What is the best compact integrated amp without breaking the bank?
 

I just picked up some Sonus Faber Cremonas for a 3rd system setup which will hopefully “live” in my living room.

WAF is a major factor for the living room. My wife really likes the look of the McIntosh MHA100 (or MHA150) and approves it because it will fit depth wise on narrower bookshelves.

(Full sized McIntosh integrated amps are out as they are too deep for the space).

I heard the MHA150 powering some full sized towers in the McIntosh room, which was a surprise how well they did.

My concern is if the 50WPC would be up to the task in my larger living room (18’ ceilings).

The MA252 looks interesting, but I’d need to buy a DAC as well since I’m all digital.

I’m hoping to buy used, and I really do like the McIntosh sound. If I could stay around $2000 +\- I’d be happy.

Thoughts/recommendations?

From experience - either Moon Evolution, Pass, or ASR Emitter.

Naim Uniti Nova?

Rouge Audio

Jason.......You may want to consider PrimaLuna. Check out my PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium Integrated Amplifier Review. Great price point, solid build quality, and excellent sound.

Also check out my Schiit Audio Yggdrasil Review. A PrimaLuna ProLogue integrated amplifier and Yggdrasil DAC will deliver first rate audio for less than $5K total.

PrimaLuna is outstanding. Very musical and engaging integrated. Step up to KT-150 tubes if need more oomph but unlikely to really need it unless you like to listen at very loud levels.

Bryston B60R is still available.

I heard this Primare all-in-one last year.
Very impressive for less than 2K.
Its bigger brother is even more impressive, but at double the cost.

https://www.primare.net/products/i15-prisma/

https://www.primare.net/wp-content/u...4-1200x806.jpg

I think the Peachtree Audio Nova line with their built-in DAC's are a great value.

Another vote for PrimaLuna.