Consider Dynaudio active speakers, even more simplicity.
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
- ...
- 60 posts total
Accuphase E-3000. Its classic looks, build quality, and champagne finish are second to none. It sounds pretty good too. Its in your budget and has 150 wpc into 4 ohm speakers. Not sure what your impetus for going integrated is, but mine was being at a point in life where simplicity and aesthetics is same priority (or more dare I say) as sound quality. Some of the aforementioned equipment has very bland DIY styling or over the top extreme styling one might get tired of when the newness excitement fades. |
@traudio i had the CSiB V2 for about 6 months; it is a beautifully made integrated; power to spare. To my ear, however, with my Joseph Audio Perspective 2 Graphenes is was neutral to a fault. I swapped out the CODA with a GATO DIA 400-S integrated just to see if the added warmth of the Gato would be better. It was no contest. The speakers came alive. That led me to the GATO monoblock PWR-222, which are extraordinary, but are also very much not what you are looking for. But all this is to say, if you think your Dynaudio’s might benefit from a little more zip and warmth, the Gato Amp-150 (150 wpc class AB) or the DIA 400-S (400 wpc class D, pascal module) might be worth considering. Much less than $10K (more like 5K in fact) and a 30-day home trial (if you don’t like then you pay only for shipping them back to their US address; no hassles with international shipping or duties). (They’re very easy on the eyes too.) |
Not sure if KRELL is still in business but their "new" k-300i integrated amp is great. The first 90 watts is in Class A and a total of 150 watts at 8 Ohm. I had the CODA CSIB v1 at the same time and preferred the KRELL. I have heard the new SimAudio Moon Collection 761/791 combo, and it was really good. A super clean sound like a Benchmark AHB2 amp but warmer. I have not heard the integrated amp in the lineup, but if I were only looking for an integrated amp I would also look at https://simaudio.com/en/product/641-integrated-amplifier/ BTW - if you only need a single digital source then I would pair your BHK amp with my imersiv D-1 DAC/preamp. It means you would only have 1 source into the DAC. It is a unicorn DAC with respect to the level of detail you hear. With your slightly warm amp it would be a spectacular. You would need to get an attachment from imersiv to hookup the subs. This is how I am using my good system. Streaming into the DAC via USB and also SACD/CD’s via a transport into the same DAC on SPDIF. This DAC is sonically compromised if you hook it up to a preamp. Defeats the purpose of buying this DAC. |
@traudio , An Accuphase integrated should set you for a couple of decades. Speakers might come and go as you feel. |
- 60 posts total