@@mocomike01 the forte, as I stated a few times, was really only really great when paired with Borresen speakers. Was very bass light with other speakers. The U150 is discontinued and very hard to find used these days. Super amp, but this list is based on what people can actually acquire today. Thank you.
I have SPL gear and have had more expensive yet never enjoyed as much as I do the SPL gear. It consists of the Elector preamplifier, Crossover and Performer m1000 monoblocks. Very underrated in my opinion to no one even has heard of them! I know none of it is integrated, just feel it is worth the attention!
Pleased to see a Luxman making the list. I had an L509x, which is the class A/B counterpart to the 590, and it was one of the single most complete bits of kit I ever owned. Amazing inbuilt phono stage too, identical to the 590 in that respect. What’s worth mentioning though is that the 590 isn’t pure class A, it’s still an A/B, it’s just heavily biased into A up to 30w, but it actually can go up to about 100w in A/B
i love to se what you cud do on a 1500$ budget, with the knowledge you got from expensive gear (mix of new and used, maybe a few options) i'm playing around with two setups at the moment (i'm on a small budget) my Livingroom setup: TV with a passiv cooled HTPC (silent) 2x DALI Zensor 3 (bought new) Argon 10" active SUB (bought new) SMSL SU-1 DAC (on USB) (bought new) Pioneer VSX-421 (bought new) Shielded Phono Cables Gaming PC setup: 2x DALI 202 (used) NAD 7125 (used) SMSL PS100 (in the mail) (and my Headphones are DALI iO-4) i'm considering a new Cambridge Audio CXA61...
After 20 years of loving music and changing out a bunch of lower end equipment I finally ventured down the vintage path. My Fisher rs-2010 has VU meters. I haven’t seen them go higher than 20 watts. Speakers are 91 sensitivity. All these years have passed thinking more watts the better but now I feel like huge power amps are a waste? When would you actually use 150,200+ watts?
That's why all of these so called "audiophile" "been doing this for x years" vloggers suffer a severe case of hypocrisy. They are never ever to be taken seriously!
I would of thought the Line Magnetic 219ai integrated amp would've been on the list. It was your favorite amp of all time when you reviewed it several years ago.
@@hwrk777 time moves on, better comes along. I look at features, price, sound quality, maintenance, etc .The 219ia, I got rid of it due to the extreme heat. I lived in AZ and had a small room. It was tough to keep the room cool when that amp ran for hours. The tube replacement also cost a fortune. Also, discontinued now. Loved the build, idea and sound but disliked the heat, weight and tube maintenance. There are probably 20-30 integrated amps I enjoyed but these here are just my personal faves. Not the “best” just my faves as of today. Thank you.
Now here's a tangent... I really like the cabinet that the Enlium amp is sitting on. So much so that we are going to buy a nearly identical one to house new stereo gear. Oh and, thanks for the review!
I thought the Vinnie Rossi integrated amp with the WE 300b as pre-tubes was going to make the list for sure. That seems very hard to beat for musicality 🎉
I have to correct you regarding the XA25, its output power of 25W is at 0.01 THD, not the maximum continous output, which is at 80 watts with a more relaxed 1% THD and still at pure Class A! No B here! And 2Ohm 82db amps IS EXATLY what you want to power with it where it outputs 4 times as much with 100Watts at 0.01% THD and over 300W continous with dynamic peaks to over 400W. Heck it is even stable down to 0.5 Ohm and has big slew rate and huge damping factor and current output - this is a small powerhouse that makes maggies sing!
No, not 80w class A operation ! You don't understand the amount of (static) bias current that would require and more heat sinking. Most likely the circuit goes into dynamic or sliding bias A operation when excursioning past the 20 or 25 watt area (voltage swing)
I’m about to buy the Qacoustics 5050 and pairing with an amp. I’m going to choose between the yamaha r-n 10000a and the Rega Elex MK4. Any suggestions? There’s huge difference it terms of sound quality? Thanks
@@99fulham99 that makes zero sense.. “ do a word calculation of use in the last 5 years - then the last 25 years before that - do the Bespoke Math @., you understand correct ???
Hi, I am surprised you didn’t mention the Brunoco Terra that you seemed to love so much. Where would you rank it ? Top 10 ? I bought it after seeing your review (and Jay Iyagi’s), Highly musical amplifier
Hi!I want to know how compatible my B&W 703S2 speakers are with the ECI 6Dx mkII amplifier! if I order it, do you think that my speakers will rise to its level of fidelity? will I be able to make an audiophile sound? i use tidal for stereo! I am waiting for an answer as soon as possible, thank you!
