Integrated Amp and Absolute Sound

[basite]

Personally I'd really like the Pass Labs INT-150, but at US$7000 it ain't happening.
...

cool amp!

never saw one yet, but if it's in the same trend as the other Pass labs gear, I'm interested to find out more

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[Feanor]

cool amp!

never saw one yet, but if it's in the same trend as the other Pass labs gear, I'm interested to find out more

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

I've heard that the INT-150 is precisely an XP-10 preamp and X150.5 power amp combined in one chassis.
...

[Bernd]

John, I know you said no tubes, but these two suggestions only have small signal tubes which last a long time. Knowing a little what music you like I would try and hear the Unison Research Unico and/or the Pathos One. I never got on with Naim amps, I guess is that relentness drive.
Good luck with the search.

[JohnMichael]

John, I know you said no tubes, but these two suggestions only have small signal tubes which last a long time. Knowing a little what music you like I would try and hear the Unison Research Unico and/or the Pathos One. I never got on with Naim amps, I guess is that relentness drive.
Good luck with the search.

Bernd I have read that the chief complaint for some is that relentless drive of the Naim. There is more than just the toe tapping. I have read about the Unico and Pathos One and both are interesting. I just worry that I am too neurotic for tubes. Will consider them in my search. Looks like I may be travelling to hear some amps.

[jrhymeammo]

Bernd I have read that the chief complaint for some is that relentless drive of the Naim. There is more than just the toe tapping. I have read about the Unico and Pathos One and both are interesting. I just worry that I am too neurotic for tubes. Will consider them in my search. Looks like I may be travelling to hear some amps.

John,

You live in Dayton, right?
Hanson Audio carried Pathos Acoustics last time I was there. I think you would get much more involving sound than suggested above. Luxman's phono stage looks very interesting though.

PS: I doubt you are interested, but the spelling of integrated amp I had mentioned is Xindak, not Xandak.

Regards,

[JohnMichael]

John,

You live in Dayton, right?
Hanson Audio carried Pathos Acoustics last time I was there. I think you would get much more involving sound than suggested above. Luxman's phono stage looks very interesting though.

PS: I doubt you are interested, but the spelling of integrated amp I had mentioned is Xindak, not Xandak.

Regards,

I lived in Dayton from 1975-1979. I now live 32 miles East of Columbus. I was interested in your suggestion and I found it. My computer always asks did you mean this spelling you dyslexic bastard. I looked at it and found it interesting. I am learning about all your good suggestions.

[Bernd]

Bernd I have read that the chief complaint for some is that relentless drive of the Naim. There is more than just the toe tapping. I have read about the Unico and Pathos One and both are interesting. I just worry that I am too neurotic for tubes. Will consider them in my search. Looks like I may be travelling to hear some amps.

If tubes are not for you, try and hear a Sugden amp. I can almost guarantee that you would love the sound it makes. Class A all the way. Those three amps I mentioned are the total opposite from Naim. If you like one musical presentation you will not like the other. The new Marantz "Black Pearl" also looks interesting, although I have not heard one yet. Anyway, a nice reason to travel.

[Feanor]

Bernd I have read that the chief complaint for some is that relentless drive of the Naim. There is more than just the toe tapping. I have read about the Unico and Pathos One and both are interesting. I just worry that I am too neurotic for tubes. Will consider them in my search. Looks like I may be travelling to hear some amps.

Me too to the extent that I haven't tried a tube power amp. But tube preamps and hybrid power tube driver stages are perhaps a bit easier. Their tubes are typically long-lived and don't require biasing.

If I were starting from scratch I might consider a 'Audio by Van Alstine' combination:

• Transcendence Eight tube preamp, $1600 with remote control
• Insight 240 hybrid - NOT power amp, 120 wps at 8 ohms, zero gobal feedback, $1000. [EDIT] My mistake: the Insight amps are all-solid state. [/EDIT]

A true North American product priced under US$3k.

I think it's Blackraven who has AVA equipment and might lend an endorsement.