Luxman L-505u, the headphone amp section needs a bit of improvement though. |
Well I just read through this thread and have determined the most musical integrated amp is the one "you" like most. It is obvious by all the different brands mentioned that it is very subjective. |
Hey Southwind. Have you compared the H200 to H300? I've spent some time with the H200 and was impressed. I'm wondering if the H300 is worth the extra money. |
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Boulder 865 Easily the finest Solid State Integrated Amplifier. |
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Another Aussie that I like is the Burson PI-160.
Does everything for me. |
I'll second the Redgum RGi120 nomination. This little Aussie just makes music! |
Pathos Inpol-2 (which I used to own and love) and Audio Analogue Class A 50 Special edition. |
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Leben, and any of the class A offerings from Luxman and Accuphase. |
The Naim XS has something special going, but the "Most musical integrated amp" I have heard has to be the Audio Research DSi200 (with the VSi60 close behind). |
After having heard the vitus 25w int amp, yup, that is the one for me!! |
What I have in my current system,the LFD NCSE. Better than the Viva Solista I had for a few years.And, no heat. |
Jadis DA 88 ? I have owned a truckload of amps, the Jadis DA 88 being one of them. Kept it all of 3 weeks, unfortunately it was one of my worst price versus quality unit purchase. Ok sound but not great. You would think that given the asking price, performance would be up to par - no way. Highly subjective of course. |
Jadis DA 88 Signature. Hands down. |
After 25 yrs in this hobby and more than a dozen amplifiers and integrated amps, I have to say i'm very impressed with the Ayon Spirit II. |
The New Audio Frontiers Supreme 300B Spec. Ed. is the most musically impressive audio component I've heard to date, IMO. While that doesn't tell you much unless you know what I've listened to, I can say this: I live in Chicago and, over the past 20 years, have tried to stay current with the SOTA available in this area. I know that it's a difficult amp to audition right now, but if you have the chance... |
Chapter Audio Precis 250S. It's the best I've personally heard and is what I listen to daily. It has loads of power too. However, you can take this with a grain of salt if you want as I am a Chapter Audio dealer. Dealer or not though, I think it is outstanding. A former reviewer borrowed it and was blown away by the sound quality and was so impressed that he ended up buying all Chapter electronics for his rig. |
I am owner of Sroll Lyric for last few month.I have heard Dartzeel integrated in hifi show in Prague this year and I was disappointed as well,sounded little to bright and mechanical,maybee the speakers Wilson Benesh Chimera were the reason,I don't know but for the same money you can get the best inetgrated in the world Sroll Lyric.Please,it is not an advertising from the company,I am just an admirer of this product and I am very sad that the wide public is not aware of this treasure in hifi world.
These words you can find on his website and let me tell you there are absolutely correct,never heard anything like this in one box nor in 2,3,4 or more boxes!!!
Music is like Poetry. It is very abstract and everybody can feel something quite else when hearing it. Emotions from Music express themselves in us like invisible poetic lines. By means of our amplifier you can fully devote yourself to music Poetry, experience non-specifiable feelings. This amplifier has such extraordinary abilities that it literally excels in this “poetical” performance. That´s why we called it “LYRIC”.
During years of successful experiments with new technologies concerning analog signal processing we discovered what topology and physical properties of circuits are important for clean, natural and true sound reproduction. The output is the SIL technology in which these pieces of knowledge touch the very end of physical borders of capabilities of today´s component parts and production technologies. The LYRIC is a unique product of the highest possible category not only from the point of view of utility and technical characteristics but also as to high reliability and durability.
This amplifier reproduces a really clean and natural sound, perfectly controlled with a real dynamics and an excellent resolution of even the finest details. Its distinct characteristics is the precise depth of focus of all the dynamic peaks which don´t mask even the most silent instruments in the background of the record.
The reproduction is always full of emotions and pleasure and it is not tiring even during a long-term listening. On the contrary, when choosing a suitable genre, it works positively on the listener´s psyche and so it supports maximally healing effects of music. Thanks to the SIL technology the sound is not changed at all and it keeps all the described characteristics for very low, middle and high loudness’s.
These characteristics wouldn´t be fully used with a standard quality signal source. That´s why the amplifier contains an equally perfect D/A convertor which corrects jitter signals on the top level and in that way it needs above all data read in an errorless manner, which is only done well by the newest CD transports.
The experience with such a high amp and D/A technology shows that it is possible to get really top performance even from CD format which is comparable with high resolution formats. Even output sound from digital radios surprises the listeners.