I’m constantly confused with audiophiles’ fascination with integrated amps. I thought the whole idea was the search for nicer sounds and isn’t that more easily achievable with separates? How about best power amps or best monoblocks (in different price ranges)?
@@hugodominguez6864 I had an electrical issue with the hertz Maria and had to be refunded for it. Two of them. In winter when I had static within me and would touch the volume it would spark, shut the amp down and come back on full volume. Busted a pair of OGYs. Hertz said this has never happened to anyone with the Maria. I’ve never had it happen with other amps, ever. So I no longer own a hertz as it wasn’t working in winter for me. No idea what was up. If I go by build, sound, etc it still wouldn’t make it as these Maria amps have to be tuned to the speaker you pair with it. It’s great, magical, with the Hertz system but not with just any speaker. Hertz has to load the tuning during a phone call as they connect to your computer. They also released new versions of the Amber speakers after a few months - ditching the ones I bought right after the review. They also raised prices dramatically after the review. So I no longer own any hertz gear.
@@HiFiHuff I have owned both the 350 and now 800 (bought John's floor model) and never had an issue with static electricity & I'm in AZ! It is in fact magical with the Chiara speakers since it is fully active through the Maria. I own the Heaven11 (office system) and I agree with you on that one!
AGD doesn't make the Aavik U-150.....they stopped production 2 years ago...I got one of the last ones. Fantastic Integrated, DAC and MC preamp..This review is for current integraded amps.
@@cryptosignalsleak the Maria is really only great with the speakers it is tuned for. A basic Maria without tuning will sound pretty flat and even tipped up on most speakers. It’s why hertz tunes each one to whatever hertz speakers are bought with it. It’s not really a “universal” amp and only truly excels if you buy hertz speakers and the amp is tuned to those specific hertz speakers. In other words, I’d only recommend hertz as a compete system with amp and speakers, from hertz. Now if one of the Marias was tuned for the ambers you will get a big bass and detailed treble. That’s tuned for those specific speakers. May not be so great with others. Therefore, no, not on the list. I had to return my Maria, two of them, for issues with static in my room during winter.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
My favorite integrated amp of all time is my Yamaha CA-2010, it puts out 30 WPC in Class A & 120 WPC in Class B.
Yeah that's an amazing intg amp ' for sure '
Yall know... I'm sticking with Yamaha... !
Great descriptions of amazing integrated amps. I’m curious if you have ever reviewed Hegel integrated amps?
Electrocompaniet is a exellente choice, still the only brand that has touched my heart. Their products truly have a soul.
I have Eci 5 mk2 and like it
Based on the way you talked about them, I'm shocked the U-150 and the Maria didn't even make Honorable Mentions 😮
Yeah.... and the Forte as well.
@@mocomike01 the forte, as I stated a few times, was really only really great when paired with Borresen speakers. Was very bass light with other speakers. The U150 is discontinued and very hard to find used these days. Super amp, but this list is based on what people can actually acquire today. Thank you.
@@HiFiHuff thanks for the reply and clarification. I really appreciate the reviews and your passion for HiFi.
I have SPL gear and have had more expensive yet never enjoyed as much as I do the SPL gear. It consists of the Elector preamplifier, Crossover and Performer m1000 monoblocks. Very underrated in my opinion to no one even has heard of them! I know none of it is integrated, just feel it is worth the attention!
Pleased to see a Luxman making the list. I had an L509x, which is the class A/B counterpart to the 590, and it was one of the single most complete bits of kit I ever owned.
Amazing inbuilt phono stage too, identical to the 590 in that respect.
What’s worth mentioning though is that the 590 isn’t pure class A, it’s still an A/B, it’s just heavily biased into A up to 30w, but it actually can go up to about 100w in A/B
Bit over these audiophile channels, they are just after kickbacks.
What happened to the Daniel Hertz Maria 350? Does it even exist? Nobody but you and Adrian have even reviewed it and then? Crickets.
Ever tried an A21se or the iA4? I have the ia4 hooked up to ProAcs and simply love the warmth and sparkle!
Sugden makes great amps for very reasonable prices if they have enough power for one's speakers.
@@jmal5390 As are the INT-25, the Billie and the Enlium.
i love to se what you cud do on a 1500$ budget, with the knowledge you got from expensive gear (mix of new and used, maybe a few options)
i'm playing around with two setups at the moment (i'm on a small budget)
my Livingroom setup:
TV with a passiv cooled HTPC (silent)
2x DALI Zensor 3 (bought new)
Argon 10" active SUB (bought new)
SMSL SU-1 DAC (on USB) (bought new)
Pioneer VSX-421 (bought new)
Shielded Phono Cables
Gaming PC setup:
2x DALI 202 (used)
NAD 7125 (used)
SMSL PS100 (in the mail)
(and my Headphones are DALI iO-4)
i'm considering a new Cambridge Audio CXA61...
