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Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them

98.68.183.52
Posted on October 16, 2014 at 13:48:38
CarlEber
Audiophile

Posts: 201
Joined: July 18, 2001
 Hello!

Please suggest an integrated amp, or preferably list the ones you're familiar with, and rank them. Ceiling for budget is approx. $2700, but lower cost is preferred. Solid state (at the power stage) preferred. I do like tube amps, but I need to downsize from separates to an integrated, and would prefer the power and low maintenance of solid state.

Ideally I want at least 100 wpc into 8 ohms, and as many features built into the integrated as possible.

Basically, anything that is going to sound noticeably better than my Onkyo surround receiver, would be good. I use it for surround sound.

 

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RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 16, 2014 at 15:53:03
Rick58
Audiophile

Posts: 1118
Location: No. California
Joined: January 24, 2001
 I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions, and I don't really have a *lot* of experience (altho I had a Yamaha A-700 integrated amp in the 80s, then got a 60's vintage Dynaco SCA-35 tube integrated that blew it away sonically, then got an Audio Analogue Puccini SE from Italy that was very similar to the Dynaco (but all SS). It was a skoch better in many respects and cleaner sounding ...).

My latest systems have been separates (tube pre into tube power amps, now heading towards a SS preamp into the tube power amps).

$2700 should get you a very nice integrated amp, and should sound noticeably better than the receiver (depends on many factors though including quality of speakers, setup, room, and your critical listening preferences). Maybe the new hybrid ones from Rogue are worth looking at? Sphinx with remote $1400 ... this one is fairly basic tho WRT bells and whistles.

Do you need a phono stage? MM or MC cartridge? Do you want to 'integrate' the new integrated amp into the surround setup or will it be separate? I'm not familiar with methods or drawbacks to this approach ... but seems like it would narrow the possibilities somewhat.

What speakers do you use? Some rated at "8 ohms" actually dip to 4 in the bass, so some amps may not be as 'comfortable' driving them (altho I would suspect most $2000 100Wpc integrateds would be fine).

Some of the ones here may be good candidates ...

 

PS: RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 16, 2014 at 16:00:00
Rick58
Audiophile

Posts: 1118
Location: No. California
Joined: January 24, 2001
 Well after reading your system description, you probably don't need *my* help in choosing an integrated.

Best regards and happy listening!

 

I would look at a, posted on October 16, 2014 at 17:30:07
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8488
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 Parasound Halo 2.1


Gsquared

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 16, 2014 at 18:13:49
DKL
Audiophile

Posts: 1046
Location: Deland, FL
Joined: November 20, 2001
 Until now, the best integrated I've owned/heard was the BAT Vk300X-se, which is SS with a tubed preamp section. You can pick one up used in your price range, and you'll love it. Low maintenance with only two tubes in the preamp section.

My Neodio NR-600 Signature is all SS, but is even better than the BAT in my system.

 

RE: I would look at a, posted on October 16, 2014 at 18:32:42
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 I didn't know Parasound made an integrated amplifier. Do you have a link for that one?

Thanks,
John Elison

 

Look here, posted on October 16, 2014 at 18:47:36
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8488
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 Gsquared
Gsquared

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 16, 2014 at 19:08:15
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001
 Roksan Kandy K2 I reviewed not too long ago. $1000 under your budget.

 

You might be able to find , posted on October 16, 2014 at 19:41:40
Mike K
Audiophile

Posts: 13975
Location: 97701
Joined: September 23, 1999
 an Ayre integrated or a BAT 300-series integrated for your budgeted amount.
Both are excellent. The BAT comes in 3 versions: completely solid state,
6h30 tubes in input section, or 6922 tubes in input section. And you can
get any of them with or without a phono section and remote control.

Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone

 

Cool -- Thanks! /nt\, posted on October 16, 2014 at 19:58:25
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004

 

Anthem 225. I bought this beast two years ago. List is $1,600 , posted on October 16, 2014 at 20:11:05
Road Warrior
Audiophile

Posts: 21654
Location: Dallas
Joined: August 31, 2004
 A dealer might cut you a wee bit of slack. Remote controlled, tone controls, and a MM phono input. 225 wrms@8ohm, 300 at 4ohm. Pushes my VERY difficult to drive PSB Synchrony 2s to satisfyingly loud levels with never a whimper. I've seen them on the Asylum Trader for $999 used and minty (relatively new on the scene, a used one almost by definition is less than 3 years old).
----------------------

"E Burres Stigano?"


 

I had no idea! Very nice. How much? $$ - nt, posted on October 16, 2014 at 20:17:35
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46293
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 .

