View Full Version : Which Integrated Amp....?
Which Integrated amp would you buy today either Old or New?
I am not after a streaming amp but may consider Integrated amps with a DAC included.
Budget £2000.
There still seems to be a huge choice out there nowadays even considering most folk probably listen to music via phone and pair of earbuds!
Easy for me to narrow down the choice as ninety percent of them I would not have on looks alone :)
I like the Onkyo Icon A50 the most I think. Quite a saving on two grand.
https://www.richersounds.com/onkyo-icon-a-50-black/
The Atoll IN1000 looks okay too and is probably more powerful.
https://www.richersounds.com/atoll-electronique-in100-signature-black/
Easy for me to narrow down the choice as ninety percent of them I would not have on looks alone :)
I like the Onkyo Icon A50 the most I think. Quite a saving on two grand.
https://www.richersounds.com/onkyo-icon-a-50-black/
The Atoll IN1000 looks okay too and is probably more powerful.
https://www.richersounds.com/atoll-electronique-in100-signature-black/
Funny you should choose those Martin as the Atoll 100 or 200 are definitely on my list.
I will take a look at the Onkyo as it was not even on my radar!
Funny you should choose those Martin as the Atoll 100 or 200 are definitely on my list.
I will take a look at the Onkyo as it was not even on my radar!
For another grand you can have the pre-power. If you look at this it could practically be your room:
https://i.ibb.co/4nhF03Zc/Onkyo-Icon-P-80-M-80-Press-Release-Primary.webp (https://ibb.co/67jyqLR2)
For another grand you can have the pre-power. If you look at this it could practically be your room:
https://i.ibb.co/4nhF03Zc/Onkyo-Icon-P-80-M-80-Press-Release-Primary.webp (https://ibb.co/67jyqLR2)
Brilliant -looks nice, modern but traditional. I think they have got the styling spot on.:thumbsup:
Ali Tait
18-01-2026, 20:38
Can't go wrong with a VU meter. :-)
Pigmy Pony
18-01-2026, 21:40
That Onkyo pre/power looks the dog's danglies, especially with those meters, if your budget will stretch.
But while in Richers, have a listen to one of these (I admit I'm a bit of a MF fan)... £1400 right now, used to be £2.5k. They come in black too. The Onkyo looks way cooler though.
https://www.zouchaudio.co.uk/images/m6si-integrated-amplifier-p4988-26903_image.jpg
That's worth considering too.
That Onkyo pre/power looks the dog's danglies, especially with those meters, if your budget will stretch.
But while in Richers, have a listen to one of these (I admit I'm a bit of a MF fan)... £1400 right now, used to be £2.5k. They come in black too. The Onkyo looks way cooler though.
https://www.zouchaudio.co.uk/images/m6si-integrated-amplifier-p4988-26903_image.jpg
This has been on my radar for some time too and the M5si. They are quite old design now but that doesn't really matter.
Pigmy Pony
19-01-2026, 08:58
This has been on my radar for some time too and the M5si. They are quite old design now but that doesn't really matter.
I liken it to an 'update' of my A5 integrated, but it's more than that (this one has a MM and MC phono stage, which is reportedly very good), and is a dual mono design. But like mine it's high power and high current, and will drive almost anything with ease.
There are also upgrades-a-plenty available, from folk like ex-MF engineer John Sampson, which reportedly takes these amps' performance to another level, provided your pockets are deep enough :)
Definitely worth a listen.
willbewill
19-01-2026, 09:48
Marantz MODEL 40n would be high on my list
https://www.marantz.com/dw/image/v2/BGJH_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-soundunited/default/dw13318a58/marantz/PDP_Images/MODEL40n/MODEL40n-Black/MODEL40n-Black_Image_studio-front-on.png?sw=2160
Don't like the porthole. IMO Marantz haven't done any good looking amps since the PM95
https://i.ibb.co/b5jg8nJW/pm-95.jpg (https://ibb.co/pj6v9py0)
Look at this horror
https://i.ibb.co/DgM5M1PF/6583368-sd.avif (https://ibb.co/HpPnPKLy)
Pigmy Pony
19-01-2026, 10:29
Looks like a broadband router on steroids.
Looks like a broadband router on steroids.
Seems like there's two choices these days - horrifically ugly, or retro with meters. No-one's got any worthwhile new design ideas.
Marantz MODEL 40n would be high on my list
https://www.marantz.com/dw/image/v2/BGJH_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-soundunited/default/dw13318a58/marantz/PDP_Images/MODEL40n/MODEL40n-Black/MODEL40n-Black_Image_studio-front-on.png?sw=2160
Like the look of these Malcolm. I was looking at the Model 50 myself as I have a streamer/dac I can run through it. Like the old school sensible design of the Model 50 but the 40 would certainly be ideal as a amp/digital hub.
