Integrated amp suggestions.

@taww

regarding ayre gear, i would agree that the sound signature is

- deep dark dark black background, from which detail emerges very naturally without a sense of brightness or emphasis
- not the last word in deep bass slam/extension, although it is very rhythmic and tuneful
- natural, nuanced, even a little warm midrange... not a fat midrange, but to my ears it is not lean (like alot of other solid state), exceptional smooth, but without loss of tonality
- very good speed and flow to the music, well timed and once again, just natural sounding, easeful without seeming at all lazy
- outstanding spatial capabilities - deep wide layered... i think this is one ayre’s great strengths

agree that matching with speakers and ancillaries key (as is always the case) - but it is special, outstanding gear

cheers

Pass Labs, anyone?

Hegel H590: I don't think I've heard a best sounding integrated at this price point -- and perhaps way beyond it.

I would like to add yet another recommendation for the Ayre AX-5 Twenty, especially paired with the Sonus Faber Olympcia Nova V speakers. I auditioned this very combination last month, and it was stunningly good. That setup also included a dCS Bartok streamer/DAC. We also tried a Luxman L550 integrated in the setup, but some of the magic was clearly lost. I have also recently auditioned the McIntosh MA7200 integrated with a Linn streaner/DAC ($10K), and Olympicia Nova III speakers. I did not like this combination nearly as much as the Ayre with the Nova  III, and the Ayre with the Nova V was in a completely different class. I liked the Ayre AX-5 Twenty so much I purchased one. Now to add the Nova V's!

I am inclined to add the Cary Audio SI-300.2d to this list for consideration.  Class A/B 300W RMS into 8 ohms, and 450W RMS into 4ohms, this unit is a beast.  Modern/digital features galore, including wifi and Bluetooth, and an excellent remote.  It does get hot, so needs room to breathe, but it will drive any speakers you throw at it.  It is meant to be played loud, but I guess with highly-efficient speakers it would still sound okay at lower volumes.

My only gripe is no headphone jack :)