I had a Siegfried here about 10 years ago.
A line amp. I guess.
Fair enough, it's more accurate to say that I couldn't be bothered with Class A ampsThey're great with rock music given the right speaker but they do produce a fair amount of heat, same as any class A design.
A stereo 300B amp. An SMPS, no output transformers, but the speakers were driven by a string of mosfets modulated by a single 300B per channel.
1. It’s 35% over your budget
2. It’s the amplifier I own, and am in danger of becoming a bore over.
Regards 1., whenever did budgets not get exceeded?
What about the Rega Aethos? Not sure how good it would be.
No remoteNice. The Avid Integra lists for £8,500. In my book, "entry-level" reference amps cost between £7,000 to £9,000, MSRP. If the OP can consider used, then perhaps his price range of £4,000 to £6,000 can get him one.
Well, just back from the Audition, which included the Hegel 390, Luxman 509X and 507Z, then finally the AVM 6.2. The first thing I would say is that I am reassured that going from a valve pre/power to a solid state integrated doesn't have to mean a big drop in performance. All were excellent, but the voicing left me with with clear preferences. The AVM was very transparent and neutral, but not really to my taste. It seems I enjoy colouration. The 507 and Hegel were about equal, with a different but excellent sound. The 509X was the winner by a head, not a nose. Slightly on the warm side, but transparent, dynamic and even across the frequency range. I could happily live with all of them, except perhaps the AVM. Now to sell the ARC ref 75SE and Modwright.
I have hear the Accuphase and they are a great piece of kit, beautifully madeI've very much enjoyed my Modwright LS36.5 pre with Audio Research Ref 75SE power amp, the latter in particular, is wonderful. I am not getting any younger, who is and I want to simplify things and maybe reduce power consumption. I use sensitive 95db speakers, so megawatts aren't a priority. I like all genres of music, except heavy rock, including Classical, opera Jazz, Blues, Singer Songwriters.
If I sell my pre power-, I will be looking in the £4000 to 6000 range, for a solid state integrated. Having heard the Hegel 190 at the Bristol show, the Hegel 390 is top of the list. I've always fancied a Luxman, so the 505 is possible in this price range, or Accuphase, the E280. The other thought is the Sugden Masterclass IA4, or NVA 50.
Any thoughts or new suggestions, gratefully received.