Best Amp over the last 10 years for about a grand

[matthewpianist]

It is if you don't like them.😋

Fair comment PP

 

[plastic penguin]

I started this thread wondering when someone would mention either the Elex-R or the Elicit-R. I am surprised it has taken this long. Are they generally (in retrospect) not appreciated? Or just maybe not that much better than the Roksan?

Heard both the Elex-R and Elicit-R, and both are very good. Would buy one of those to replace my Leema? Absolutely not.

14 years after buying I've still not heard anything better below 2k (new price). It's a very special amp, and I have a theory why... and it's a genuine and plausible theory.

One brand I cannot tolerate is Naim but I've never made a secret of it. Heard so many of their different incarnations entry-level amps, including the original XS, and I briefly owned the CD5i - fingernails down a blackboard. The XS is a slight improvement but I couldn't live with one for any long periods.

 

[plastic penguin]

Fair comment PP

You know my dislike of Naim stuff. Way too edgy and speaker fussy for my taste.

 

[gasolin]

Hegel

just so a Hegel H200 for what is equal to under £900

 

[Hawkwind16]

Clear winner for me second hand is the Roksan Caspian M2 Integrated.

Muscular refined and detailed, I preferred it to the Naim Supernait 3.

 

[Revolutions]

I would’ve been all over the Caspian M2 if I’d have had budget for a phono preamp & dac on top. Awesome sounding amp.

 

[Al ears]

I would’ve been all over the Caspian M2 if I’d have had budget for a phono preamp & dac on top. Awesome sounding amp.

Indeed, you buy the amp for its abilities, anything else can be added later...

 

[Revolutions]

Indeed, you buy the amp for its abilities, anything else can be added later...

Except I wouldn’t have been able to use it without either of those additional elements 😄

The Rega Elicit mk5 was the right choice for me in the end. No regrets, although more features than OP needs.

 

[Al ears]

Except I wouldn’t have been able to use it without either of those additional elements 😄

The Rega Elicit mk5 was the right choice for me in the end. No regrets, although more features than OP needs.

Which just goes to show 'best amp' is going to depend on the facilities you need that amp to have so the question is a tad unanswerable.
To me you buy the best amp you can then, if it doesn't have a dac you simply add one otherwise you end up with a compromise.