Amplification for Shahinian Obelisks?


Hello there!

I just had my newly-bought second-hand Obelisks overhauled at Shahinian, and now they are on my way to me.

At this stage I am thinking of amplification for them.

I listen mostly to acoustical musiс (Norah Jones, Madeleine Peyroux, and the like), jazz of all sorts, mostly modern ECM-style, also some older Blue Note, and pop music (a lot less). Almost no rock, although it is gaining on me (in the car, though).

I have had several Macs (integrteds and separates), loved their sound, but I want to move forward: Macs' sound is a bit too relaxed for me (although I don't like the sound to be overly crisp). The most important thing for me is musicality and space: I like to listen to music, not sounds.

I want as few boxes as possible, so I want a DAC with an amp in one box. It will be fed through coax or optical from an upgraded 24/96 Sonos.

The contestants at this stage are

1. Electrocompaniet ECI 6 DS
2. Hegel H300
3. Plinius Inspire 980
4. Devialet 120

I am currently leaning towards the Electrocompaniet or Hegel.
Would appreciate your comments on these. Or, maybe, I am missing something here, and there are more choices?

I dont have an opportunity to audition them in my home town, unfortunately, so it will be more or less a blind buy.

Comments from Shahinian owners are more than welcome.

Thanks a lot for your comments!
ja_zz

Showing 5 responses by mdemaio

Bryston 135 plays in that arena, with a ton of current delivery (which the Shahinians need, in spades). Haven't heard that model myself, but their products are generally well regarded, and they have a fabulous service and a 20(!) year warrantee.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/bryston-b-135-sst2-integrated-amplifier/

I understand your desire for fewer boxes, but one thing to consider is the fact that DAC technology is still evolving, and the upgrade path on an all-in-one is limited...just something to think about. Good luck!
Sorry, I totally forgot about the Modwright KWI 200...that might be the direction I'd head...
Dan Wright cut his teeth building mods for other manufacturer's products, but branched off to build his own in 2003. His products are stellar - musical and built like a tank. Here's a review of the integrated:

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/modwright-instruments-kwi-200-integrated-amplifier/
Gotcha Ja-zz - would help to know where "here" is.

Of the brands you mention, I'd give Plinius the nod. Some info about the pairing of Obelisks with an older Plinius integrated here.

http://forums.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1263574199
I agree with Mapman...I am experiencing wonderful synergy with my Class D Audio 470C (300 W/ 8 ohms) and my Ohm 2/2000s, which are current-hungry beasts as well. The question is can you find an all-in-one integrated with DAC that has the power to drive the Obelisks (not sure 60W does it) that is not only class D, but also available in Russia....I used a W4S mINT (at 125 W) and it wasn't quite up for the task, IMO. YMMV, however.