Whether you prefer separate components or an integrated amplifier for your listening pleasure, there are plenty of good choices available. In last week’s “Throwback” post I took a look at separates, so this week, we are focusing on some very worthy integrated amps that deserve a second look.
Sugden A21SE Signature Integrated Amplifier
My first acquaintance with Sugden Audio dates back to my high school days. Their modern A21SE Signature integrated amplifier last year is still a transistor, pure Class A amplifier that builds on the strengths of the classic A21. While it is a more modern class A single-ended amp, the sound remains distinctively ‘Sugden’.
As I said in the review, “The sound is all about hearing the textures and the harmonics of the music. It’s about hearing the decay of the notes from instruments and how the music blooms and experiencing sound like real music and how it makes me feel. It’s about experiencing music in a way that transcends the electronics that are reproducing it.” You can read the full review here.
PureAudio One Integrated Amplifier
David Cope of Old Forge Marketing is the US importer for PureAudio of New Zealand. As I said in Part 1 of my review, “Every time I hear the PureAudio amps, I can’t believe that they are transistors. The sound is always huge, and it immerses you in the music.”
I had too much to say about this amp, so I had to split the review into two parts. My conclusion in Part 2 was, “With the PureAudio One, my system enveloped me in the performance more than I had ever experienced before and by a significant margin.”
Parasound Halo HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier
The Halo HINT 6, reviewed by Drew Gagliano, retails for $2,995, is Parasound’s flagship integrated amplifier. It is a one-box solution that contains both the Halo P6 preamp ($1,499) and the Halo A23+ amplifier ($1,499). The fit and finish of this amp, which is available in either black or silver, is remarkable. You will also find subtle gold accents, a brushed aluminum faceplate, and a matte texture on the volume knob.
So how does the HINT 6 stack up? According to Drew, “…you’ll be hard-pressed to find another integrated amplifier at this price point that can match the HINT 6’s combination of features, power, and performance.” You can read the full review here.
LTA Z10 Integrated Amplifier
As I said in my review of the LTA Z10, most people will find it hard to understand what these incredible electronics sound like until they hear them for themselves. A David Berning ZOTL amp just does not sound like a tube amp, but it doesn’t sound like a transistor amp either. LTA says their amps have “the tone of tubes with the clarity of solid-state.”
In my opinion, their sound is the quietest I have ever heard–not the quietest tube amps, but the quietest amps. This not only allows a listener to hear more detail, but it also enables the listener to hear some of the most captivating qualities of music. “I don’t know of an integrated amp that’s better than the Z10 for under $10,000. This amp plays music with soul and naturalness.”
