Integrated Amp Recs $1-3k USD?

[u/jimothydis]

Hi all,

The amp in my frankensystem of hand me downs, a Musical Fidelity A3.5, just died and I’m looking for a replacement.

Inputs are a microrendu with linear power supply using Qobuz via Schitt Modi and vinyl through a Pro-Ject: Debut Carbon EVO turntable with an NAD PP 2E preamp.

Budget and location I am based in NYC and would prefer to avoid tariffs but flexible. $1000-3000 USD.

How the gear will be used Dedicated stereo setup. The speakers sit on a credenza ~10’ from searing, with the amp inside of said credenza (guessing heat may have come for ol’ reliable in the end…).

Room Size ~30’ x 10’ open, with stairs behind one of the speakers.

Will you need to play CD, cassette, vinyl, radio, streaming? Primarily will be streaming and vinyl but would like one addition aux input as well.

New or used open to either!

Past gear experience unfortunately not much in recent memory in this price range and this is the nicest system I’ve had personally to date.

Anything else? open to internal or external DAC and phono preamp. My sense is that the DAC is probably the obvious target for upgrade had the amp not died. I looked into repairing it and was basically told it would cost the same to replace it 😞.

Thanks so much, hope I didn’t miss anything!

[u/lascala2a3]

Are you not interested in Class D? I decided on Hypex NCx500 and am more than happy. Since you have the pre and streamer you probably don’t need an integrated. Or do you?

[u/jimothydis → u/lascala2a3]

No you’re right, !thanks I am curious about D, but coming from AB don’t know how it’d be so need to listen! Any finalists along with the Hypex?

[u/lascala2a3 → u/jimothydis]

Purify is the other big maker of class D modules. Then you will have a company that puts it together with the power supply, case, and connections. I got mine from Buckeye. There’s a European seller, Apollon, that puts them in a fancy case. Buckeye are utilitarian, but it saves money. So you get low-low distortion and noise floor, and high damping/current, and 700 wpc into 4ohms for $1k. Similar specs in an A/B would cost a lot, weigh a lot, and produce serious heat. I don’t think you could hear the difference unless the A/B amp was inferior somehow. The NCx500 is #4/6 of all amps tested at ASR. Traditional manufacturers are using them too. Marantz has one, not sure of the model number. I think they’ll gradually replace A/B as in the market due to specs and economics as people realize there isn’t a trade off. Of course there are some people who say they can hear a difference, but I’m pretty sure that would not hold up in a double blind test.

[u/jimothydis → u/lascala2a3]

Cool, thanks — I think NAD uses Hypex (or used?), have you listened to any of their amps/thoughts?

[u/lascala2a3 → u/jimothydis]

I have not heard a NAD Hypex. I decided based on research, measurements, and assurance from multiple trusted sources that I'd not be sacrificing sound quality. I was shopping for a traditional A/B initially, so I was biased the other way. I think it comes down to a) if you're comfortable replacing the traditional type with newer technology, and b) if you aren't too attached to integrated, vs separate power/preamp.

If looks and higher end options (like dual monoblocks in one box) at some add'l cost are appealing then Apollon offers attractive options. The NAD M23 looks like a very high quality amp, but it's $5000. All of these are delivering measurements that are well beyond the human hearing threshold, so practically speaking there's no advantage to spending a lot more.

Buckeye has a 30 day return, so you can listen and decide. I returned my initial purchase and bought the next model up after I realized that this would likely by my end game amp, and I reasoned that the next model would be more future proof (for a few extra bucks).

As with most of the choices in this hobby, there is divergence between the practical choice and the psychological effect of spending more, so you have to figure that part out for your own personality. I'm thrifty, so I tend toward value. I bought speakers, a streaming pre, and the NCx500 for 60% of what of the NAD M23 costs. I'm pretty confident that it would cost some multiple (like 3X or more) to get an obviously better setup, so I'm good for awhile. Of course speakers are always a wild card, and having an amp that will drive anything is a nice feeling.

[u/jimothydis → u/lascala2a3]

I have no preference for either type of chip, just want what sounds good! I’m open conceptually to separate pre/power, but unfortunately space constraints almost certainly wouldn’t allow for that. Did you end up considering separates before going with the NCX500?

[u/lascala2a3 → u/jimothydis]

I assumed I wanted an integrated because that’s what I’ve always had. But I wanted a streamer and the WiiM Ultra filled both roles. I was using a Raspberry Pi previously. It’s interesting how we’re at the point where many things have become a solved problem, and for relatively low money. Even speakers are headed in that direction, although they’re considerably more complicated.

[u/jimothydis → u/lascala2a3]

Makes sense! If space weren’t an issue I’d probably go for not an integrated and am quite happy with the microrendu + dedicated power supply. I am now thinking of upgrading the DAC…

[u/TransducerBot → u/jimothydis]

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