Integrated amps with high current?

geowak · « **on:** 6 Aug 2011, 05:54 pm »

There are some choices for a high current amp that can power demanding speakers such as planars. Has anyone looked at INTEGRATED AMPS that would foot the bill?

Does anyone out there have a name of a really powerful integrated amp? Looking in the 1K to 2.5k range.

bummrush · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Aug 2011, 06:12 pm »

AJinFLA · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Aug 2011, 12:21 am »

The Harman Kardon HK990 http://www.harmankardon.com/EN-US/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?PID=HK%20990 is inside that budget and definitely puts out some current.
Conservatively rated at 150/300 into 8/4 ohms, tested at closer to 200w into 8ohms here http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/cd-players-and-recorders/harman-kardon-hd990-cd-player-594768/review
Also has very advanced features that you probably won't find elsewhere, like the auto/manual room eq, which is going to improve the sound in room in almost every scenario, due to real issues like modes.

cheers,

AJ

SlushPuppy · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Aug 2011, 12:46 am »

Both of these are in that price range:

Musical Fidelity M3i

Vincent Audio SV-236

The Vincent is the overachiever of the two and has many positive reviews/awards.

*Scotty* · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Aug 2011, 03:18 am »

Back in the day the DK Designs VS.1 Reference Mk.III integrated amplifier had a pretty good rep for above average sound quality. See links http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_2/dk-design-vs1-integrated-amp-6-2005.html http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/606dk/
One for sale on Agon located in CA. http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1316237163&/Dk-Design-Group-vs.1-ref-mkii-
These things were brutes weighing in at 77lbs dry weight before crating. Shipping would be costly depending on your location. No relation to seller.
Scotty

doug s. · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Aug 2011, 06:06 am »

electrocompaniet amps (and integrateds) have amazing current output ratings. for example, their current (no pun intended!

) ec3, at 70wpc is rated at >60amps current output; their ec5, at 120wpc is rated at >80amps current output; their ec5 mkll, at 120wpc is rated at >100amps current output. this is typical of all their amps. the wpc ratings are for 8 ohms, they don't quite double their watts into 4/2 ohm loads, but not they're too far off... and they're stable into <1 ohm loads...

doug s.

SteveFord · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Aug 2011, 11:25 pm »

Doug,
Didn't you say the Electrocompaniet was not so wonderful sounding?
I'm interested in this thread as well as I need some stuff to drive the Ogre's Mini Maggie system.
I've been thinking either Musical Fidelity or Cambridge Audio but am always open to suggestions. Maybe I should look into that Vincent?

metier · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 12:00 am »

Rogue Cronus with the magnum upgrade. I have the rogue atlas (amp only) with the magnum upgrade in my living room non Maggie system, but have brought down my office mmg's and it sounded real good. Also took it over to a friends house who has some Wilson speakers and it drove those without a problem.
In my office where the mmg's are I use a primaluna prologue 2 but this is in a small office.

Pat

SteveFord · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 12:14 am »

I should have said that I need solid state although a few tubes would be okay, I suppose.
This is for the wife who is not so good about turning things off!

timind · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 12:23 am »

Another good choice is the Primare I30 or its predecessor, the A30.1. They are rated at 100 watts with a current rating of 40 amps. I'm currently using the A30.1 and am very happy with it.

doug s. · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 02:36 am »

Quote from: SteveFord on 10 Aug 2011, 11:25 pm

Doug,
Didn't you say the Electrocompaniet was not so wonderful sounding?
I'm interested in this thread as well as I need some stuff to drive the Ogre's Mini Maggie system.
I've been thinking either Musical Fidelity or Cambridge Audio but am always open to suggestions. Maybe I should look into that Vincent?

if i thought the ec gear was not so wonderful sounding, i would not have recommended it, even tho its current output is exemplary.

i think it's as good as it gets - for solid state, that is!

doug s.

bummrush · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 02:43 am »

Those dk amps may be outstanding sounding but damn they are butt ass ugly

Rclark · « **Reply #12 on:** 11 Aug 2011, 07:21 am »

The Virtue Three is coming out in less than a month, it will be 200WPC or more on a 55volt(!) battery supply. 4ohm beastie with great SQ.

And yes, it's an integrated.

emailtim · « **Reply #13 on:** 31 Dec 2011, 04:01 am »

If it is not too late, Wyred 4 Sound makes some. I have their 1,140wpc version driving a set of Mini-Mags with headroom to spare.

http://www.wyred4sound.com/webapps/category/74030/117839/18158