Don't like the porthole. IMO Marantz haven't done any good looking amps since the PM95
https://i.ibb.co/b5jg8nJW/pm-95.jpg (https://ibb.co/pj6v9py0)
Look at this horror
https://i.ibb.co/DgM5M1PF/6583368-sd.avif (https://ibb.co/HpPnPKLy)
I agree Martin the new Class D box is not inspiring!
Rega Elicit 5?
I have been looking at the range of Rega amps and they all look very good, nice build quality and they always get good reviews.
Hegel H120 on sale here…
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?78936-Hegel-H120-knockdown-price&p=1397341#post1397341
Hegel H120 on sale here…
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?78936-Hegel-H120-knockdown-price&p=1397341#post1397341
Hegel 150 and 190v on the list, both have phono stage too.
hifi_dave
20-01-2026, 10:03
Hegel H120 on sale here…
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?78936-Hegel-H120-knockdown-price&p=1397341#post1397341
Thanks for that.
I also have other Hegel amps and Rega which have never been used due to health problems but going at a good price. Please e-mail. radlettaudio@hotmail.co.uk
I am surprised that you are changing from the Croft?
I am surprised that you are changing from the Croft?
To be honest the Integrated amp is for my second system in another room but I wanted it to be good enough as a back up for the Croft to be used as a pre or power amp or both. However I do also have plans to upgrade the Croft system!
Easy for me to narrow down the choice as ninety percent of them I would not have on looks alone :)
I like the Onkyo Icon A50 the most I think. Quite a saving on two grand.
https://www.richersounds.com/onkyo-icon-a-50-black/
The Atoll IN1000 looks okay too and is probably more powerful.
https://www.richersounds.com/atoll-electronique-in100-signature-black/
Can't find any reviews on the Onkyo - still too new I guess but it looks like a nicely designed amp from the outside but its what the inside that counts and how it sounds?
Richer Sounds have a demo room these days, go along they'll probably hook it up for you. More reliable than what What Hi-Fi will have to say about it.
I didn't notice until now that it has Dirac.
Richer Sounds have a demo room these days, go along they'll probably hook it up for you. More reliable than what What Hi-Fi will have to say about it.
I didn't notice until now that it has Dirac.
Richer Sounds have excellent selection but my nearest is Solihull which is a pain to get to from where I live. Maybe worth the trip if I could line up a few options though.
Got a listening session lined up next week at a fairly local independent dealer. They have a fair few Integrated amps so I will see how many I can get through!
They have Atoll, Audiolab , Rega, Cyrus, Chord and Naim amps so selection of British but most probably manufactured elsewhere.
I have two Atoll amps lined up but for a session but will try and listen to a midrange Rega and maybe an Audiolab. Could be interesting?
Got a listening session lined up next week at a fairly local independent dealer. They have a fair few Integrated amps so I will see how many I can get through!
They have Atoll, Audiolab , Rega, Cyrus, Chord and Naim amps so selection of British but most probably manufactured elsewhere.
I have two Atoll amps lined up but for a session but will try and listen to a midrange Rega and maybe an Audiolab. Could be interesting?
Rega, Naim and Chord are still UK made I think. Don't know about Cyrus or Atoll.
Cyrus I'd avoid just because there's too many stories about unreliability. No data on that but it puts me off and why take a chance when there's so many options.
Rega try to jam everything into cases that are too small and so have power supply noise. Probably not audible but again why bother when there's alternatives?
Modern Naim just looks ugly and is over-priced, same with Chord.
Atoll are French, and they claim all the product are manufactured in their facility in Normandy.
The other question I would ask, is what are the intended speakers?
The other question I would ask, is what are the intended speakers?
Yes Atoll are one of the highlights of the French audio industry. Take a look at their build quality, all discreet components and no surface mount PCB stuff. Quality caps and transformers and components including wiring etc. They are a great "old school" type of manufacturer and all hand built in France in their new Normandy factory.
Tricky with speakers as whatever I buy Kevin will have to work with a range of speakers including large floor standers and small stand mounts?
There is a black M6si for a good price on pfm.
There is a black M6si for a good price on pfm.
Thanks for letting me know.
Rega Elicit 5?
Had a listen to the Elex Mk4 yesterday along with Audiolab 6000 mk2 and a few Atolls. Even the cheapest Atoll sounded rather good with the higher models sounding more controlled and maybe more refined.