After 20 years of loving music and changing out a bunch of lower end equipment I finally ventured down the vintage path. My Fisher rs-2010 has VU meters. I haven’t seen them go higher than 20 watts. Speakers are 91 sensitivity.
All these years have passed thinking more watts the better but now I feel like huge power amps are a waste?
When would you actually use 150,200+ watts?
I like my rogue cronus 3. Especially with the stash of 12au7 tubes I have. I have this Daystrom Michimen in right now that I adore.
What happened to the Maria-amber system, the #1 system you never forget? Is it because it’s an all in one system?
Given your rave reviews of Daniel Herz, I'm surprised the Maria didn't make this list.
Im very confused. You said that the aavik u-150 was the best integrated you ever tried????
That's why all of these so called "audiophile" "been doing this for x years" vloggers suffer a severe case of hypocrisy. They are never ever to be taken seriously!
@@scslite5206 i don't agree. Some of them are doing a fine job.
@@henriksrensen3220 ok it's fine to disagree. Can you name who some of them are? I'd love to know!
@@henriksrensen3220 love is eternal... while it lasts
Whuuut abouut the Maria amp?
Electrocompaniet is a Norwegian manufacturer.
Some reviews rate the a21se better than the int-25, also would like to know Steve’s opinion on the a21se
I'm really enjoying the Sugden. Runs a bit hot in class A, but sounds great. It's perfect with a classic set of Spendor BC1's.
Luxman is my favourite intragrated amp , I have owned
@@Ricky-cl5bu Right about Luxman
After own and tried over 40 amplifier i stop my quest with Luxman.
My Emotiva TA1 just died and I am in the market for an upgrade. it is still under warranty, but only until November. Pass is always a great choice.
What happened to your love for Daniel Hertz?
Always all over the map
Your audio room..is one of my dreams for my future home.
So beautiful nature and landscape surround it!
I would of thought the Line Magnetic 219ai integrated amp would've been on the list. It was your favorite amp of all time when you reviewed it several years ago.
@@hwrk777 time moves on, better comes along. I look at features, price, sound quality, maintenance, etc .The 219ia, I got rid of it due to the extreme heat. I lived in AZ and had a small room. It was tough to keep the room cool when that amp ran for hours. The tube replacement also cost a fortune. Also, discontinued now. Loved the build, idea and sound but disliked the heat, weight and tube maintenance. There are probably 20-30 integrated amps I enjoyed but these here are just my personal faves. Not the “best” just my faves as of today. Thank you.
that right, that was only two years ago.
Now here's a tangent... I really like the cabinet that the Enlium amp is sitting on. So much so that we are going to buy a nearly identical one to house new stereo gear. Oh and, thanks for the review!
How does the Electrocompanient compare to the Aavik U-150 that was once your top?
How come you mentioned the 590 ax ll instead of the 595? I ask because you said the 595 is everything the 590 is and more of.
You said that Axxess Forté was your favorite 😂 Also you said that Børresen X1 was your wifes favorite speaker (and yours)
Agreed ,now I’m all confused;I bought the X-2 buying the Forté next .or am I 😳
@@Bottlestyx Congrats... go buy the Forté 2... it is better than Forté 1 ❤😊
@@coxysailorno buy the Forte 3, it’s better than the Forte 2.
@@BobbyDazzler888 that is funny
Thanks for your wonderful content, no mention of Gryphon in your videos?
I've heard the smaller Diabolo (150?) about 3 years ago, it is a very special integrated amp.
Nice selection and agreed on the Heaven 11……with Buchardt S400mkII’z and an Ares DAC, a sweet and powerful 3.
Yes, this is an incredible combination. Mine is fed by Pontus II. No hiss at all.
Must use external dac
I thought the Vinnie Rossi integrated amp with the WE 300b as pre-tubes was going to make the list for sure. That seems very hard to beat for musicality 🎉
A great take on int amp
I recommend you try the Audio Note UK OTO SE. think you might find it at the top of your list (if you have somewhat efficient speakers).
what do you think about audio note cobra?
There is some nice gear in there. Though i'm surprised the Vitus SIA-030 didn't make your list.
When you have the chance, try the DeVille's with the AirTight ATM 300R. It's so musical!
