2. best-of
  3. 1141081264

Best Integrated Amp You Ever Heard?

I am tired of the Pre-amp+Power-amp game. So, I am in the quest of finding a really really good integrated amp, preferably used, so I can save some money off the original price.
Right now, I have a pair of Triangle Celius (92db), but I would like the amp to be able to drive other not-so-sensitive speakers.

What is the best integrated amp you've ever listened to?

Thanks,

Josep
josep_hernandez
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,184 posts
 
I'm not an expert on integrated amps, but I've just sold off my seperates for a Pathos TT (Twin Towers).
It's a hybrid int. amp that puts out 35WPC in class A. I've only had it a few days, but I can say that sonically, it's every bit as good as my seperates, it looks great, and I have fewer power cords and interconnects to deal with. I have no regrets!
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
Josep, Tube or SS?
josep_hernandez OP
50 posts
 
Well, I've heard good and bad SS and tube. Though I tend to like tube gear better than Solid State; I think there are great solid state sounding amps. I consider good the Mac 2275, the Viva Solista, the T+A V10, Accuphase, Krell 400Xi, Lavardin. Even the Creek 4040 (the first model from 1982; the rest were pretty awful) was incredible.

I just think an amp has to reveal 3D presence, fast attack and decay, tempo and dynamics.

Josep
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
if your budget goes as high as to include the T+A it is a pretty awesome piece other than the name.
gregm
3,395 posts
 
I just think an amp has to reveal (...) presence, fast attack and decay, tempo and dynamics
Much of what you seek requires good upper bass & hi freq reproduction in phase. So, spkrs are (a big) part of the equation too.

Speakign of amps, one brand that seems to offer this consistently with various spkrs (including Triangle -- but I only listened to the "Magellan" line) is Symphonic Line. They offer a number of integrateds in their product line.
There are certainly others
More to discover