HiFi: My Top 3 high end Integrated Amplifiers of All Time over $5k, and WHY.

#HiFi #Audiophile #Stereo
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Just a video talking about my favorite three integrated amplifiers of all time. I have not heard them all, no, but I have heard MANY over the years. I also throw in an honorable mention. Thee are all priced at $5k and up but all are world class. Each one of these can rival separates for sound quality and are lifetime "end game" integrated amplifiers.
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[@mmdusa]

Couldn’t agree more. Love all my Pass equipment. I also bought them from Reno Hifi. Great place.

[@bigburns0909]

I own a Pass Labs Integ 250 myself, and couldn’t agree more with this assessment.

[@Bladerunner220]

Liked your choices. Loved the fact that I did not know much about the #3 choice (Line Magnetic). Now a subscriber 😀 . Thanks for sharing your passion.

[@robertliskey420]

Really enjoy your work. my all time favorite was 700$ in 1977 The Marantz 1200-b console integrate still have it and I don't know how they measured the watts but ever speaker I have put on it it just pumps out the sound. Started this goofy hobby about 60 years ago with a mickey mouse acoustic 78

[@talibe801]

Hello,my 3 favorites are: Ongaku by kondo,Diablo 300 by Gryphon,and Luxman 509.

[@jliang70]

The integrated I like is actually call Aspen Naksa 70, 125, the output as the number indicated is 70 watts and 125 watts, it has a plain jane look to it, with just a single input, a volume control and a power switch that is all. They are under $2000, they are solid state amp but sound like a 300B tube amp in the mid but with the power of 845 tube, work perfectly with efficient 91db tannoy speakers.

[@Anand.Asrani]

Fab List ... all these are End Game Amps ... and I was sure Your Vinnie Rossie will come around ...Now for your top 3 Speakers ! 😜

[@maxchau8558]

Let me say I love the DROK TDA7377 class AB board from Amazon pairing with McIntosh XRT18. The amp board is powered by a 46bit 12VDC regulated linear power supply (must have)

[@robertdavis5714]

Well explained Sir, like you next to sound appearance is quite important and like all 3 of your pics. Luxman is probable my #1. No Accuphase ?

[@zogzog1063]

Yeah, I have the Pass 150.8 power amp. About 13 watts in Class A. Kind of the perfect power amp. I guess there are better amps but ... sheesh. I would love to know them! I would love to hear a Line Magnetic. Also a Luxman.

[@shitsandwich1983]

thanks for your perspective. i've been considering building a pass labs amp camp amp. i would be curious to hear what your favorite dacs are as well.

[@handsomemann1]

I believe you and the 3 amps. Those would be memorable times. But I gurantte you, the ones you have got now is the best of all .But because of fond memories, you would want to own them again . Thank you for your openess.

[@zukispur5493]

Sansui AU 717. wicked amp. Garrard 401 (SME arm) wicked turntable. 4 leak sandwich 600's speakers. Wicked speakers. I'm very very happy with my system. Heavy&clean.

[@simianinc]

Would love to hear your opinion on the Hegel H390 or the more powerful H590

[@alizadehweshky]

Great review (as always), i am on the verge of buying this amp, would this match well with a proac speaker? What other brands would be a great match?

[@btsr2553]

Thank you for your clips. I've been following you for a few years now. But was always too lazy? to write. Anyway. My all time favorite integrated amp is and remains the Devialet Expert Series. I know you had one, in the past, but didn‘t understand why you had exectly changed from. Why I like the Devialet Experts? I like it simply also because of its neutrality. Garbage in is garbage comes out. The only thing I don't like about it is the streaming and phono preamp, other ones can just do that better. All the best. Cheers from a local subscriber here in Bavaria.

[@DKBoerner]

Did you ever try the AVM Ovation A 6.2 ME? I just bought it and I am blown away by the sound. It's worth giving it a listen!

[@sportsfanivosevic9885]

Some people have sensitivity to pitch and it would be informative if you mentioned how these units compare in musicality and which type of music they are best at.