The advantage of the SIL revolutionary technology comes to light above all during long-time hearing, best on precise loudspeakers capable of high resolution. They are commented upon too large drawing of records disadvantages, though, but after some experience with our technology you find out that huge majority of those disadvantages surprisingly disappears in full. |
McIntosh MA-6100... outstanding. |
My Class A solid state Cayin 265Ai isn't chopped liver. It might not cost as much as some of the ones mentioned above but I can say the build quality is right up there with the best. |
Hands down, The Audio Note Oto |
My vote is also unanimously for the VivA Solista Mk2. Best I've heard in my system by a LONG shot! The power rating is completely misleading. I drove my 87dB Hansen Prince V2 effortlessly. AMAZING amp. Absolutely musical... |
Unfortunately there is no distributor in US. |
I like the laid back and easy-on-the-ears midrange presentation, the quickness of the dynamic response and the silkyness and extension of the highs; all in all very close to a tube sounding amp as any solid state design I have heard, but with the quickness and solidity in the bass of the best solid state designs. It just sounds better and better the more you turn it up, never getting gritty or beamy.
What a seriously nice amp! |
Steve, what did you like so much about the CJ CA 200? |
CJ CA200 and my search is now done. |
Mike - Do you know if they have a distributor in the US? |
I know,nobody knows what this name represents but it is the best kept secret in audio industry for few years now.SROLL LYRIC IS THE NAME OF THIS INCREDIBLE MACHINE!And it comes from Czech rep believe or not.It may be the best amp in the world.http://www.sroll.com/
I sold all my Naim gear, and I was fanatic about that company,after I heard this gear.Includes super DAC.Just amazing,I have no words for this.It won over many amps even Halcro DM38 in direct comparasion. |
Musicality is unfortunatly a very subjective topic, and of course an integrated amp depends on each system overall setup, not to mention music tastes, room shape/size and prefered source (Lp, Digital, etc..)
Hard call indeed - |
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The McIntosh MA6600, magic. In the tube realm, and not alot of money, the SQ-88 by way of Quest for Sound. |
Another vote for Naim. I have had the Nait 5i-2 for 18 months now, loved it from day 1 and it keeps getting better! I'm astounded. |
A lot of good ones on this list. I wish I had more time to spend with the Jadis 30 & 60s. I found the Ars Sonum Filoharmonia to be exception with my Merlin speakers. It is tubed and only 30 watts, but with an easy, tube friendly impedance load and 87db or higher sensitivity, this was an exceptional little integrated. Would like to compared A/B with the Jadis gear, but I have not had that chance. Would love to try out the Leben gear to, but, not so easy to do. If I need more power I would look at SS from Rowland and Pass. |
Jadis DA 60 with Horn speakers |
Mac MA230. A little light on bass but as enjoyable listenable as any thing around. |
I've heard all of the Pathos hybrid tube/SS integrated amps in my system and they are all quite enjoyable and musical. The TT and INPOL have a very special magic, but I prefer the extra power and bass control offered by the Logos. I've read good things about McIntosh, though a few people have told me that this brand is a bit more musical as separates (preamp+amp) than as a single integrated (I can't confirm this personally). |
What I currently own - a McIntosh MA6600. "Musical" just happens to be the word I most often use to describe the sound. |
I use the Viva solista and have to say it is the best amp I have had. Fast , transparent and neutral with real drive. Having said that, I am about to get rid of it, my wife hates it, to big, to black, runs to hot.
I had a Karan K180, which was'nt nearly as good, neutral, but lacked drive and dynamics.
I heard the LSA room at RMAF and was very impressed indeed, with the standard amp, the Signature and statement must be very good indeed. |
I'll second the Leben CS300XS. A good combination of the realness of tubes and the toe-tapping PRaT of Naim or Exposure. |
Accuphase Integrated amps. I think the LFD Zero III is going up the list as well the more i listen to them at the dealer's place. |
Redgum RGI-120enr
Rate at 155wpc they are very powerful with lovely midrange and bass response . The units come with a factory test spec sheet and my unit indeed came with test specs of 215wpc into 8ohm . Very reliable and great customer service and backup. |
NAD 3020a
ASL el34 AQ1003DT
Accuphase E-202 |
I'd agree with Larryi.....Viva Solista mkII (August 09 upgraded) is one of the most natural music machines ever build. |
Smholl, can you provide more details about the comparision between the naim nait xs and the mcintosh c42/mc252? The mcintosh gears are much more expensive than the nait xs. |
LSA Signature. Clearing the the worlds best integrated amp. |
I think it was all mark levinson gear and I do
not recall what the speakers were but that was the
only time every I thought 'this sounds live-wow'and
so recently I was at the local hifi shop and they have
an all krell and B&W room and all I could think was
'this setup costs how much' |
