FINAL DECISION (follow-up)
Well, I’ve now had my R 2500 R inhouse for about 4 months.
This model was cover-featured in last month’s Stereophile but I think the lengthy review, while quite positive, failed to grasp just what a game-changer this box is -- IMHO, out of the class of every other integrated I’d considered. Maybe a TAS review or Stereophile’s promised follow-up will address some of this first review’s omissions.
Regardless, the bottom line for me is that, despite costing three times my original budget, I’m still over the moon about this purchase decision. The unit’s outstanding T+A DAC, headphone amp, streamer, connectivity & functionality, ease of use, build quality, and overall SQ (not to mention its disc transport) are all outstanding for a $19K package, especially when considering the R 2500 R’s compact form factor and light weight. Those not familiar with T+A (highly regarded among audiophiles in Europe, just making inroads in North America) should research this unit's advanced dual-path DAC and sophisticated power-supply design.
I have a fairly complex multichannel setup, lots and lots of boxes and cables, but over the last few months, I find myself listening almost exclusively to just the R 2500 R directly connected via $5K WireWorld cables to sub-enhanced Harbeths. Even after all this time, I still find myself having a ball revisiting familiar recordings and being amazed at how the T+A reveals ambience, untangles dense mixes, and presents content with jaw-dropping physicality and air. There have been times when I could swear that my center & surround speakers were being powered -- strong words, given that the ability to disappear into a three-dimensional soundstage has never been one of Harbeth’s greatest strengths.
The R 2500 R has exceeded my expectations in every way. After almost six months of intensive research (you should see my spreadsheet!), I found no other product at any price that could have been integrated into my multichannel setup so easily and effectively.
Yeah, other people's MMV, but from my perspective -- happy ending!