[@korbindallas6727]

As an owner of an INT-250 I approve this message! Of course, still trying to find speakers that to my ears make me happy. Cheers!

[@saint6563]

What size woofer, height, & price? Congrats.

[@Tony-qx9yb]

Hi I have the int-250 with Harbeth HL5 40th anniversary with 2 large Rel Subs and Soekris ladder dac and i can say that the sound is mind blowing, everytime i listen to any music its epic

[@2011RAIMONDS]

Many thanks for your nice review. What is your opinion about integrated Mark Levinson 585 with power 200W per channel at 8Ohm?

[@hanzen9]

Luxman 590 AXII with Harbeth 7ES-3 30th Anniversary Edition gives me music. Cheers from Norway.

[@ronnyangell665]

Hei, har du fortsatt l-590ax2? Vurderer den selv!

[@kyleconnolly4440]

Not an integrated, but curious if you've ever heard a Yamaha B-3? Easily the best amplifier I have personally heard, and I've listened to many (to say the least). Fairly affordable too. Highly recommend you track one down!

[@adammusic1124]

First of all great reviews, I've been looking to upgrade to something of these quality. I'm wanting better quality, deeper bass, what would be the first step?... 2 x rel subwoofers on my existing Marantz PM7000N integrated, or not get the rel's, but get something very high quality like these in your review would they improve driving of my speakers over the Marantz PM7000N (hence should I look at that first, or the subs first)?

[@TM-fx2pi]

What state did you move to from Arizona? I love your property you have there. Nicely secluded.

[@adamus5899]

My favourite for Years has been the Jungson JA 99 D Class A. I could never fault that tube like sound or could be the Class A signature What d you think ? Thanks for your review

[@thomasmandau8634]

I have the „Little Brother“ of the Luxman L590 AXII, the L550 AXII. i love this warm, but detailfull Sound, it is a dream to listen Musik to this class a Amplifer. The AX 590 AXII was sold out at this time, so i bought this one, and i love it. (so i have had a little more € for wonderfull Speakers: ELAC Concentro S507) Greatings from Germany

[@Ustaleone]

You lucky dog 👍

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

My favorite is Gryphon Diablo 300. Probably the new model Diablo 333 (just announced at Hi-Fi Munich) will take the cake, but it is also double the price and almost double the weight.

[@truman4956]

I have not had a chance to listen to the higher power Pass Labs amps, but I love my Pass Int 30A.

[@robertyoung1777]

I have a 40 year old Luxman L-5 integrated. It has a wonderful sound. Vinnie Rossi is another company to check out. I have a Vinnie LIO.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

I have a collection of Luxman amplifiers........and I am happy when i listen to them...........

[@sidesup8286]

I'll have to re-visit my Luxman L5 integrated. I bought it from a very weird suspicious guy from Georgia, many years ago on ebay before I changed my ebay username. I haven't taken the top off and looked inside it but it had that clinical and hard Sansui G series sound of the late 1970's. A Denon bottom of the line vintage integrated amp I had laying downstairs sounded so much sweeter, more pleasant and 3 dimensional. The L5 was the top of the line in the Laboratory series. The designation Laboratory Series, should tell you all you need to know. Clinical, harsh, aggressive. Luxmans are usually sweet and relaxed sounding. The only thing I liked it with was cassettes which are soft sounding as it gets.

[@cameronkrause4712]

I love the loudness button on my old Sansui. It's magic!

[@chuckisidro8624]

How about your top 3 speakers of all time? In terms of enjoyment factor, how does the Fleetwood Deville compare with your other speakers?

[@InCerTo_AntiFragile]

I would really like to see a comparison review of the Fleetwood Deville and the Devore O/96

[@sickkids666]

@@InCerTo_AntiFragile that would be one killer comparison using the same tube amp. Price wise both are pretty much in the same figures..

