Poll: Best Looking Stereo Integrated Amp

[watchnerd]

Okay, I'm going to admit it -- I can't hear the difference between a 96 dB SINAD amp and a 120 dB SINAD amp.

And I only need 2 channels.

So I might as well buy my next amp purely on cool factor.

What looks really good?

Power can output can be anything, really, as I can always buy more efficient speakers.

What's the best looking stereo integrated amp under $10K USD?

Here are the finalists:

[After a lot of great discussion and submissions, it's time to vote on the Top 5].

The choices (in alphabetical order):

#1 Devialet Expert 400 -- keep the current amp

#2 Luxman LX-509X

#3. McIntosh MA8900

#4. Technics SU-R1000

#5 Yamaha AS 3200

The system your choice has to decoratively match and live within:

Mod Edit: Original post where the butchery began:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ereo-integrated-amp.18398/page-25#post-600530





Happy voting!

 

[bomhifi]

A lot of great choices to choose from depending on other items in your system to match. I think these combine great value, aesthetics and performance:

1. Aesthetix Mimas
2. Line Magnetic 845ia
3. Audio Research Vsi75
4. Pure Audio The One (acquired taste)
5. SPEC RSA-M99 (above budget but can probably get one under 10K with dealer discount)

 

[phoenixdogfan]

Might want to consider a Hegel.

 

[Doodski]

Jeff Rowland Design Group, Continuum S2. Optional DAC, optional phono and optional headphone amp. Twin ultra-high efficiency power conversion modules yield 400 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms, doubling over 4 Ohms, and a peak current of 40 Amps.

 

[GDK]

Accuphase E-480

 

[fløyen]

https://electrocompaniet.com/collec...d-integrated-amplifier?variant=32946120097867

 

[witchdoctor]

Carver 2180

 

[Blumlein 88]

If you don't mind finding 2nd hand, one of these discontinued Manley's always caught my eye.
Remote control, sub output and other nice features.

 

[dougi]

If you minimalist, Micromega M150. It has it all, Inc room correction and in six colours. French.

 

[watchnerd]

Might want to consider a Hegel.

Really?

They look pretty boring to me.

 

[watchnerd]

A lot of great choices to choose from depending on other items in your system to match. I think these combine great value, aesthetics and performance:

1. Aesthetix Mimas
2. Line Magnetic 845ia
3. Audio Research Vsi75
4. Pure Audio The One (acquired taste)
5. SPEC RSA-M99 (above budget but can probably get one under 10K with dealer discount)

No pics?

Don't make us all Google all those images.

 

[watchnerd]

If you minimalist, Micromega M150. It has it all, Inc room correction and in six colours. French.

I already have a Devialet Expert.

It's even more minimalist and more French.

 

[watchnerd]

If you don't mind finding 2nd hand, one of these discontinued Manley's always caught my eye.
Remote control, sub output and other nice features.
View attachment 97532

YES!

 

[fredoamigo]

Anthem STR Integrated

 

[Doodski]

McIntosh Labs MA352. Remote control, EQ, combines the finest of vacuum tube and solid state audio design principles. The MA352 has a vacuum tube preamplifier section that is powered by a pair of 12AX7A and a pair of 12AT7 vacuum tubes; its output stage is a direct coupled solid state amplifier that outputs 200 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 320 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers.
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MA352
https://www.speakershop.com/product/mcintosh-2-channel-integrated-amplifier-ma352-311471

 

[Blumlein 88]

YES!

https://www.stereophile.com/integra...tingray_itube_integrated_amplifier/index.html

Measurements of the version prior to the II.

 

[noname]

Cambridge EDGE-A. It looks clean and simple with quite excellent SINAD (100).

 

[tr1ple6]

Gato Audio. Their stereo integrated amps are all under € 4K and they offer free worldwide shipping and a 30-day trial

 

[bomhifi]

No pics?

Don't make us all Google all those images.

Here it is:
1. Audio Research Vsi75
2. Aesthetix Mimas
3. Line Magnetic 845ia
4. Pure Audio The One (acquired taste)
5. SPEC RSA-M99

 

[GDK]

Wait, can something without VUs actually qualify here? If so, why on earth?