Audiolab 6000a mk2 was not to my liking but the Rega Elex was instantly engaging and likable. Never heard a Rega amp before but they look well built and the Rega Elex Mk4 has a decent phono stage which I would expect coming from a company like Rega. This is now a front runner in my quest for integrated amps with a phono input.
hifi_dave
01-02-2026, 14:47
Good choice.
hifinutt
02-02-2026, 16:25
Richer Sounds have excellent selection but my nearest is Solihull which is a pain to get to from where I live. Maybe worth the trip if I could line up a few options though.
get down to david at the little audio co in balsall common and he will look after you with the Hegel . you will know him from the shows , he is always there
get down to david at the little audio co in balsall common and he will look after you with the Hegel . you will know him from the shows , he is always there
thanks for the heads up Phil.
hifi_dave
03-02-2026, 10:16
You guys make me smile. I've been on AOS for 17 years but still get ignored. I do my utmost to be helpful but very rarely does anyone take notice, I suppose it's a case of he's 'trade' so knows nothing and is devious. I might just as well not bother.
The interested party lives in Birmingham, you are in Essex. I think that might be the problem Dave.
As for thinking that because you are a dealer your expert knowledge is not to be received with trust, well that is nonsense. And for those that harbour these suspicions, that is their loss.
Dave you are a long time Member of this Forum, and I for one always value your posts and opinions.
Pigmy Pony
03-02-2026, 12:12
You guys make me smile. I've been on AOS for 17 years but still get ignored. I do my utmost to be helpful but very rarely does anyone take notice, I suppose it's a case of he's 'trade' so knows nothing and is devious. I might just as well not bother.
No, please keep bothering Dave. I always read your posts, and value your experience. And your contributions bring a 'human' element (not just here to sell something). I don't see that elsewhere.
Also I read Barry's mention of his visit to your place one time, with the amazing room :) That doesn't sound like a 'mere trader' who knows nothing, but someone with a real passion.
I don't even let having no money keep me from following your Trade Expressions thread :)
hifi_dave
03-02-2026, 15:41
Thank you Barry and Steve, I appreciate your support.
I have spent my entire working life since 1973 trying to help people to choose the best Hi-Fi system they can get for their money and have many thousands of satisfied customers over the years. During this time I have gathered some knowledge and expertise and have had some very talented designers and manufacturers I have been proud to call friends but sometimes on various forums I am put down with comments such as "he would say that" or "of course, he's a dealer" etc or just completely ignored even when the discussion is completely factual and not an opinion.
Because of this I restrict my forum time to AOS, which is the friendliest forum in my opinion. I also go on PFM but that can get aggressive and the HUG where I have never had a bad word and my posts are always taken seriously. I'm often ignored completely on all but the HUG but George, Colin or Brian who has had at most a couple of systems in his life is lauded as a pundit and often very wrong. It's hurtful because I care and am here because I want to help and I care.
That's it. I've had my rant and will carry on doing my best and thank those who appreciate my opinion.
So I think my quest for an Integrated amp has narrowed down to Atoll or Rega. I really liked the Atoll IN300 and the IN50 was not too bad either but I feel I need to be somewhere in the middle of these two models. Maybe the IN80 or IN100 would suit. With built in MM phono stage and lots of grunt these Atoll amps really do sound both refined and the further you go up the range more control in the bass region. This was obvious when I heard the more powerful dual PSU IN300. The IN 50 was a little lacking in the bottom end control.
Did you hear the IN200?
This maybe the sweet spot for you.
Both great choices Jim.
Not heard Atoll m’self but heard OF them as sounding terrific.
Had various Rega electronics over the years and they really know their stuff.
Their higher end gear in particular is quite special.
I’d add Hegel amps to the list as well, seriously robust power supplies in their amps and great sound because of that.
Did you hear the IN200?
This maybe the sweet spot for you.
Not heard the In200 but it’s only 20 or so watts different to the IN300.
Both great choices Jim.
Not heard Atoll m’self but heard OF them as sounding terrific.
Had various Rega electronics over the years and they really know their stuff.
Their higher end gear in particular is quite special.
I’d add Hegel amps to the list as well, seriously robust power supplies in their amps and great sound because of that.
Yes Hegel are certainly premium but they are streaming amps fully loaded digital. I want to take care of this bit myself!;):)
Pigmy Pony
05-02-2026, 08:42
Last week I was looking at streaming amps online. Not for any particular reason, I've no intention of getting one. Anyway, I spotted a JBL integrated streaming amp, which was really nice looking imo, but reviews had some pretty bad things to say about Harman's (JBL's parent company) shitty tech support, and the buggy nature of streaming amps in general with all the 'software updates' nonsense. So yes I think you're right to get analogue amp with offboard streaming.