[@AnthonyCandaele]

I have the Luxman 509X, I combine it with the EQ-500 Phono Stage

[@nanduullegaddi2992]

Liked your views on this, I have owned Mark Levinson, Audia Flight, Sugden and used to own the Luxman 509x. However gone back to Luxman this time with the 595A SE and can honestly say it’s such a beautiful amplifier in every regard. I have predominantly turntable set up by Acoustic Signature and also use the Luxman EQ500 phono stage, speakers Larsen Audio, cables AQ Robin Hood Zero and Water.

[@HariPrasad9999]

Hi, Where are you located ?

[@bakeone4406]

Wondering if you've spent much time w/ Gryphon or Boulder integrateds.

[@vaneast411]

they all sound good enough to eat🔥

[@anandshah71]

I would like to know your opinion on Hypex nCore or Purifi based modules If you haven’t tried do give it a try They would be mostly power amps if y get your hands on

[@fishbone08070]

I loved my Kenwood.

[@timkolacny967]

Interesting that you rave about the Vinnie Rossie L2i SE but didn't rank it - are you factoring in cost here? They don't come up for sale often, but second hand it can be had for about $12-13k (no phono stage or DAC). And yes, I fully understand that's still almost double the cost of a new Pass labs Int-25, but if we are talking top high-end integrateds over $5K...

[@JingoLoBa57]

Ok. Thanks. So I had the Esoteric F05 and the XA25 (not an integrated obviously) as a test of the PassLabs style. The best I heard was the F05 fed by either Lampizator Amber III DAC or better still my PSAUDIO PerfectWave DAC to PMC MB2SE. Previous was my LineMagnetic 518ia/845. This was playing into PMC Twenty26 at the time, I still have these speakers. I’ve sold both integrateds in favor of pre/pro of ARC LS10SE and Luxman M900u. Which raises the question of synergy. What combinations you’ve had that have worked really well together. And if you ask… what didn’t work find synergy?

[@jeevanmotors4275]

Hi bro your suggestions please which is best by comparing Pass labs int 250 vs Accuphase E 4000

[@greghamilton297]

My favorite is my recapped sansui AU-919!

[@lamaludwig1470]

What about Accuphase - especially compared to the Luxman?

[@AjuVignesh]

If you like Line magnetic why not invest in a silent split ac as well to keep the heat in check?

[@harryburnett7086]

Is luxman amp solid state and if it is does it have simular sound to tube amps preamps

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Well...................one of those rare opinions i can fully identify and agree with ....................THANKS

[@quychang4471]

So would you recommend the Luxman over the willsenton R8?

[@issadad]

Which of these three wd you choose with new Klipsch La Scalas?

[@lbamusic]

I enjoy your reviews and your passion for Hi-End Audio! I'm from NY where McIntosh was king in the 1960s-70s. I'm still on their mailing list and constantly see new products being produced. What is your opinion of their products, and is their quality control as high as it used to be?

[@Symphonicline32]

Meine Frage: Kann der Pass Labs INT-250 mit der Vor.End Kombi XP-12/X250/8 mithalten? Rentiert sich der Mehrpreis der Kombi im Vergleich zum INT-250? Welche Lautsprecher sind am besten dafür geeignet?

[@PauloFerreira-hh6zv]

Which amplifier would you choose for a 20m2 room, to listen at a moderate volume and with a price below 4k/5k?

[@joaquinrubio3230]

Are you from Arizona you mentioned Arizona hifi I have been there i live in Phoenix Arizona Great videp

[@rbyington22]

I have Pass Labs and would agree

[@thomothomo1078]

The Bakoon integrated amps sound superb but are more speaker fussy than most SS amps.But they are also exceptionally natural sounding and free of grunge and smear.

[@jliang70]

Well , this is the one of my fave too. I am using this to drive my Tannoy dual concentric, it was just magical.

[@adamus5899]

Thanks Oh the price of the Pass labs. ??? Whats that ?

[@backrack01]

Anyway to get your hands on a Coda CSIB? :)

[@henriksrensen3220]

My favorite all time amplifier is the Gryphon Diablo 120.

[@DBTAudio]

I am curious how the Luxman L-509x and Pass Labs 250 compare to the Gryphon Diablo 120? Have you compared the (3) integrateds. Write you settled on the Gryphon? I have the Luxman L-509x.

