Best Integrated Amp, Price no obstacle?

Panderso...thank's for the mini-review on the new Bryston integrated...it seems like there isn't much information about it out there and I have to say...I've been very curious for a looong time as I already have a B-60.

Thanks Philnyc; I spent some time on Blue Circle's website, and will read that review you linked for us.

Ellery 911; I note that a coming issue of HiFi+, #41, promises a review of the Bryston B-100 SST Integrated. I generally find that mag's reviews very worthwhile.

thanks for the heads up Panderso :o)

Audio Note Ongaku, followed by the Nagra and the Concerto integrated as well as Mac 2275. Comming soon Gryphon Diabolo.

Panderso, have you since had the chance to hear the i-7? I'd be very curious to hear your impressions as I am seriously considering moving from the i-5 to the i-7.

No, according to my local dealer there was a further production delay, now expected within another month or so.

In the meantime I took another listen to the I-5 with my new speakers, Reference 3a Veenas. The I-5 sounded better than ever, and more than sufficiently powerful for these moderately sensitive speakers, rated 89db. For me therefore, the I-7 will be of more interest for the prospect of refinement of the preamp stage than for the increased wattage.

By far, if cost no object, the VAC integrated is the best. I would also say that it sounds better then any and all separates on the market. Even though it is $20K, you can probably spend twice more and get twice less. There are some exciting solid state monsters in this price range that have an awesome dynamic capability along with hard hitting bass, but you can't get better over-all sound and emotion from music as you will from the VAC.

Has anyone heard the NAD S300 Integrated amp? http://www.zerogain.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=2488

i heard this amp, very average, uninvolving sound. only consider used, new way too expensive for the sound it delivers

I heard the S300 powering a pair of Totem Hawks right before hearing the Forests powered by a Krell kav400xi in the same showroom. The Forest/Krell pairing was far superior to my ears. The NAD was somewhat 'sterile' in comparasion, but I also prefer the Forest to the Hawk as well, so this would have played a role in my impression.

The NAD S300 (and the entire Silver series) has been discontinued. They now have the Masters series. There is an integrated amp in the line that looks like it might be ok. it has some semi-useless features like dual zone but also has some useful ones. The "tilt" tone control feature has been used by other manufacturers and it can be useful.
http://www.nadelectronics.com/mastersseries/M3_framset.htm

Hows the the integrated look from the perspective on June 2010? What are the top choices today, uncluding used gear from an earlier vintage ifthey have not been bettered?

New Audio Frontiers Supreme 300b Special Edition. I've owned this for about six months now and I'm still thrilled. For me, it's about balance. This integrated offers all the audio virtues I cherish in such a holistic way that nothing distracts me from the music.

Burmester 032.