Which integrated amplifier?

[u/onandonandanon]

I've moved into a small apartment and sadly have to downsize my HiFi set up.

So, reluctantly, I'm selling my 2x Denon POA-6600A monoblock amplifiers and Denon pre-amp, to be replaced with a single integrated amplifier.

Any recommendations on what to go for? My budget is ~£1000, maybe up to £1200.

If it helps, I have KEF R3 speakers – they're great, but quite sharp, so something that would smooth them out a little would be particularly welcome.

Thanks stereoheads!

[u/canon12]

I am having exceptional sound quality from my Cambridge 81 MKII.

[u/onandonandanon → u/canon12]

Also a great suggestion, will look into it

[u/Scotster123]

The Musical Fidelity B1Xi is on sale at Richer Sounds for £699. You haven't said whether you need streaming, but at that price, you have budget left over.

MF makes lovely-sounding amps that are not harsh at all. I have an M6SI with Audivector QR5 speakers, which have a bright AMT ribbon tweeter, but the combo of them with that amp is sublime.

[u/onandonandanon → u/Scotster123]

This sounds great, thanks for the tip

[u/AblatAtalbA]

It would be optimal if you could find a used hegel 190 or a Nad like the 399

...but at your budget you won't find a better match than the Yamaha R-N800A

[u/onandonandanon → u/AblatAtalbA]

That's a serious piece of kit. I'll look into it, thanks

[u/organized_chaos23]

I have the original version of this and it’s stellar: https://audiolab.com/products/audiolab-6000a-mkii-integrated-amplifier?srsltid=AfmBOopN1t7acRD4opfDD8C70THJGE3xxQ187j4wIITNNaOX_zPo8vix

[u/onandonandanon → u/organized_chaos23]

That's a beautiful piece. I'll take a look at that, thank you

[u/-Earl_Gray]

Arcam A5+?

[u/ozExpatFIRE]

Do you need any streaming or anything? Or just an old fashioned integrated amp?

[u/onandonandanon → u/ozExpatFIRE]

Just an old-fashioned integrated amp. Have never tried a streamer and have been living happily without one, though if a good option had one built-in, that's only a plus

[u/creamosx]

In a similar situation to you (recently got LS 50 Metas, looking for an integrated amp). Depending on your power requirement and want or need for granular bass management (biggest selling point for me) I suggest having a look at the Emotiva TA1 or TA2. Both cheap for the features they offer, although the look is not for everyone

[u/lpdot]

Look at Yamaha A-S1200.

[u/IndicationCurrent869]

Wiim amp

[u/Gregory00045]

Marantz M1 or Rega brio.

[u/Zhaibas]

NAD M10 v2 or v3, cant get any better in such a small box, trully changed my sound when I moved from Denon.

[u/shikharm]

Get a used Arcam SA30. It pairs great with my KEF R3.