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@DBTAudio Hi. Sorry for my Late reply. I have not tried the Luxman, nor the pass. Before buying my Diablo 120 i tried hegel h590, Devialet expert pro 140, VTL amp, and i have owned Naim pre/power amplifiers for many years.

[@DBTAudio]

@@henriksrensen3220 No worries concerning your response time. So, out of all the brands you mentioned, the Gryphon Diablo 120 was the best? I’ve been curious about how the Diablo 120 would sound over my Luxman L-509x with my Spatial Audio X5 speakers? Thanks for responding!

[@michaellmikeyymike]

I like your reviews of audio equipment, I really love music and I'm deaf. I'm severely/moderately deaf. I would like to ask of you to include your body feel of the music too, that will help me in understanding. thank you.

[@stereopolice]

7:30 I have the Lux 590AXII and - no loudness button. Are you sure? Cheers ...

[@ericstefko4852]

Have you ever heard the Gryphon Diablo 300?

[@jonnyberggren4598]

What is the music ?... love it

[@nkenchington6575]

Gryphon, Audio Note and Nagra also make top notch amps.

[@warrenwillis6477]

Which of these three integrated amps do you feel work best at low, late night volumes, say below 70db? Thanks…

[@user-zd9gv8si2k]

luxman ,cause of tone contols.Adding bass and treble (loudness in other words) wakes up sound at low volume.Fact.

[@ysk249]

4:45 Is there any reason why you put the picture of the LM210, which is a younger brother of the LM219? Can you do your top 3 speakers of all time?

[@HiFiHuff]

Yes because I was talking about line magnetic in general and their quality, just showing other offerings. As for speakers … I plan on doing a video for that as well. Thank you.

[@mariocap980]

What about the stunning Gryphon Diablo 300?

[@mikebracco890]

I have the Mc MA12000 pushing Wilson Sasha 2s that I love I also have a Levinson 5802 that I need to sell (probably) its too revealing of less than perfect recordings and it gets tedious looking for songs for it to do its magic on, IMO. Would like to try Pass and Luxman at some point. I couldn't look at that Line Magnetic for 5 seconds.

[@spvlinn9009]

Because of that funky look?

[@joeythedime1838]

It would be interesting how you rate the T+A3100PA vs the Pass Labs.

[@JingoLoBa57]

And start anew with the Audio Research I/50 integrated

[@joegallenberger6032]

I thought the Vinnie Rossi L2ise was your favorite

[@andrewlim7751]

My top 3 integrated 1. Audio Note Meishu 2. Jadis DA30 3. Audiolab 8000A

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

The DA30 has great potential................; Input pre amp tube................Telefunken ECC82 ( flat plates ) or RCA 5814 A Black plates; Phase splitter................RCA 5814 A Drivers .............ECC83 Telefunken flat plates. Output ........................6550A TUNGSOL ( vintage nos , not the reissue !!! ) Wonderfull.......................

[@andrewlim7751]

@@frankgeeraerts6243 Not 6550 .....the original gold lion kt88

[@francruz5824]

Have you heard of the CARVIN from San Diego, CA?

[@audio_addict]

Shame you didn't get along with the Yamaha A-S3000. I had the A-S3000 and moved up to the newer A-S3200. the A-S3200 brings that magic midrange and a little quicker, punchier sound, which I thought the A-S3000 lacked a little bit. I had a Luxman L550AX and personally think the Yamaha A-S3200 has all the qualities of the luxman, but more refined, quieter, and better organised sounding but still lit and lively. love it.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Luxman is definitely my favourite integrated amp

[@ethimself5064]

No mention of Bryston Audio equipment?

[@beslemeto]

What about power amps?

[@jamesleung8679]

Try and listen to Accuphase E-800, it's fantastic.

[@kevtn8]

Is there big difference from Accuphase e650 ? Did you compare the two? Thanks

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Ultimate tube amp for LaScala klipsch?

[@robertwebster8615]

I love my Marantz PM-11S3 Reference Series - Integrated Amplifier... It is not in production anymore.

