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

[@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.

[@talibe801]

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

[@LorenzoNW]

Have you heard or owned them?

[@talibe801]

@LorenzoNW yes.many times.i worked for 35 years in the industry of audio and the last 14 years in Ultimate audio which by the way is the importer of this brands.Nevertheless the Accuphase 5000 integrated,surpassed the Luxman 509 and in some ways even the Gryphon 300 and the 333,for my taste.

[@mmdusa]

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

[@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!

[@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 ! 😜

[@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

[@Phoenix_1991]

You lucky dog 👍

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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…..

[@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

[@bigburns0909]

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

[@LineMagneticofficial]

Line Magnetic is hot. 👍

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@greghamilton297]

My favorite is my recapped sansui AU-919!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 ;)

[@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..

[@edgarmisplaced7924]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@jeevanmotors4275]

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

[@MarekSlonski]

what u think about lm 219 and qualio spekers ? its possible ?

[@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.

[@issadad]

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

[@stereopolice]

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

[@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

[@fishbone08070]

I loved my Kenwood.

[@joegallenberger6032]

I thought the Vinnie Rossi L2ise was your favorite

[@baycchief3785]

How are these compare to Electrocompanient in terms of sound quality, close, very close or not even in their league ?

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@Zhorellski]

Accuphase is a step up from Luxman?

[@adamus5899]

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

[@ericstefko4852]

Have you ever heard the Gryphon Diablo 300?

[@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)

[@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)?

[@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

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Luxman is definitely my favourite integrated amp

[@lamaludwig1470]

What about Accuphase - especially compared to the Luxman?

[@talibe801]

the 5000 from Accuphase is right now probably the best integrated in the market.240 watts of clean and crisp sound,superb.i tried with TAD ref one,and it was one of the best sounds i heard with the TAD Ref One.

[@AjuVignesh]

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

[@warrenwillis6477]

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

[@ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣΦΙΛΙΑΓΚΟΣ-υ8ψ]

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

[@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....

[@nkenchington6575]

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

[@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!

[@cameronkrause4712]

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

[@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.

[@AnthonyCandaele]

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

[@shillwaffer2105]

You should listen to an Ultralinear integrated from LTA

[@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.

[@2011RAIMONDS]

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

[@joeythedime1838]

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

[@harryburnett7086]

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

[@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?

[@jonnyberggren4598]

What is the music ?... love it

[@backrack01]

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

[@JingoLoBa57]

And start anew with the Audio Research I/50 integrated

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

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

[@vangstr]

What happened to the Leica channel?

[@ggc7318]

Pass Lab 🇺🇸 250 👍

[@jaidevcool]

You should try the Sugden A21SE.

[@varislew584]

Been there 590ax mkii is far more superior

[@robertm8518]

Mark Levinson! The new models.

[@quychang4471]

So would you recommend the Luxman over the willsenton R8?

[@robertwillemen6407]

No Naim Supernait 3?

[@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!

[@truman4956]

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

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@JMAudioEditions]

sometimes integrated sounds better than separates because no extra cables need

[@vaneast411]

they all sound good enough to eat🔥

[@povicollege3055]

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

[@WTJ3405]

Pass Labs INT-25?

[@ethimself5064]

No mention of Bryston Audio equipment?

[@TM-fx2pi]

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

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Ultimate tube amp for LaScala klipsch?

[@PauloFerreira-hh6zv]

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

[@bakeone4406]

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

[@joaquinrubio3230]

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

[@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?

[@francruz5824]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@harveystubbs5040]

The Fonz rang and he wants his jacket back

[@ajitmoses]

Which of these would be the best pairing with the Klipsch heritage?

[@rndm4642]

Zero fidelity did a review of the Luxman 550 and said it was magic with cornwalls. I’m debating one for La Scala’s.

[@daniannaci3258]

@@rndm4642 It was Sean’s at Zero Fidelity review of the Luxman L-550AxII that nudged me into popping for a the L-590AxII. He was right. And yes, the new Klipsch Heritage series could be awesome with the Luxman if you want to hear EVERYTHING aim perfect balance.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

The best pairing would be of cotton balls.

[@daniannaci3258]

@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt Between you and me, I completely agree 😆

[@michelcouture7026]

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

[@beslemeto]

What about power amps?

[@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 ?

[@johnb6677]

What about Accuphase?

[@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

[@rbyington22]

I have Pass Labs and would agree

[@MoxieCom]

is it cold in your house? why the heavy jacket?

[@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?

[@watchnut]

Have you reviewed an Accuphase integrated?

[@carlwinslow4175]

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

[@MN-cw7nh]

Anyone a b Pass int250 vs McIntosh MA12000?

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

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