[schw06]

In the quest for simplification so that I'm not constantly driving myself crazy, has anyone fell in love with an integrated and not gone back to separates? Thanks for the input.

[schw06]

If so, what integrated?

[Zero]

The short answer is yes.

What price range are you looking into?

[maxwalrath]

tube/ss?

[schw06]

under $4000 and I can be happy with either SS or tubes.

[lonewolfny42]

And....what speakers are you "running" ?

[schw06]

currently I have a pair of Kef 104/2's and Gallo 3.1's

[lonewolfny42]

currently I have a pair of Kef 104/2's and Gallo 3.1's

KEF...."This relatively high sensitivity loudspeaker, at 92dB/W/m at 4 ohms, produced frequencies from 55Hz to 20kHz (+-2dB) with five drivers."

Gallo 3.1...."It is small, lightweight, and easy to drive with a wide range of amplifiers, although I suggest about a 100 watt minimum to realize the wide dynamic range of which this speaker is capable."

A nice match with the KEF speakers would be a McIntosh....heard that combo a few times...always sounded good...plus I always liked those 104's...



schw06....You might also check (PM) with Steve Nugent of Empirical Audio....he was/is a KEF 104 owner...audioengr......see what he'd recommend.

[pardales]

I would first look to see what others with the same speakers were running and what their results were. I have always used integrated amps in my set-up because I do not really need the functionality most preamps offer (I only have one source) and I believe there are sonic advantages to an integrated.

There are lots of great integrateds out there in your price range. With relatively sensitive speakers the choices increase dramatically as well. Do you have any preference between tubes and SS. McIntosh does make some nice integrateds. I owned thee 6900 and loved it. You'd be surprised that you don't need to spend a lot of money either. 

[JimJ]

Not yet

[soundbitten1]

The best I've heard is the Jeff Rowland Concentra which was paired with some floorstanding ProAc Speakers .

Just my 2 cents .

[max190]

In the quest for simplification so that I'm not constantly driving myself crazy, has anyone fell in love with an integrated and not gone back to separates? Thanks for the input.

Yes

If so, what integrated?

Bada DC-222 Hybrid Vacuum Tube Amplifier

[vman71]

I loved both of my Eico HF-81's and Scott 222-C.  As a note, all 3 were all restored.  Just amazing what those vintage integrated PP tube amps can do!

Current SS stuff that I liked was Plinius and YBA.

[carusoracer]

currently I have a pair of Kef 104/2's and Gallo 3.1's

KEF...."This relatively high sensitivity loudspeaker, at 92dB/W/m at 4 ohms, produced frequencies from 55Hz to 20kHz (+-2dB) with five drivers."

Gallo 3.1...."It is small, lightweight, and easy to drive with a wide range of amplifiers, although I suggest about a 100 watt minimum to realize the wide dynamic range of which this speaker is capable."

A nice match with the KEF speakers would be a McIntosh....heard that combo a few times...always sounded good...plus I always liked those 104's...



schw06....You might also check (PM) with Steve Nugent of Empirical Audio....he was/is a KEF 104 owner...audioengr......see what he'd recommend.

Chris's quote regarding the Gallo's is spot on. I have tried running my reg 3.0's with 50 watts and it sounds nice but can not really drive them with out the sub amplifier. I still firmly believe that the speaker will need the Sub Amplifier regardless of how much power you throw at it due to the natural roll of 39hz designed into the speaker so that it will not activate the second voicecoil.

[jaspal kallar]

The best I've heard is the Jeff Rowland Concentra which was paired with some floorstanding ProAc Speakers .

Just my 2 cents .

FYI, I know someone who has the Kef 103/4's (not your model I know) but he uses the Jeff Rowland Concentra.

[S Clark]

Gary Dodd built a small custom 6L6GC integrated for me out of old Fisher iron that is not equal to but respectably close to my main rig.  Depending on how busy he is, he might build something for you.  Also, he occasionally has stuff built that he decided not to market. Give him a call. 

Oh, and I also have some old Eico stuff, including dual HF-12's (imagine the HF-81 but monoblock)-- good but not powerful enough for your speakers.

http://www.doddaudio.biz/web/default.html