Negative Feedback. I would assume it uses the lowest amount of quiescent current in favor of lower distortion, higher efficiency, cooler operation and reliability much like McIntosh does. |
@ghdprentice -"Looked at it in three dimensions." Spoken like an ARC owner who appreciates a wide, three-dimensional soundstage, "holographic" imaging. But seriously, your solution is likely one that the great builders of antiquity used to move heavy loads. David |
If I had your system rather than spending $$ on a new one I'd take some of the advice others gave and get a neighbor or younger friend to help clean/move your equipment when needed. I'm 70 and I feel your pain (literally). Six years ago I opted for an "all-in-one" system for myself. I got a Naim Uniti Star and a pair of Goldenear Reference speakers, some nice cables and a power conditioner. Your speakers are probably comparable to the GE's, so the Star would power them fine. I don't remember the weight but definitely way less than 75 lb. The Star has a built in CD player/ripper and streaming capability. It's worked out really well for me and the sound is wonderful. |
- 64 posts total