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 16, 2014 at 20:24:30
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46293
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I needed a SS integrated for my office listening setup so I wouldn't 'waste' my tubes in my Rogue Cronus Magnum tube integrated. The Sony TA-A1ES is actually quite nice sounding at 80wpc. The other one that I was considering is the Yamaha A-S2000. Both the Sony and the Yamaha are $2000 MSRP but can be found for less.

If you have a change of mind about a tube integrated the Rogue Cronus Magnum with KT-120 tubes is simply outstanding. They LIST for about $2300 new.







 

How did you use the iPad as a monitor?, posted on October 16, 2014 at 20:31:26
Prisoners
Audiophile

Posts: 4493
Location: Chicago
Joined: June 13, 2004
 Sorry to thread jack but I'm trying to do the same thing with my Mac min and iPad.

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 16, 2014 at 21:04:08
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 I haven't heard 'em extensively, but no takers for the Peachtree, suggested in another thread, or perhaps a used Bryston or maybe an older Krell?
Can a Naim be had for budget?
Too much is never enough

 

RE: Parasound Halo 2.1 Integrated, posted on October 16, 2014 at 21:24:44
Rick58
Audiophile

Posts: 1118
Location: No. California
Joined: January 24, 2001
 I don't think there's an MSRP yet but the preamp section seems to be the Halo P5 (from other forums/threads). Amp section based on A23? possibly ...?

 

Take a good look at..., posted on October 17, 2014 at 05:52:11
rlw
Audiophile

Posts: 3347
Location: Near West Palm Bch, FL
Joined: August 29, 2006
 The Harman/Kardon 990. It has a beast of an amplifier, 2.2 channel capability, plenty of inputs, and room correction capabilities. No longer made, but you can snag a really good used one for $1500 or less...


-RW-

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 17, 2014 at 07:03:13
Tadlo
Audiophile

Posts: 1925
Location: midwest
Joined: March 8, 2003
 How do you switch off between two amplifiers?

 

RE: How did you use the iPad as a monitor?, posted on October 17, 2014 at 07:32:26
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46293
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
I'm not really using the iPad as a monitor for the Mini. It is running the free Remote App which allows you to display and control iTunes. You have to enable Home Sharing in iTunes. You use the Remote App over wifi. The iPad cable you see in the photo is just charging the iPad.

In my case, iTunes is used to manage my music, iPad (or iPhone) to control it remotely, but I'm also running Audirvana Plus on the Mac which bypasses Apple's Core Audio for better sonics.

There are several "remote desktop" Apps for the iPad / Mac and they all work over the network / wifi. I had pretty good results with Jump Desktop. Apple's own "Remote Desktop" is also excellent but somewhat overkill. It is ideally suited for instructor / classroom like scenarios where the instructor can easily switch and view various student desktops and display them to his screen or projector. It's a very good product but a bit complex for individual use.



 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 17, 2014 at 07:34:23
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46293
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
How do you switch off between two amplifiers?

The DAC has two pairs of outputs: XLR & RCA

The RCA outputs are connected to the Rogue tube integrated, the XLR outputs are connected to the Sony. Both amps have power cords plugged into the AC outlet.

I simply swap the speaker cables from one amp to the other, turn ON the desired amp, and it's ready to play.

 

Got it thanks. , posted on October 17, 2014 at 10:03:14
Prisoners
Audiophile

Posts: 4493
Location: Chicago
Joined: June 13, 2004
 I'm familiar with the remote app but I thought you were using the iPad directly as a monitor. That would be very cool!

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 17, 2014 at 14:39:28
jdwaudio
Audiophile

Posts: 383
Location: Connecticut
Joined: July 22, 2000
 I owned the Yamaha S2000. It was a nice amp but lacking a little sparkle and oomph. I traded it in for the new Yamaha S2100. It's far superior to my ears. It solved my two issues with its predecessor. The things I like about this newer version are: tone is realistic; the amp can go from a very quiet passage to a loud one with ease and startling dynamics; the background is dead silent, the bass is strong and punchy and oh did I mention the realistic tone.
The amp retails for more than you would like to spend, $3500 but you may be able to get discount or a demo model.

It's hard to believe the Yamaha S3000, priced at $7000 can be twice as good as the S2100; but I've not heard the S3000.



Jim

 

RE: Anthem 225. I bought this beast two years ago. List is $1,600 , posted on October 17, 2014 at 14:42:48
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15524
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 I will second the 225- has enough power/current to drive Thiel CS 2.7 & CS 3.7 models with authority. I am not an integrated guy, but, I could live w/ this one.

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 17, 2014 at 16:00:38
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46293
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
The Yamaha A-S2100 is another one that I would love to try but it's bit pricey at $3500. From your comments, it may not be worth trying the A-S2000.

