Best Integrated, period.

Some I think a good integrated amp will in most cases out perform a pre/power of the same price class and in some cases outperform pre/power above their price range. Now if only they would add a really good phono amp as an option it would be perfect.

But that is one of my problems with audio gear. That you actually have to buy a whole new amp if you want some extra power,better PSU atc. I would like it if amps, CD players etc were more upgradeble.
Say an amp is standard 100W SS for $1000, then for $500 you can buy a external power supply for the power amp part. Then for another $500 you can buy a an other 100W board. So you can bridge the first one and second one for 200W per channel or you can have 4*100W for bi amping. For $500 add a DAC etc etc.

I just made up the prices but I think audio should be more modulair. I know a company that makes a DAC that comes standard with a RCA and a optical S/Pdif. But the DAC has 2 more slot. So you can also have a USB or AES/ebu or I2S etc input and if they don't have a standard card for like my CEC superlink they can make one. More companies should offer this kind of flexibility.

I'm kind of torn. I like working with both separates and integrated amps. From my experience, I don't think that sound quality is the issue. I think the Integrated can sound just as good as separates. But with that said, I have never heard separates that are from the same company in my system. So from my understanding that may be the best way for system synergy as long as one likes the sound sig. of the company's products.
I think ergonomics of one's system is more the determining issue. I think people that have a tv/video system (in my case just two channel) that integrated's are better(even though I currently have separates). If I did not have a tv to incorporate, then separates would be okay. There is just so many cords and interconnects and cables all of the place. My back wall is a mess. It was worse when I had a sub.

Several threads are right on, VERY difficult to say which one is THE best, but for me, not having heard anywhere near the number of integrateds available today, I went on a friend's recommendation and listened to the DK Design/LSA group VS.1, fell in love with it and now I own 2,"nuff said!

Except for Mike60 it doesn't seem like anyone's hearing the question. Has anyone COMPARED Gryphon, Gaumet, Vitus, Jeff Rowland, etc. I know I haven't. I have a Rotel. Has anyone besides Mike60? Thanks.

The Micromega AS-400 is very impressive. The direct streaming capabilities and massive power output make it a very versatile product. It sounds great to boot.

I agree with you Keiseeg, about Jadis. It is just that they are so expensive, for what they are. Here in the UK, the DA88S was about £6500, a few years ago, now the importer lists it nearer £12000. It is very good, but not £12000 good. The answer is to look second hand I suppose

I would second trelja's comment that I was slightly surprised not to find jadis at least in the running. I have not heard the gryphon but have heard wonderful things. the jadis da88s is also a very involving amplifier, which i pair with sonus faber guarneri. best wishes to all, rk

The Acurus line of Direct Input Amplifiers when properly modded with the finest components available would give all those Big Boys mentioned above a slap in the rump.ACURUS DIA-100/DIA-100MkII/DIA-150.Ask any technician/audiophile who has owned and or replaced a few parts with this amps.The amps simply beg for a few better components to sing.and sing they they surely can.Not the best but can surely hang with the best.

Here's a review on Arte Forma I-150 (without) the lightspeed passive attenuator volume controller... http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue53/arte_forma.htm

Dartzeel

Ah! Well that settles it.

Linn is the best

You can add the Burson PI-160 to the list.
Never never land awaits.

Audio Innovations Series 500
I've had it for a decade and just can't get rid of it.

Really enjoying my Triode Japan 300b 18watt integrated. Cuts straight to the music and sounds much more powerful than it's 18watts suggest.
Use to have the Pathos Logos another great integrated.

For the money - DUSSUN V8i

Is there a "best" integrated? I like my Musical Fidelity A5 coupled two my dynaudio's...but that's just me.

I second Notec on the Leben. I just auditioned one in the past week, but its smaller bro: check out this superb review.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/leben/cs300x.html
Pricey, but is extremely high quality and will last a lifetime...note the point to point wiring. If too expensive, consider a cheep interim solution like an NAD320BEEE and patiently wait to pounce a on a good deal for your dream.

Lfd ncse! Just kidding. Superb for me, but it's in the eye or ear of the beholder...

I have no idea what is best. I do know that I am very happy with my Rowland Continuum 500. It has the blackest background and is really easy to listen to. I've compared it to a few other pricey integrated amps and it easily won out for me. I wish I could hear half of the amps mentioned in this thread as I bet they are killer. One of these days, I'd like go pick up a tube integrated for my bedroom system. I should mention that the Continuum replaced a VTL pre/power.

Arte Forma Audio Susan with remote controlled Dual lightspeed attenuators will be coming on the market at the end of this month. From what I heard on the forums these lightspeed passive attenuator preamps sound alot better after you put them (inside a amp)! Keep a close eye on this Integrated amp it just might be the best to come on the market yet !!

That's exactly what I'm wondering too Pubul57. I really would love to hear from someone who's heard those luxman A/B amps on the Merlin speakers.

David12, I definetly agree with you about SS and Class A, that has been my experience too, but I do wonder about some of those Luxman A/B amps that are highly regarded, I do wonder if they somehow have managed to transcend the limitations of A/B power in a SS amp - that would be nice, just don't know if they would really do the trick - but might be worth a listen - but where?

Having gone through the thread again, I agree there are hardly any integrated amps not included. Power costs money, so the key to getting excellent quality in a cheap integrated, is how much you need. This applies to tubes particularly, but also Solid state, if you want some Class A bias. For me, the only thing making Solid State listenable, is Class A.
I have owned and used a lot of Integrated amps in the last 8 years, Viva Solista, Lavardin IT, Karan K180, Unison Research S6 and now the Pathos Inpol. Of all of them, the Viva and Pathos Inpol were the best, with the Lavardin a very creditable runner up. If I had to choose between them I would choose the Inpol over the Viva, just and with my current speakers.
Money no object, I think it would be the Darzeel, so transparent, fast and detailed, but not a hint of grain and harshness, a wonderful amp. I think I could live with any Ayon amp too. If I had to choose, it would probably be the SET mercury or crossfire.

after hearing the vitus 25watter class A integrated amp, I'd say, this is the one for my vote!

I don't know if it's the best, but the Valve Audio Predator with upgraded tubes is a piece of art. The remote alone is worth buying it for, (solid milled aluminum), however the music with a distinct tube mid-range and 200W to back it up is unbelievably good for the money. Not to mention the owner, Hans Schalk will help you solve problems.

I know there are more expensive, but you could run this with speakers in the $10K range easily, and not feel compromised. Hybrids, up until this experience were always too solid state, this is much different..

That would be delightful if we could arrange it.

Paul, I'm hoping to make it down to the Baltimore area in two weeks for a benefit in the name of my dearly departed friend, John Potis. Perhaps, I can bring both the DA30 and DA60 down with me, and we can get together for a comparison on your speakers?

What do you think of the DA30 versus DA60 assuming 30 watts is more than sufficient to drive a speaker?

I believe you are correct, Doctor. Jadis and Pierre Gabriel appear to have parted ways. From what one of the principals told me, the company's intention was to be represented in North America by he and his brother, along with one additional, unnamed person. They're looking to set up a dealer network, but the language issue has been an impediment. The current retail price would come in at approximately $14K.

We both use the same small tube complement in the Jadis DA60, 7316 in the front and Sylvania Triple Mica Blackplate 5751 drivers. While you're running KT88, I like the JJ E34L in this amp. Of late, I'm curious to take a spin with the newly released JJ big bottle 6CA7, though I'm not exactly lacking on the low end.

It's funny to see all of the mediocre integrated amplifier suggestions in this thread. So far, despite all the equipment I've had or been around, integrated or not, nothing has provided me with as much enjoyment as the Jadis DA60. Not even close.