Lavardin IT ! Valves transparency with the power of solid state. Go to listen if you don ’t believe it
My all time favorite is the Soulnote A-3
If you talk about the best that's it 🎉❤
Get a Gold Note IS-1000 Deluxe for a review and you will get a new favorite ;)
ARCAM A15.
REGA ELEX MK4.
NAIM NAIT XS 3
CAMBRIDGE CXA 81 MK2.
MUSICAL FIDELITY A1
ROKSAN ATTESSA
What are top3 for rock and metal music?
@@igorpadalka5737 Yamaha AS701 integrated amplifier or the RN 1000 or 200OA .
Accuphase e-480.
FWIW, I remember one of their reps saying it's pronounced "Electro-company"
Companiet is Nowegian for "the Company"
@hifihuff -- have you done some in-depth listening to Gryphon Diablo 120 and/or Aesthetix Mimas? If you haven't, you should.
@@matsn2984 i love my Gryphon Diablo 120.
Or the D300 which in my opinion is a better amp than the int250. Haven’t heard the Electrocompaniet.
@@matsn2984 the Diablo 120 is a wonderful amp. Bought my Diablo 120 4 years ago. I love it to bits
The Symphonic Line RG 14 MK5S is a sleeperbuild…
I did expect the Supernait 3 up there in your favorites..
Same here!
Same!
I have to correct you regarding the XA25, its output power of 25W is at 0.01 THD, not the maximum continous output, which is at 80 watts with a more relaxed 1% THD and still at pure Class A! No B here! And 2Ohm 82db amps IS EXATLY what you want to power with it where it outputs 4 times as much with 100Watts at 0.01% THD and over 300W continous with dynamic peaks to over 400W. Heck it is even stable down to 0.5 Ohm and has big slew rate and huge damping factor and current output - this is a small powerhouse that makes maggies sing!
No, not 80w class A operation ! You don't understand the amount of (static) bias current that would require and more heat sinking. Most likely the circuit goes into dynamic or sliding bias A operation when excursioning past the 20 or 25 watt area (voltage swing)
One needs to really understand circuit topology to understand these modes of operation.
Great review , are you using the streamer and dac built in the electrocompaniet or separates?
Ayre Acoustics AX-5.
How does it compare to Naim Supernait 3 by the way I own the AW 250 R with Pre 4.8 Mk ll and EMC1 Mkll Love it
I’m about to buy the Qacoustics 5050 and pairing with an amp. I’m going to choose between the yamaha r-n 10000a and the Rega Elex MK4. Any suggestions? There’s huge difference it terms of sound quality? Thanks
Vinnie Rossi L2i SE. Great review from your past.
Surprised Axxcess Forte 1 not mentioned, any issues?
I am amazed that the reviewer did not consider the Audio Note Ongaku
Every component made in house -a totally bespoke piece of kit.
There’s a 25 dollar Tax for transgender Muslim hipsters millennials “ every time the word Bespoke is used .,
@@reserva120 You do understand the word bespoke don't you?
@@99fulham99 that makes zero sense.. “ do a word calculation of use in the last 5 years - then the last 25 years before that - do the Bespoke Math @., you understand correct ???
@@reserva120 You need to learn English grammar, if you want people to take you seriously sunshine.
@@99fulham99 you understand the words transgender Muslim hipsters- correct??
Hi,i saw you have a denafrips pontus 15th,the new one,will it be a review for denafrips pontus 15? Thanks
Hi, I am surprised you didn’t mention the Brunoco Terra that you seemed to love so much. Where would you rank it ? Top 10 ?
I bought it after seeing your review (and Jay Iyagi’s), Highly musical amplifier
please review the new Pontus15th vs the 12th.
Either the Passlabs 250 do you use any DAC?
My amp. Fezz Titania. It rules🤘🏾😋
technics su v909 I have owned mine since new
Leema Tucana mk2 anniversary edition 🎶
Amps for Champs!👍🏽
Hi!I want to know how compatible my B&W 703S2 speakers are with the ECI 6Dx mkII amplifier! if I order it, do you think that my speakers will rise to its level of fidelity? will I be able to make an audiophile sound? i use tidal for stereo! I am waiting for an answer as soon as possible, thank you!
I have an offer from a dealer for $4700! I think it's a great price!
B&W speakers are a great match for EC.
Great List!.. Enjoy
thank you for your videos
Have you ever reviewed the Parasound Halo Hint 6?
Top 8 selection. Thx
I asked a Norwegian audiophile: it is pronounced Electro company (like in English)
@@jamesjackson9098 interesting. Of all the videos I’ve seen others do, none has ever said it like that but makes sense to me! Thanks!
