which hybrid integrated amp sounds the most like a full tube amp?


currently pairing a hegel h600 with B&Ws 805d4s

looking to try something new and tubey sounding

was thinking mcintosh ma 352 or aesthetix mimas

basically looking for very tubey sound while maintaining the solid state power my speakers require

 

 

 

 

audiocanada

I got a good deal on a MA252 and really like it so far as my first amplifier.

paired with JBL L100 Classics and an Eversolo DMP-A6.

appreciate the suggestions

ive read nothing online to suggest my speakers could be driven full tube or i would try

im thinking a touch of tube warmth and potentially a better amp overall would make them truly shine

hegel h600 is a truly phenomenal all in one piece but i still remain unsure how good it actually is as an amp (dac is good but nothing crazy special and streamer is surprisingly good)

i went minimalist and sold off my digital pieces so now i need to get another streamer dac for amp comparisons and will likely land on lumin as i love the xlrs, preamp functionality , small size/weight and even the deep and super responsive but not necessarily user friendly interface

 

 

 

hegel h600 is a truly phenomenal all in one piece but i still remain unsure how good it actually is as an amp

it is truly, absolutely excellent as an amplifier, in a ’straight wire with gain’ sense... no added colorations, no editorial ’expansion’ of the soundstage if it didn’t exist at the input... just signal in signal out, with stupendous control of the speakers attached

reality is, most folks who use top tier high powered tube amplification enjoy it specifically due to the highly sympathetic coloration (particularly to the projected sound stage) that such wonderful amps provide -- but as mentioned above, speaker and room matching become paramount to avoid tubby bass and wimpy dynamics

How about a Modwright tube buffer? Could that be integrated?

Keep the Hegel's control but add the flavor you want....that's the idea. 

5 years with a McIntosh MA352 and I haven’t regretted the purchase. I originally tried the MA252, but wanted the extra power of the 352 and like the blue meters and EQ. Plus more configuration options like PF settings for MM phono input.

It’s a heavy rig so make sure you have a good stand for it.