I'm pretty happy with my Sony TA-A1ES but I would love to compare it against something else like a recent model Yamaha.



 

Off topic - Mac Mini..., posted on October 17, 2014 at 18:02:09
wheezer
Audiophile

Posts: 4309
Joined: January 24, 2001
 Anyone know if/when the mini is going to be released with the Haswell chip?

Thanks,
W

 

Available with new Intel Haswell CPU now..., posted on October 17, 2014 at 19:57:00
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46293
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Apple just released new Mac Minis yesterday with power efficient Intel Haswell CPU's.


 

RE: Available with new Intel Haswell CPU now..., posted on October 17, 2014 at 20:20:26
Michael Samra
Dealer

Posts: 36118
Location: saginaw michigan
Joined: January 30, 2005
 Excellent!
"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong" H. L. Mencken

 

RE: Anthem 225. I bought this beast two years ago. List is $1,600 , posted on October 17, 2014 at 20:25:26
Michael Samra
Dealer

Posts: 36118
Location: saginaw michigan
Joined: January 30, 2005
 That amp is the bargain of the century..That thing is built like a brick gorilla sh-t house and makes 225 plus per channel and has a very nice quiet phono stage all for 1600 dollars..I have seen 9000 dollar Krell amps that don't sound as good to my ears as the Anthem.
"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong" H. L. Mencken

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 18, 2014 at 08:02:41
chocolate_lover9999@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1628
Location: South Central Coast, California
Joined: October 12, 2003
 Hegel H100 or H80, Unison Unico Primo or Nuovo

 

RE: Anthem 225. I bought this beast two years ago. List is $1,600 , posted on October 18, 2014 at 10:12:40
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I believe it uses a simple passive front end. Clean, clear, ballsie

Go for the Anthem

 

RE: Anthem 225. I bought this beast two years ago. List is $1,600 , posted on October 18, 2014 at 14:55:54
hifinutt
Audiophile

Posts: 285
Location: So.Cal
Joined: March 31, 2002
 I have the Anthem 225, and it has it all, power, convenience, and beautiful sound, all for under 2k. My only quibble is it tends to overshoot when adjusting the volume when using the remote.

 

RE: Available with new Intel Haswell CPU now..., posted on October 18, 2014 at 22:41:12
wheezer
Audiophile

Posts: 4309
Joined: January 24, 2001
 Very sweet...
Thanks Abe.

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 19, 2014 at 00:52:14
Disbeliever
Audiophile

Posts: 1877
Joined: June 1, 2012
 I found despite some good reviews ( never believe any review these days) the Sony TA-1ES sounds very artificial and I returned mine for a refund during Sony's 30 day trial offer. I have the Sony DA5400ES AVR and that sounds excellent the TA-1ES is no good by comparison so try before you finally buy.

 

RE: "try before you finally buy", posted on October 19, 2014 at 06:55:18
rick_m
Audiophile

Posts: 6230
Location: Oregon
Joined: August 11, 2005
 Best recommendation possible... all else pales as there's too many variables.

Rick

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 19, 2014 at 12:48:26
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46293
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Yes I know. You've mentioned your Sony TA-A1ES experience before. Maybe you had a 'dud' or just don't like the sound.

However, the Sony TA-A1ES sounds excellent to me in my setup and for $1300 I'm pretty impressed.

The Sony sounds better than a pair of Hypex NC400 class d mono amps I just auditioned in my room. They're boxed up and ready to go back to the owner who loaned them to me.

I have also compared the Sony TA-A1ES to the Marantz PM-8003 (now in the family room), the Denon PMA-2000IVR (stored in the basement), and the Peachtree iDecco 65 (also stored in the basement).

I still prefer the Rogue Cronus Magnum KT120 tube integrated over any of these solid-state integrated amps but the Sony sounds quite nice to me.

Can you explain how the Sony sounds artificial and no good compared to your Sony DA5400ES AVR? And what others have you compared it to?


 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 19, 2014 at 13:33:53
Disbeliever
Audiophile

Posts: 1877
Joined: June 1, 2012
 Sony TA-1AES is not for me, like class D I can not listen to either.. IMO both HFN & Word & Music reviews are totally wrong, It runs too warm, heat sinks are too small not suitable for HT or mch use as power section can not be separated from pre. I agree bass lacks sonic punch according to What Hi-Fi? plus rhythm deficiency, I find overall sound slightly artificial, have only compared it with the very natural sounding Sony STR-DA5400ES AVR and my own Prime Design A100 integrated 17 year old amplifier.

