![]() This Luxman also delivered “room-energizing, deep, tuneful bass response.”īased on our initial impressions, this pure Class A vacuum tube integrated has it all: “a fully balanced design, vacuum tube KT150 stereo integrated power amplifier, 70+70 Watts RMS, Pentode, Triode operation.” A unique minimalist true balanced circuit topology, combined with superb fit, finish and reliability, result in an amplifier that exudes a high level of panache without those kind of luxury prices. The L550 only has 20 watts per channel of solid-state power, but with the right speakers it will provide plenty of scale, even with orchestral recordings. This integrated amplifier has a ton of features, and a killer phono stage and a very competent headphone amplifier. You only get 13 watts per channel at 8 ohms, but my what lovely watts they are, with brilliant clarity and realism. The Z10 integrated might be the most intriguing in the line since it offers rare performance at a relatively low price, and in a relatively modest-looking box. LTA was started just a few years ago with one main purpose-to implement David Berning’s ZOTL topologies into a range of relatively affordable products. Linear Tube Audio Z10 Integrated ($4,900 USD) With the Uniti Atom, you get a highly refined class AB integrated amplifier, a great DAC, and an easy-to-use interface that lets the box also serve as a music streamer. With its jewel-like build quality, cool front-panel visual interface, and that sick big-wheel volume control on top, what’s not to love? OK, so it doesn’t have a phono stage, but it does pretty much everything else. Despite our proclivity for minimalist integrated amps designed for purists, the Parasound makes a compelling argument for having it all.Ī highly sophisticated and great sounding do-it-all wonder, the Uniti Atom comes to the party dressed to impress. Plus you get excellent sound quality, which may not be available with most A/V receivers with comparable features and price. You get a lot for your three grand with the Hint6-a DAC, a headphone amp, a phono stage and 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms. An ideal product for new audiophiles, or for simplifying your existing hi-fi spread. Not the last word in inner detail or midrange purity, but at this price you’re getting a lot for your money. Rotel is creating a new presence in the US with a new, energized line, epitomized by this small but feature-packed 80wpc integrated which also has employed a very modern DAC within its diminutive frame. We’ve used this little Hungarian amp in many expensive systems and not once did we feel it was the weak link in the chain. That means for a mere $200 more you’re getting a full-function 45wpc integrated that on its own sounds like something much more expensive. This small yet sonically exquisite little integrated amplifier features a Heed phono stage that would normally cost you $500 as a standalone, a headphone amplifier that would cost you another $500. “True high-end sound does not have to be a luxury,” we deduced after spending time with this “hand-built, point-to-point wired, Single-Ended-Transistor voltage amplifier which offers 60 Watts per channel stereo into 8-Ohm loads.” The lack of active preamplification, the reason why it’s a “control amp” and not a typical integrated, can be argued: does it belong in a list of best integrated amplifiers? But the design makes the SET 120 a natural choice in its price class over “trendy” Class-D integrated amps. A mere seven watts per channel may limit your choice of loudspeakers, but the Ether provided a “fast, up-front and very clear sound.”Īudio by Van Alstine SET 120 ($1,199 USD) That Sprout’s successor, the Sprout 100, is even better! It costs a little bit more but delivers a lot more in return–more power, an improved high-resolution DAC circuit and a nice remote control.įrom the mind of the former designer for 47 Laboratories, this minimalist amp is borne from the same principles-simplicity, short signal paths and an impressively small list of internal parts. We thoroughly loved and appreciated the original PS Audio Sprout for what it was: a small class-D amplifier with a built-in Bluetooth receiver, DAC, and even a phono stage, and all for less than $500. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |