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Integrated Amplifier for Raidho XT-2

I'm looking for some recommendations on an integrated for the Raidho XT-2s, running SOTM trifecta stack streamer and Denafrips Terminator DAC. I've heard the Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 with some Spendor D7s and was very impressed with the black background and deep, separated, open sound-stage. Instruments's timbre sounded bang on, the only thing is the voice was not as delicate and emotion filled as I would like.

Also auditioned Vivid B1 Decades with a pair of Jadis monoblocks with MBL preamp and they were amazing. The voice sounded incredibly clear and sultry with every inflection felt through the air, I can feel the lips moving and the intent behind the words. Also the instruments sounded like their materials, like wood, like metal. This was not an integrated and way above my price range, but certainly a reference experience.

I've also heard the Gryphon Diablo 300 with YG and Vivid Kaya 45 and although it had a bold sound, the sound stage, imaging and transparency was a step back from the CS2. 

I have heard the Luxman 509s with the Wilson Sasha DAWs as well as the Ayre AX5-twenty with Wilson Yevette, I wasn't all that impressed by both combo. The Ayre sounded a bit lean and dry, and the Luxman 509 sounded nice but didn't have the depth and black background of the CS2.

Lastly I heard the Luxman 590 with some Paradigm, and they had some great midrange magic, the voices were amazing, however lacking in transparency and bottom control. I already have a SET amp for that.

I was told that Naim Supernait 3 would on par with the performance of the big boys, but haven't heard it.

I think through my journey I've found I value transparency, immediacy, sound stage depth and separation, open sound and in-the-room instrument tonality. What are your recommendations and what am I missing?
divertiti
soix
9,672 posts
 

Your speakers are rated at 87dB and 4 Ohms, and it’s probably a good bet they drop below 4 Ohms somewhere in the upper bass/lower mids. I’d be concerned running them with a 90Wpc tube integrated, but maybe you can get some feedback from some other Raidho customers or Raidho on this. Given what you’re looking for and your speaker’s measurements you may want to consider a hybrid integrated with a tube preamp stage and solid state amp. This way you can have ample power, but as you have very specific tastes it also gives you the flexibility to roll tubes to dial in the sound to your liking. The first one that jumps to mind is the Unison Research Unico 90…

https://soundapproach.com/unison-research-unico-90-class-a-hybrid-integrated-amplifier.html

The Rogue Pharaoh might also be worth a look.  Pathos also makes some hybrids I believe, but I think they may be a little on the warmer side so not sure they’d be your cuppa. Anyway, just some other options to ponder, and best of luck.

greg_f
106 posts
 

If you liked the CS2 then I would also suggest auditioning the Aavik U280 or U580 .

waorwraith
34 posts
 

As one who owned the X1 (twice), X2, TD1.2 and TD3.2 I can tell first hand the Raidho's have specific needs to make them sing. It's impossible to gauge what a Raidho will sound like with an amp using a completely different speaker. The absolute best have been the Aavik amps and, until the Borresen split, Raidho was using the U300 exclusively for their shows.

Soix is right, these speakers really like Hybrid amps. While not an integrated, the Rogue Medusa and the later Dragon were fantastic, particularly with Telefunken tubes.

The Lumin AMP was also surprisingly excellent but again not integrated.

DO NOT discount the Continuum S2. I had this in house a year ago and it was right up there, checking in just below the Aavik's. I would have happily kept it if not hell bent on an all AGD system.

What doesn't work? Traditional SS amps from highly regarded Pass Labs, Levinson, McIntosh etc. The Raidho's demand a fast/accurate amp with a non-existent noise floor, which lends itself to both Hybrid and the newest iterations of D class.

 

 

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