It made me think 'if only JBL did a regular amp without all that streamer nonsense'... turns out they do, it the SA 550 Classic. Got some decent reviews at its original rrp of £1,750, but now Peter Tyson are flogging them for £599! I'm so tempted, but really can't justify that for my second system ;) But it's got wooden sides, and who doesn't like wooden sides?
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwiKnKGZ-sGSAxXDmFAGHbztKM8YACICCAEQARoCZGc&co=1&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b873IGxQeHD7-CG5e3faS7DkCuRruAewgyEVpw_Y2P5ji7-u4BzQUHoaApIhEALw_wcB&cce=2&category=acrcp_v1_32&sig=AOD64_1XhKejqNIzqCMahFOG2e3rIBiuiw&ctype=5&q=&nis=4&ved=2ahUKEwi5vJqZ-sGSAxXyTkEAHeuJKWwQ9aACKAB6BAgLEBE&adurl=
Last week I was looking at streaming amps online. Not for any particular reason, I've no intention of getting one. Anyway, I spotted a JBL integrated streaming amp, which was really nice looking imo, but reviews had some pretty bad things to say about Harman's (JBL's parent company) shitty tech support, and the buggy nature of streaming amps in general with all the 'software updates' nonsense. So yes I think you're right to get analogue amp with offboard streaming.
It made me think 'if only JBL did a regular amp without all that streamer nonsense'... turns out they do, it the SA 550 Classic. Got some decent reviews at its original rrp of £1,750, but now Peter Tyson are flogging them for £599! I'm so tempted, but really can't justify that for my second system ;) But it's got wooden sides, and who doesn't like wooden sides?
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwiKnKGZ-sGSAxXDmFAGHbztKM8YACICCAEQARoCZGc&co=1&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b873IGxQeHD7-CG5e3faS7DkCuRruAewgyEVpw_Y2P5ji7-u4BzQUHoaApIhEALw_wcB&cce=2&category=acrcp_v1_32&sig=AOD64_1XhKejqNIzqCMahFOG2e3rIBiuiw&ctype=5&q=&nis=4&ved=2ahUKEwi5vJqZ-sGSAxXyTkEAHeuJKWwQ9aACKAB6BAgLEBE&adurl=
I will use the Wiim Pro Plus for streaming and DAC and EQ duties so I don't need any digital stuff going on inside an amp. This is the way I prefer and the Wiims software is fantastic and the DAC ( AKM) sounds very good. So I really only need an old school integrated with phono stage.
So I am back on the Integrated amp quest. Got a bit distracted recently with my Croft upgrade and ended up going in a very convoluted full circle, so I still have a full Croft system running in my main listening room, namely a 25R preamp and Series 7 power amp and it sounds even better than my previous Croft set up, but that's another story!
I had left the integrated amplifier situation as an almost level heat between the Atoll In100/200 or a Rega Elex Mk4. Having heard both but not in my system I was impressed with either and indeed I could toss a coin and be happy with both. Now I have to make up my mind and get on with the job and buy one and my head is telling me the Rega.
Rega are British made and have a long pedigree of analogue and indeed their gear seems to be very orientated towards this. Also Rega have a lifetime warranty which is pretty good. I really needed an integrated amp that has a good phono stage and I am sure the Rega's will be great running my Lenco GL75 / AT95ex cartridge? So this maybe the deciding factor for me. Having heard one I was very happy with the sound and all the reviews have been extremely positive so I am pretty sure this is what I am going to end up with.
hifi_dave
07-03-2026, 16:58
The Rega phono stages are very good and definitely not just an afterthought.
Their service is the best. I have rarely had to return anything for repair or service over the decades but as an example, I have just returned a 20 year old Maia with one channel nfg. Total repair bill is £45. Most companies with equipment of this age either no longer exist or won't tackle it.
Another Rega plus is that their products hold their price well where so many other makes are difficult to sell.
The Rega phono stages are very good and definitely not just an afterthought.
Their service is the best. I have rarely had to return anything for repair or service over the decades but as an example, I have just returned a 20 year old Maia with one channel nfg. Total repair bill is £45. Most companies with equipment of this age either no longer exist or won't tackle it.
Another Rega plus is that their products hold their price well where so many other makes are difficult to sell.
Hi Dave, how would you compare the Rega Elex Mk4 against the Elicit Mk5 in terms of sound quality?
hifi_dave
08-03-2026, 09:31
Both excellent amps with very good phono stages. The Elicit obviously has more power with a more solid bottom end and greater punch but you won't be disappointed with either. Both have excellent build quality.