[@tomwebb7091]

A PM-10 would serve you well. A PM12-SE likewise. Or if you cant bare the thought of class D then the Denon PMA110 is an absolute bargain

[@bootlegtaximanethelbert4189]

ᴠᴇʀʏ ɴɪᴄᴇ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@edgarmisplaced7924]

What happened to the Vinnie Rossi integrated???????

[@stevepk8742]

Have a listen to Goldmund 590 integrated if you can borrow.

[@JMAudioEditions]

sometimes integrated sounds better than separates because no extra cables need

[@Dignit52]

My DENON PMA A-110 is a real joy to my ears. Very impressive for $3,900. High end-quality in parts and engineering. Love watching this channel. I just have to live in my Hi FI budget. I loved the review on the Klipsch FORTE IV. I just can’t seem to let go of my THIEL CS 3.5 speakers. I think the FORTE IV will have more bottom end. Enjoy your sound journey my friends…..

[@scottengh1175]

Pass Lab's Int-25 is around $7,250. 25 Watts of class A. Nice suggestions. Do you have plywood ceilings? Tried to do that in my new listening room. Wife said no. Did get knotty cedar plank. And she would say no to $2k plus amplifier, too. My current vintage integrated amplifier sells for up to $1800, but I bought it in 1978 new.

[@tassostsoutis601]

Which vintage amp do you have?

[@jctai100]

I live in northern Canada, so I guess the Line Magnetic is for me haha

[@hugobloemers4425]

Domestic brand, eh

[@cameronkrause4712]

not for long-things are warming up

[@tttdrr2293]

Live in Northern Ontario, closest city is 7 hours away. Have the Line Magnetic 210ia, great SET amp. Had to get it trucked to my location, but it was free shipping from China. Give off nice heat during this cold winter of ours ;)

[@michaelhastie7324]

Your picks are interesting. A cross between You-Tube audio reviewers and 6 Moons reviews. The more takes you can get on this elusive hobby, the better....

[@user-mk5cd8ko3w]

我在一个月以前买了一对加拿大gershman black swan音箱，我在网上看到了很多放大器参考，应用最多的是pass labs(mono blocks),我准备买luxman590或者pass,int250作为功放，他们都是非常优秀的放大器，但是根据大家的评论，他们在低音量下都有很好的表现。pass功放的空间感,3d感更加适合我，而且非常耐听。唯一的缺点是pass int250没有tone控制，我如果买int250如何实现音调控制？谢谢bro😄

[@shillwaffer2105]

You should listen to an Ultralinear integrated from LTA

[@carlwinslow4175]

Just bought the Line magnetic get it in a few days wheee

[@robertm8518]

Mark Levinson! The new models.

[@michaelyhuang]

I also interest Luxman 590 AXII But voltage in Japan is 100V The voltage in the US is 120V Is this a problem with the 590 AXII ?

[@watchnut]

Have you reviewed an Accuphase integrated?

[@WTJ3405]

Pass Labs INT-25?

[@drivethrou]

I build 845 SE amp 1999 and still the best i ever had

[@mahasidha9]

There is now a new version of the Michi X-5, called the Michi X-5 Version 2, said to have 95 new parts including a new DAC. Please audition it, especially with the phono stage; thanks!

[@jaidevcool]

You should try the Sugden A21SE.

[@varislew584]

Been there 590ax mkii is far more superior

[@robertliskey420]

Ps Western Electric has just released an integrated yep 300b matched

[@michelcouture7026]

I had a pass aleph 30 sold it because of heat! I live in Montreal, Canada it is not to hot here!

[@garth56]

The best and I've reviewed all but the first one is Accuphase it's all of the above and more.. It makes all of the above sound less it's incredible.. Luxman is a poor mans Accuphase yet they're around the same price on the lower level's.

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

I bought my new model. Lm219 plus. Used At very reasonable price

[@manossagiannis2406]

I vote for the GamuT DI150

[@povicollege3055]

Why not choose the Pass Labs INT-25? Why did you choose the INT-250 over the INT-25 (100% class A!!!)???