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April Music Stello Ai500 or Esoteric AI-10 Integ.

I have been looking for a good integrated amp with a built in DAC. I've decided on either a Esoteric AI-10 Integrated or a Stello Ai500 but haven't heard either one. Anybody out there in Stereoland ever had the opportunity to hear one or both? I'm pairing the Integrated with Pioneer Tad S3EX speakers, Nottingham TT and a Sony SACDXA5400ES. Which one has the better Dac or sound stage? Which one sounds better at higher listening levels?
Thanks for looking.
128x128zeal
4 responses Add your response
will11201
28 posts
 
Give a hegel h300 a spin before you buy.
nkbg's avatar
nkbg
31 posts
 
We have the April in our office and it quite amazing both from a DAC and amp point of view. It sounds natural and has great bass. Everything gets better with a good transport ex. audiophile etc.
zeal's avatar
zeal OP
174 posts
 
The Stello Ai500 has 300 watts at 4ohms, the Esoteric AI-10 has 150 watts at 4ohm. Both have DAC's. The Esoteric AI-10 might have a better DAC. So better DAC or more wattage?
kichoi's avatar
kichoi
79 posts
 
I haven't heard the Esoteric int in person but the April Music Ai500 was a stunner driving a pair of difficult Maggie 20.1s at the CES couple of years ago.

I am Nottingham Dais user as well.

Ki
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