Nothing compares to old DENONs.
Nice. Thanks for sharing.
Is the ECI6 mkii the same amp wxcept without the dac and streamer inside?
Yes
You noticed you have a TOP 5 HIFI products every year ? And are never happy with the sound ?
Gandalf sells reptile oil
missing your Anzus U-150
Nads ?😊😊
"I know I'm saying it both ways, because ya can..." 😆 👍
Can you explain what these amps have more than the ones in 2021…. ? I’m disappointed
More hype. You are welcome.😆👍
They weren't getting enough page-views.
2 ohms transmission line 8 inch dynamic speakers at over 120 db of sensitivity... which amp with this speakers?
Small Leben tube integrated might be nice, or even something from Decware if you can ever get one!
@@josephfranceski1041 at 1 and 2 ohms of speaker impedance tubes would heat enormously.
I had the electrocompaniet 250, with the electro preamplifier . It was a breast beauty.
NORWEGIAN brand😎
You should review Technics SU-R1000 integrated amp!
Rega Aethos sweet
By far the worst amp I've ever heard
i have the new Elex. sublime.
Did u audit french built Atoll SD 300 vs this Electricompaniet ?????
That would be interesting.
atoll is the worst thing that i ever heard
13 X 18 what: feet, yards, metres???
Feet, Foot, 12in per!
What about AGD?
Don’t think they make an integrated as of now, just preamps and power amps
@@watchin-stoof988AGD have several integrated amps - also including streamer... Axxess Forté to mention one ❤
@@coxysailor AGD Productions (Alberto Guerra Design) not Audio Group of Denmark. Different companies.
I’m constantly confused with audiophiles’ fascination with integrated amps.
I thought the whole idea was the search for nicer sounds and isn’t that more easily achievable with separates?
How about best power amps or best monoblocks (in different price ranges)?
@@anonimushbosh Single chassis means shorter signal path.
Daniel Hertz?
@@hugodominguez6864 I had an electrical issue with the hertz Maria and had to be refunded for it. Two of them. In winter when I had static within me and would touch the volume it would spark, shut the amp down and come back on full volume. Busted a pair of OGYs. Hertz said this has never happened to anyone with the Maria. I’ve never had it happen with other amps, ever. So I no longer own a hertz as it wasn’t working in winter for me. No idea what was up. If I go by build, sound, etc it still wouldn’t make it as these Maria amps have to be tuned to the speaker you pair with it. It’s great, magical, with the Hertz system but not with just any speaker. Hertz has to load the tuning during a phone call as they connect to your computer. They also released new versions of the Amber speakers after a few months - ditching the ones I bought right after the review. They also raised prices dramatically after the review. So I no longer own any hertz gear.
@@HiFiHuff I have owned both the 350 and now 800 (bought John's floor model) and never had an issue with static electricity & I'm in AZ! It is in fact magical with the Chiara speakers since it is fully active through the Maria. I own the Heaven11 (office system) and I agree with you on that one!
What happened to aavik u150 ?? 😢
AGD doesn't make the Aavik U-150.....they stopped production 2 years ago...I got one of the last ones. Fantastic Integrated, DAC and MC preamp..This review is for current integraded amps.
Rega Eles MK4
Naim Supernait?
@@spotshooter1 yeah with the power supply
I don’t own Integrateds, I am an Audiophile. Just kidding 😆
aMMMazing!!!..
Audionet Humboldt 😅
Norma🎉😊
Maria 350 LOST? Seriously??
@@cryptosignalsleak the Maria is really only great with the speakers it is tuned for. A basic Maria without tuning will sound pretty flat and even tipped up on most speakers. It’s why hertz tunes each one to whatever hertz speakers are bought with it. It’s not really a “universal” amp and only truly excels if you buy hertz speakers and the amp is tuned to those specific hertz speakers. In other words, I’d only recommend hertz as a compete system with amp and speakers, from hertz. Now if one of the Marias was tuned for the ambers you will get a big bass and detailed treble. That’s tuned for those specific speakers. May not be so great with others. Therefore, no, not on the list. I had to return my Maria, two of them, for issues with static in my room during winter.
Electrocompaniei😂🤣😅🤭
Topping LA90 for the poors lol
@@jasonhilliker2266 I’ve had that amp here as well :) nothing wrong with budget gear, especially budget gear that punches above its price!
Gryphon Diablo 120🎉👍
Please do not link any of the products you review.... that really helps.
Absolutely price's matter
Phono input is pure analog too. 🤭✌️
Electrocompanion😂🤣😅🤭✌️