After my contribution to the thread “what is your endgame speakers?” I started to think about what would be my endgame amplification - a difficult thing to do because the possibilities are too many - after realized that probably a top solid-state integrated amplifier would be my choice. Being honest to what my top budget could be (around 10000 usd/eur, in my dreams) still too many possibilities came forward: - ASR Emitter I Exclusive - Accuphase E-650 class A - Luxman L-509X - Mcintosh MA7200 - Pass Labs INT25 I could add a couple more to that list but I think that in the end, I would be a cheapskate and bet on the high value NAD M12 / M23 combo, for less than 7000 usd/eur. Not an integrated but a very interesting proposal, complete with a phono stage and a streamer. Thinking more about it, that Luxman could be the one for decades to come... Perhaps the majority of you already know more clearly what would be your endgame amplifier
I'm very happy with my Primaluna Evo 300 w/ KT-150s and Radiotechniques and Mazdas up front but if I were inclined to go to the next step I would audition the following: Krell K300i Coda CSib LTA Z40+ and probably a few others
I'm currently day dreaming about a Cary Audio SLI-80. Having a Cary SLP-98 Preamp, I enjoy the Cary 'House Sound'. The SLI-80 with it's 40 watts of Class A would drive my speakers with no problem.
I've owned the Luxman L509X for about a year now and have absolutely no regrets. Ran Magnepan .7's, Harbeth 30.2XD and currently playing KLH Model 5's. Everything sounds superb, but this Luxman-KLH combo is something else. Go figure.
I really like the Rogue CWIII but I have concerns for the future. I have has class "D" but I didn't really love it.
Good question. I would probably opt for the Rega Aethos, as I don't think I'd ever spend substantially more than that.
I have no endgame but I do think eventually I'll get rid of most of my stuff and just settle for any of my small single ended low watt amps. I would like to have a Decware someday.
509xi E-250 DA-250 The laid back appearance, ergonomics, build quality, perfect. The SQ, well there is none, it just passes the signal thru. The power will never be a limitation. Clips at 180 W 8 Ohm 500 W dynamic power into 2 Ohm. ~17 A Dead quiet. Honestly, I can't imagine needing more. The weak link are my ears.
I have a Hegel H390 which I think is fantastic value for money. If I was ever going to upgrade to a better integrated, I'd be looking at Gryphon Diablo 300 and Boulder 866.
Having owned a Belles Aria briefly and now in love with a pair of Belles Aria mono amps, I would go for the better line of Belles integrateds. Up from the Aria is the Aris dual mono for $3500, Next the signature and finally the 200wpc Virtuoso. Yeah, I'd love to hear them Power Modules
I’m happy with my Silbatone JL-107. A hybrid of 130wpc running WE 310a tubes. I like my SLI-80 is a nice amp, it’s good once you tube roll it. But the SLP-98 is no slouch. I wonder if the SLI-80 can best the SLP-98 paired with a decent power amp? I suspect it might not. Since you own the SLP-98, just save up for the SLP-05. It’s really good. I made a mistake selling mine.
Presuming this thread is about stereo, no such thing yet. That would mean HDMI in to get sound from TV apps, AirPlay to stream, and good room correction. AFAIK that does not exist. Out of existing stuff, maybe Parasound due to bass management. Ignoring that I like the PrimaLuna stuff, or maybe Benchmark though I've never heard that stuff. I just like the idea of insanely low noise levels though it's probably inaudible.