Both excellent amps with very good phono stages. The Elicit obviously has more power with a more solid bottom end and greater punch but you won't be disappointed with either. Both have excellent build quality.
Thanks for the insight Dave.
Considering it will be driving just a pair of Spendor SP2 speakers I don't think I will really require the 100w of the Elicit?
Surely more power will give you better control?
But is it worth £800?
Surely more power will give you better control?
Only if the speakers need it which they probably don't. 8 ohm nominal and 88dB sensitivity. 30 watts would be fine in normal size room.
hifi_dave
08-03-2026, 16:00
Thanks for the insight Dave.
Considering it will be driving just a pair of Spendor SP2 speakers I don't think I will really require the 100w of the Elicit?
It's not just the power output, it's the sound quality. I've never demo'd the Elicit v Elex and not sold the Elicit but both are excellent.
Only if the speakers need it which they probably don't. 8 ohm nominal and 88dB sensitivity. 30 watts would be fine in normal size room.
I have driven the Spendors with 45w amp for years and never felt I was lacking power. Anyway whichever amp I get will probably get "adjusted" by using the EQ on the Wiim. I am currently using a 25w Class D amp at the moment and with a bit of EQ you would think I am using a 100 watts of oomph !:)
I have driven the Spendors with 45w amp for years and never felt I was lacking power. Anyway whichever amp I get will probably get "adjusted" by using the EQ on the Wiim. I am currently using a 25w Class D amp at the moment and with a bit of EQ you would think I am using a 100 watts of oomph !:)
I do wonder what I could get away with. The power amp I use will put 67 watts into 8 ohm and about twice that into 4 ohm and the speakers are a pretty constant 4 ohm load. The amp lights up if it has to put out more than 0.75 of a watt for 2 seconds or more - it never lights up.
It will be using a lot more power when there's an amplitude peak in the low frequencies of course but just shows how any high sensitivity (say, over 87dB) speaker needs very little power except on peaks.
There's no advantage to having unused amplifier power, but on the other hand it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Lawrence001
08-03-2026, 18:34
I am currently using a 25w Class D amp at the moment and with a bit of EQ you would think I am using a 100 watts of oomph !:)
If you increase every bar to +10 does it make the amp 10x more powerful?
If you increase every bar to +10 does it make the amp 10x more powerful?
No just over blown distortion and clipping!:lol:
ianlenco
10-03-2026, 19:56
I have a Creek Destiny amp, the Mk1 which was made in England. The Destiny was top of Creek's range. It's actually one of Creek's demo amps for shows etc and has a sticker inside it saying "refurbished by Mike Creek". It's in excellent condition and I fitted a brand new phono board just before Christmas supplied by Creek directly. Plenty of reviews on line and it would be a considerable saving on your budget.
I have a Creek Destiny amp, the Mk1 which was made in England. The Destiny was top of Creek's range. It's actually one of Creek's demo amps for shows etc and has a sticker inside it saying "refurbished by Mike Creek". It's in excellent condition and I fitted a brand new phono board just before Christmas supplied by Creek directly. Plenty of reviews on line and it would be a considerable saving on your budget.
Thanks for letting me know about the Creek Ian but I really want to buy new after having 2 vintage amps fail on me in recent years hence the quest for a new Integrated amp.
After a couple of months of research and listening I eventually bought the Rega Elex Mk4 to use in my second system. I wanted an Integrated amplifier with a good phono stage and good connectivity which was well built and most importantly sounded good with my Spendor SP2 speakers.
I must say this amplifier has excellent synergy with my SP2 speakers and has really bought them to life in a way I have not heard them before. Build quality is superb and sound quality is excellent.
I am now looking for a new turntable........
hifi_dave
06-04-2026, 10:35
After a couple of months of research and listening I eventually bought the Rega Elex Mk4 to use in my second system. I wanted an Integrated amplifier with a good phono stage and good connectivity which was well built and most importantly sounded good with my Spendor SP2 speakers.
I must say this amplifier has excellent synergy with my SP2 speakers and has really bought them to life in a way I have not heard them before. Build quality is superb and sound quality is excellent.
I am now looking for a new turntable........
Good choice, you can't go wrong with Rega.
Now you need a rega turntable to go with..:thumbsup:
Good choice, you can't go wrong with Rega.
Now you need a rega turntable to go with..:thumbsup:
It's a really great amp Dave, thanks for the recommendation. I will certainly be looking at their turntables.:):thumbsup:
hifi_dave
06-04-2026, 16:26
May i ask "what is your budget ?"
Pro-Ject decks are another good shout.
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