Final Decision On An Integrated Amp

Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII.  According to the manufacturers or dealer reps all of the amps will work fine with the speakers, some likely better than others.  How each will sound is a subjective matter.  I'm more interested in objective problems with the amps.  Noisy volume controls, excessive parts wear, premature breakdowns, problems with getting service, etc. 

I don't believe Jadis has a US service center... so any repairs may require shipping them back to France.  Also the "Black" version of the Jadis Orchestra uses cheaper third party transformers, unlike the better Jadis amps using transformers built in house.  You'll get a lot more bang for your buck if you buy "used" from Audiogon or US Audiomart... just buy a brand that has a good reputation, preferably with point to point wiring and ability to service in the US.  Also it looks like the Sonetto's (88 dB / 4 ohm) could benefit from a little more power than most of the amps on your list, with the exception of the Modwright.  I'd want at least 80 wpc for a tube amp with those speakers.  

Just quickly perusing the classifieds... here are some integrateds for your consideration:

• Cary SLI 80 (on sale factory direct on the Cary website and under budget)
• McIntosh MA252... hybrid with plenty of power and Mac is known to pair well with Sonus Faber
• Rogue Cronus Magnum "Dark" - $4,500 new
• Circle Labs A200 - used one listed on US Audiomart for $4,500... hybrid integrated
• Don Sachs Valhalla listed on US Audiomart
• Audio Research VSI 75 listed on US Audiomart

Thank you for the input.  I wasn't sure if Jadis had a U.S. service center or not.  That is certainly a strike against it.  I'm leaning toward the Modwright for the reasons you cited.  However, I'm not sure if it will be "tubey" enough for me.  I listened to the Mac when I tried out my speakers and didn't care for it.

I had considered the Rogue but opted out due to a lot of posts which described it as more for rock and roll than detail and nuance.

I recommend the Cary SLI-80HS as @pdreher mentioned.  I've owned the SLI-80 F-1 and after years away just bought another - it's that good.  I've owned the Audio Research vsi55 and the original Cronus Magnum and they're not even close.  It's better than separates that cost much more I've been there too.  In triode mode 40wpc in class A is sublime w/the right speakers tube goodness galore.  The current sale ends this comingTuesday save 1500 beans.  Good luck

jrcotner

I like the CJ CAV-45 Control Amp. It features that classic "golden" presentation and sound. The newest version S3 is out now. Plenty of finese and power, backed by excellent customer service.  Keep me posted on which Integrated purchased.

Happy Listening!

I had a nice conversation with Kristin at Modwright yesterday.  She offered me a good deal on a new amp and will install a switch to cut off the display if necessary.  Fourteen day home trial and if I return it I pay shipping and the credit card transaction fees.  I'm going to give it a try.

Agree completely on the Cary SLI 80HS. I’ve had mine for about a year, bought from Cary Direct during a sale. Had all of the modifications except the better binding posts, (which I kick myself now for not adding)... I have it paired with Volti Razz, and they make a great match. From what I hear and remember, Cary is excellent with customer support.

I listened to a couple integrated offerings from Black Ice at the Florida Expo earlier this year and they were impressive, (in the brief listening sessions)

Another contender might be Margules, either the new ACRH 4 (hybrid) or the I240. I have an ACRH 3 and it’s great.

Had a Rogue Atlas 3 with a Rogue RP-1. pretty powerful and dynamic, but noisy. Funny thing was when I had the Atlas 3 paired with an old NAD pre-amp, it was dead quiet.