Best Integrated Amp < $2000

marvda1 · « **on:** 31 Jul 2004, 03:13 pm »

Hello am looking for a new integrated amp. in your experience what integrateds should i be looking at that are < $2000?
I need solid state amps as they are the best fit for my speakers, usher 6381's.

thanks
marvin

Tyrro · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 Jul 2004, 06:05 pm »

Here's a good deal on the latest Krell KAV-400xi integrated amp. $1995

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1093622021

Or, this one even for less: $1895
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1095731128

Good luck.

Hantra · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Aug 2004, 01:33 am »

I cannot recommend highly enough that you look at a Plinius 8200 MkII, or even a 9200 at a bit more on the used market. Either of these will get you into the big boys club at around $2000, and both are world class, and a substantial taste of the best there is to be had.

Good luck!

B

kavu · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Aug 2004, 03:21 pm »

not as well known as some of the other contenders...the IS ref can sometimes be had used for under 2k (or the IS can be had for around that price new).
Doesn't win in the "most power" dept. (35w per channel for the IS ref.), but overall sound is astounding, comparable with the best of amps (regardless of price).

Check out some of the reviews...

dan

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Aug 2004, 05:31 pm »

I second the recommendation for the Plinius 8200 II. I had it in my home for a few days and was astounded at how good it is. You can buy this and just enjoy some music.

Michael

doug s. · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 01:31 am »

i'd check out the korsun v8i. buy it now for $1100. shipping is ~$400. or get the same amp from red rose music for $7k.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3280&item=5712947634&rd=1

i've never heard it, but based upon the ~$300 korsun u2 that i own (red rose sold it for $2k), i'd say it's a good bet... one feature the v8i has that i like is preamp outs & main inputs, which allows you to use it as a separate amp/preamp. also allows use of an active x-over w/a second amp, for using passive subwoofers...

doug s.

Carlman · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 01:49 am »

I really liked the Bel Canto Evo 2i. It's a very clean and neutral sounding amp. I was considering purchasing it but have since decided to use the money for other stuff...

It's totally different than a Plinius. I think both are very good integrateds but, your taste will determine which is better. (Basically, it's like a decision between Mercedes or BMW.)

taketwo · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 06:08 am »

Quote from: doug s.

i'd check out the korsun v8i. buy it now for $1100. shipping is ~$400. or get the same amp from red rose music for $7k.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3280&item=5712947634&rd=1

i've never heard it, but based upon the ~$300 korsun u2 that i own (red rose sold it for $2k), i'd say it's a good bet... one feature the v8i has that i like is preamp outs & main inputs, which allows you to use it as a separate amp/preamp. also allows use of an active x-over w/a second amp, for using passive subwoofers...

doug s.

I think you better check again. The U2, V6i and V8i all comes with line outs and not pre outs if I'm not mistaken.

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 06:22 am »

Yep, line outs. Unfortunate, or I'd be considering a cheapo korsun.

taketwo · « **Reply #9 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 08:12 am »

Personally I think the Korsun U2 is very underrated. For such a small integrated it is very powerful with very good bass. Maybe not transparent compared to others but you will be very surprised by its driving capabilities. I believe it can even drive those big floorstanders with nary a sweat. Very musical and not dry like most others in its price range. A bargain in my book.

doug s. · « **Reply #10 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 12:50 pm »

Quote from: taketwo

I think you better check again. The U2, V6i and V8i all comes with line outs and not pre outs if I'm not mistaken.

you are mistaken. the u2 does *not* have pre outs, but the v8i & v6i not only have pre outs, but main inputs.

here's a pic of the back of the v8i:
http://www.korsun.com.cn/images/products/v8i_tx1_big.jpg

v6i:
http://www.korsun.com.cn/images/products/v6i_back_big.jpg

doug s.

doug s. · « **Reply #11 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 12:58 pm »

looking at the korsun site, i couldn't help but post pics of the insides of these beasts - they look really awesome!

http://www.korsun.com.cn/images/products/v8i_tx4_big.jpg

http://www.korsun.com.cn/images/products/v6i_tx_big.jpg

doug s.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #12 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 12:59 pm »

I would give a used Sugden A21 a look, IF you can find one. Supremely musical, awesome build quality, and full Class A. Only 25wpc, but it is a fantastic performer...

Mark

taketwo · « **Reply #13 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 03:36 pm »

Quote from: doug s.

you are mistaken. the u2 does *not* have pre outs, but the v8i & v6i not only have pre outs, but main inputs.

Looking at the pics you provided, it clearly says line out just like the ones I have on my U2. Are you saying that line out = pre out because it sure aint a pre out in mine.

Carlman · « **Reply #14 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 03:41 pm »

Quote from: taketwo

Quote from: doug s.

you are mistaken. the u2 does *not* have pre outs, but the v8i & v6i not only have pre outs, but main inputs.

Looking at the pics you provided, it clearly says line out just like the ones I have on my U2. Are you saying that line out = pre out because it sure aint a pre out in mine.

Read Doug's post while looking at the photo...

Notice near the bottom of the amp, there are RCA jacks to have an input and output.

taketwo · « **Reply #15 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 03:42 pm »

Quote from: mcgsxr

I would give a used Sugden A21 a look, IF you can find one. Supremely musical, awesome build quality, and full Class A. Only 25wpc, but it is a fantastic performer...

Mark

I couldn't agree more. Another very underrated brand in the States.

taketwo · « **Reply #16 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 03:44 pm »

Quote from: Carlman

Quote from: taketwo
Quote from: doug s.

you are mistaken. the u2 does *not* have pre outs, but the v8i & v6i not only have pre outs, but main inputs.

Looking at the pics you provided, it clearly says line out just like the ones I have on my U2. Are you saying that line out = pre out because it sure aint a pre out in mine.

Read Doug's post while looking at the photo...

Notice near the bottom of the amp, there are RCA jacks to have an input and output.

Oops you're right. Didn't see those since they were covered by that bar thing. Sorry doug my mistake.

doug s. · « **Reply #17 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 03:48 pm »

Quote from: taketwo

...Oops you're right. Didn't see those since they were covered by that bar thing. Sorry doug my mistake....

no problem, taketwo - that "bar thing" is the jumper that connects the preamp to the amp. should be a feature on *all* integrated amps, imo...

regards,

doug s.

Cens · « **Reply #18 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 03:58 pm »

If you have a Naim dealer in your area, I'd give the Nait 5i a listen. If possible I'd bring your speakers. Naim's entry-level speakers in the past have been faulted for being somewhat strident.

Regards,

Chris

cjr888 · « **Reply #19 on:** 2 Aug 2004, 05:15 pm »

Anyone here tried one of those newer brands that have been popping up in the states like the Portal Panache or BV Audio? I believe both would fit this price range and have a lot of glowing, recent reviews, just not sure if anyone hear has any first hand experience with them.