Thinking about simplifying to an integrated amp
I've been considering simplifying the system a bit.
Currently I have a PS Audio BHK 250 amp and the BHK preamp, but an integrated is looking like an attractive option.
The speakers are Dynaudio Contour 30i https://dynaudio.com/home-audio/contour-i/contour-30i#product_specifications
I would like a piece that sounds at least as good or better than my current electronics. Power should be around 100 wpc, but I'm not sure if less would do the trick. 2 inputs is plenty as long as one of them is balanced.
Needs to have a remote, naturally.
Also would need a pair of line out jacks for the subs.
Under 10K new.
Sim Audio, Pass, Accuphase are some that come to mind.
Previously I had a Hegel H390 which was very decent, but the PS Audio gear was better, so that company may be out of consideration unless new models have gotten better. I also didn't like paying for the internal DAC that I wasn't using. Also on the no list is Prima Luna. Just ok sound and not reliable as it blew a channel in under 1 year of ownership.
Thanks
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Hybrid Integrated might be preferable. Haven’t heard these, but my friends Prima Luna Tube Mono Blocks sound good. https://www.primaluna-usa.com/primaluna-evo-300-hybrid-integrated-amp 87 db, 4 ohm speakers, it’s tempting to stay around 100 wpc for instantaneous peaks, and check 4 ohm specs. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/how-many-watts-do-you-really-need https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/looking-for-a-hybrid-integrated-to-do-it-all
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Around 5 years ago, I had to move my audio system to a smaller room and decided to downsize to an integrated amp. I have power hungry speakers and needed an integrated with plenty of power to properly drive them. I heard many positive comments and reviews about Hegel integrated amps, so I first tried the Hegel H390 (I auditioned the Hegel and several others before bring in the Hegel H390). The H390 was very nice sounding to my hears, but still lacked the extra "oomph" and headroom needed to properly drive my power hungry Revel Salon 2 speakers, so I decided to give the H590 a shot. The H590 was a significant upgrade over the H390, offering significantly more power, and a significantly higher degree of sound quality. Over 5 years later, the H590 is still going very strong in my audio system. I used a separate outboard DAC/streamer with the H390 and my current H590. I highly recommend Hegel's top of the line H590/H600 integrated amps, as the extra headroom never hurts. There are many nice integrated amps out there that would fit your needs, especially if you don't require that much power, you just need to take your time and audition as many of them as possible, which is what I had to do in order to find the amp that was right for my needs. Happy listening |
I’m a bit on the cheapskate side, so the NAD M10v3 has worked fine for me. Pushes my La Scala’s like a champ. Has the inputs, streams anything, has a decent DAC and a MM phono stage that handles my VPI TT well. And, you can put $7500 into something else. 🤓 Can always try it and give it back if it’s not a fit. |
I went the same route recently, and now have a Coda CSiB, which I’m very happy with. It’s V1, which is 150w into 8 ohms, with the first 18w in class A. Very quick and transparent with smooth highs and tight impactful bass. Coda is a little under the radar but worth checking out. The company is run by former Pass associates, and their amps sound somewhat similar and are similarly well built. |