 

One other volume issue, the dial needs a light on it so one can see it move from across the room^, posted on October 19, 2014 at 14:53:15
Road Warrior
Audiophile

Posts: 21654
Location: Dallas
Joined: August 31, 2004
----------------------

"E Burres Stigano?"


 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 20, 2014 at 09:47:00
beppe61
Audiophile

Posts: 4705
Joined: January 29, 2004
 Hi
I would go with something robust ... especially in the power supply
Even used like one of these in the link
Kind regards,
bg

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 20, 2014 at 13:17:43
BenE
Audiophile

Posts: 405
Location: midwest
Joined: March 18, 2012
 They have less power on paper, but that's just paper - Naim Nait xs, 5 or 5i. Rega Elicit R ( may actually have 100 watts). All good strong kit from brands that have been around for decades.

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 20, 2014 at 13:26:19
Freo-1
Audiophile

Posts: 1329
Location: Florida
Joined: June 14, 2008
 If one wants to get off the equipment upgrade merry go round, EC gear would be at the top of my audition list. In the solid state realm, the EC gear is easily the best overall performer I have come across. They are stable on the most punishing speaker loads available, and seem to get just about everything right. Low level detail is outstanding, with the clarity and correct dynamic contrast (no compression of the loud passages to make the quiet ones appear louder). The design is truly balanced from stem to stern, and propriety circuitry makes it sound closer to music than just about any SS gear out there. EC is a great match with speakers like ATC, which demand top designed electronics to sound their best.

EC seems to have a larger following in Europe than North America, but worth seeking out.
" Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you"

Satchel Paige

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 20, 2014 at 22:40:31
Disbeliever
Audiophile

Posts: 1877
Joined: June 1, 2012
 Never heard of EC ? I forgot to add in my post concerning the artificial sounding Sony TA-!ES the UK version is a rip-off $3250 .

 

I believe he means Electrocompaniet (nt), posted on October 21, 2014 at 20:46:23
DKL
Audiophile

Posts: 1046
Location: Deland, FL
Joined: November 20, 2001
 .

 

RE: I believe he means Electrocompaniet (nt), posted on October 21, 2014 at 23:55:44
Disbeliever
Audiophile

Posts: 1877
Joined: June 1, 2012
 My experience with Electrocompaniet is to avoid them.

 

Hey Michael, thanks for your input. There's no one's opinion, posted on October 22, 2014 at 11:15:20
Road Warrior
Audiophile

Posts: 21654
Location: Dallas
Joined: August 31, 2004
 I value more highly around here, especially when it agrees with mine!
----------------------

"E Burres Stigano?"


 

Rethink that ! choice, posted on October 22, 2014 at 19:47:12
bare
Audiophile

Posts: 1879
Joined: April 14, 2009
 Acurus Dia 100 was IMO unmitigated Junk.
Auditioned one years ago based on the Mondial association. Bass heavy (boom Car heavy) and Shrill thing Worst of both worlds Even the Salesman was emabarrassed.

 

RE: Opinions on SS integrated amps, please list and rank them, posted on October 22, 2014 at 22:55:19
Mikey8811
Audiophile

Posts: 188
Joined: June 4, 2011
 Abe, your setups are the neatest looking - no unsightly wires anywhere and very clean - everytime I see your pics, i feel like shooting myself...

 

There're a couple of Acurus A200 amps (by "Mondial" on front) on Dallas' Craigslist , posted on October 23, 2014 at 20:20:09
Road Warrior
Audiophile

Posts: 21654
Location: Dallas
Joined: August 31, 2004
 for $350 each. I was thinking that sounded like a good price considering the wattage. But not being in need of yet another amp I passed. They've been up for weeks.
----------------------

"E Burres Stigano?"


 

RE: Rethink that ! choice, posted on October 23, 2014 at 23:02:29
beppe61
Audiophile

Posts: 4705
Joined: January 29, 2004


Hi and thanks for the advice
To be honest I have never listened any of them
Just read some quite positive reviews
I was about to buy a Acurus A100 i think it was
Instead i bought an integrated Roksan Kandy that should arrive next week.
It should be like the one in the picture.
In general i am obsessed by the power supply. I like big toroids and big PS caps
I am more for power than finesse let's say.
Thanks again.
Kind regards,
bg

 

RE: Anthem amp, posted on October 28, 2014 at 13:21:22
sbrians
Audiophile

Posts: 1455
Joined: March 4, 2002
 I'm an Anthem fan. My best-sounding Amp is an AMP 2 SE hybrid which blows away anything else that I have heard for the price.
Although my old CI D-200s sound almost as good, but use much less power.
I've never heard an Anthem pre or integrated though.

 

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