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Best integrated for my needs????

I've recently come into some funds, and it is time to upgrade my 2 channel system to something far more serious and enjoyable. First stop is here...

Current system: Extensive digital library (FLAC)/Tidal > SOtM SMS-200 > Peachtree Nova 300 > Acoustic Zen Hollogram II > Paradigm Ref Studio 40's. This system was relatively cheap to build and has been a very enjoyable platform cost/benefit wise.

About me: Love music, don't get enough time to just relax and enjoy, time for a change. Have worked in and around the audio ODM industry, so have had a chance to listen to some amazing systems over the years, and have developed some good relationships that I will lean on once I go to purchase (F&F). I listen to mostly Jazz & Classical at modest volumes w/ periodic need to turn it up to rock out a bit. My listening room is 12'x18', with the system facing the shallow side. Prefer a bit of warmth vs totally neutral sound, but abhor muddy or noisy digital reproduction. My preference would be towards a very quiet, more neutral, fast and clean musical experience with a defined sound stage. Not looking for perfection, but want to achieve 95% w/ an easy listening (no fatigue) experience.

Budget: $20k, Leaning towards a top notch integrated as the core of my system. Will pair DAC, Speakers etc. based on the integrated I choose.

Comments/Questions on integrated's:

So I've spent a bit of time reading about the current generation of Integrated Amps (all in ones). From my reading the Luxman 509x, Accuphase E-480, Gryphon 120/300 seem to resonate. Curious about Devialet though I'm not quite sure I understand the concept, and Hegel seems to be something I should also consider.

1. What if any manf/devices, am I missing from this list?
2. What is the deal with Devialet. Is this something I should consider, if so which model?
2. Which of these is likely to be most reliable and present the best possibility for future proofing (thinking 5 year time horizon). Seems some are concerned about Gryphon's long term reliability?
3. Best bang for buck?
4. Given my preferences, and assuming I start with the amp, which system will be easiest to build around in pursuit of the musical experience I want to achieve? Most flexibility?
5. Lastly, given that it is essentially impossible to trial systems in the age of covid, is there a "safe" choice here that I can proceed without trialing, knowing that I can tweak around the Integrated with high probability of success?

Am I missing anything?

Thanks all!
ratbastrd
bubba12's avatar
bubba12
440 posts
 
Decide on speakers and choose your amp accordingly. 
madavid0
214 posts
 
So....why can't the high-end industry build a decent linear all-in-one integrated for budget consumers? They know what kind of circuits sound good. Why not build a basic version of these designs using cheap but not-awful parts, use simple casework, keep it lightweight -- use a fan if needed. Use a simple IC-based line stage and slap in a Chinese DAC card or one of their own units. Sell it for $500 MSRP. Why must they shove class D junk at them? It doesn't have to be high-current, just enough to run people's cheap bookshelves in a decent manner. So why can't someone make a decent little class A integrated at that price point?
mariovidal65
34 posts
 
Pass Int 250
Burmester 032
Lavardin ITX 20
Gamut DI 150
Vitus RI 101
bigkidz
3,387 posts
 
If you want something special that IMO sounds better then the above recommendations  contact Vinnie Rossie about his integrated amp.  Also can come with a built in DAC.  What do I like besides the obvious sound, well the build quality, and DHT design.  I build DHT designs and the sound is above standard designs IMO.

Happy Listening
ratbastrd OP
13 posts
 
@bigkidz thanks, I may do that thanks!

Along those lines, I’d like to update this thread for future generations of audiophiles looking to build a quality home system that will rely entirely on digital sources, who want to avoid an aneurism or divorce (or both in my case).

One thing I am realizing is that my initial instinct to look at the DAC/Amp stage first was probably a good one. My (future) system is going to be entirely digital up to the DAC/AMP or Integrated AMP stage. The rathole that is USB networked audio, is IMO just that. The machinations that this industry has gone through to make USB transport audiophile quality is really dysfunctional IMO.

My sources are going to either be locally stored files on a music server or streamed content from Tidal/Qobuz/AMZN, period. I will not have an analog source in my system now or likely in the future.

Because my sources will be entirely digital and streamed across WAN/LAN the obvious means of transport are ethernet, duh. 

With this absolute in mind, I need to refresh my initial question.  What are my best options for (ethernet enabled) DAC/Amp combo or Integrated Amp (ethernet input enabled) in the sub $15K range (new). Must admit the Hegel is looking much more attractive at this point. 


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