Which Integrated Amp....?

[hifi_dave]

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.

[Jimbo]

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.

[CageyH]

Did you hear the IN200?
This maybe the sweet spot for you.

[Gazjam]

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.

[Jimbo]

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.

[Jimbo]

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]

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=...BAgLEBE&adurl=

[Jimbo]

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=...BAgLEBE&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.

[Jimbo]

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]

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.