A Jadis DA 60 with rolled input tubes. I use the usual best 5751 period which is th PITA to get triple mica blackplate Sylvania. And for the 12AU7s I have yet to find anything that comes close to the Amperex Heerlen only early 1960s late 1950s long plate 7316. My understanding is that they have switched quite wisely to the GL reissue KT 88, really a great tube. I am not fond of Jadis use of KT 90s which sound and act like time bombs in those circuit.
The Da 88S is the current offer and I imagine a worthy successor to the DA 60 which had an incredibly long production run. I was fortunate to buy an older one at a decent price which had just been fixed up. Otherwise cost is bordering on the ridiculous but still a lot less than some of the nominated best cost no object. I don't know the current price and once again it appears that there is no NA distributor. Correct me if I am wrong.

Plinius, no doubt.

Tvad, The 845 SE has surely enjoyed a wider distribution than the 300b SE.

There have been numerous threads on the subject of "Hi-Fi vs. musicality". Reading these posts, I come away with the impression that many consider these the two extremes of a sliding scale - to the degree that you choose one you sacrifice the other. IMHO, the New Audio Frontiers Supreme 300b SE integrated makes the strongest statement, that I've ever heard, that one component can offer SOTA performance in both. It's too bad that they aren't marketed more aggressively in the US.

Most of these noted are well above my pay grade, therefore out of my sampling reach. I did happen to own a BAT VK300x, which impressed me for a bit. But even it couldn't hold a candle to the type of listening I'm doing now, with a low watt SET integ.

A Grant Fidelity 3400B with a pair of Shuguang black bottle 300b's floats my boat. It's very affordable, and sonically shames some much more expensive gear that I own.

There may not be the best period, but I would rest assured on the McIntosh resale value.

The latest McIntosh integrated was outperformed by the latest Chapter Audio integrated in a review. The Chapter Audio integrated I'm sure will be outperformed by others. The reality is that there is no such thing as the best integrated, PERIOD.

Disclosure: I'm a Chapter dealer.

latest McIntosh best integrated PERIOD

I am note sure I can comment on what is best, but I am very happy with my Luxman 509u integrated amp driving Verity Audio Parsifal Ovations. Musical heaven!

I have placed my order for the Ayon Triton yesterday.
Hope it shall live upto its image & worthy reviews.

While in discussions with the dealer, i heard him advise me to look at the Spirit - "iii" as well, due launch by the end of this month having look and feel similar to Spirit - "ii" but with KT-120 instead of the KT-88's.

Whilst the power handling is less for the 120's, these new toobs on the block are claimed to be more musical (rounded, with comparatively less air on the highs & slightly more meat on the mid bass) - gist from a few reviews i just read before sharing it with all of you in here.

Rest is seen (rather - 'heard') to be believed.

And yes, I am still sticking on my order for the Triton.

Best wishes
www.theAudiophile.net - The Global Audiophile.network

Iv`e had sertenly not tried them all out there, but i have stopped looking. I think iv`e have found the perfect integrated amplifier out there. The legendary Lavardin IT, one H...of an amplifier. Not musch to look at, and the weight is nottong to write home about, and the Watt`s????No, it is indeed not an exclusive amplifier in numbers and watt( only 47 watt), but it plays music like no other iv`e had heard in the last 25 years, even at very low levels. So if you`re in for a warm, punchy and loveably amplifier, this is it: The IT!!!

The Anthem INT-225 is a REAL SLEEPER! I listened to one the other day and I was SHOCKED at how good it SOUNDED and not just for the price! This solid-state Integrated amp sounded more like a really good tube amp! I like this amp better than the very high priced Mcintosh amp! Talk about Major-Bang-For-Your-Buck!

Best... I'll not enter that discussion. My Blue Circle integrated is not going anywhere. There's a reason you see so few Blue Circle units for sale on the Gon.

I have not owned many in the past but i loved my JRDG Concerto.

Ayon Triton

Leben CS600.

All Jadis Os are 40 watt/ch - no?

Having a heck of a time with a Viva Solista Integrated, it has it all and replaced my beloved Lamm/MR combo. SET sound wo sounding lean, very musical and energetic, drives my Guarneris with easy... Never say never but... this might be the last amp for me.

Audio Note Ongaku