My quest: an integrated with great imaging. Help


My listening room is also my family room, so the WAF dictates that I do a neat installation with the fewest components possible. Currently I'm using a Sim Audio I-5 integrated which seems to be excellent. However, I often wonder if another brand/model will do the 3-D thing even better...imaging is first on my personal list of attributes. Can you suggest an integrated that I should listen to? My requirements include a remote control (volume control would be adequate); it could be tube or solid state. My speakers are Tyler Linbrook Monitors with 90 - 92 dB efficiency and I sit about 10' from each. I usually play classical, pop vocal, show music, nothing harder than Dire Straits at "moderately loud" levels. Thank you.
pendragn

Showing 1 response by darkmoebius

Why not a tube integrated amp? Your speakers are realtively efficient(92dB) and it doesn't sound like you need teeth shattering power, so a high quality SET, or more aptly parallel SET for more power, push-pull, or ultralinear design might do nicely. IMO, tube equipment generally tends to have greater soundstage, imaging, and depth.

Checkout:
1. Bel Canto SETi 40 (stunning looks)
http://www.belcantodesign.com/html/p_seti40.html

2. Rogue Audio Tempest (Magnum version) runs in triode and ultralinear
http://www.rogueaudio.com/

3. Audiomat Arpege (not sure if it has remote)

4. VTL integrated (ugly sucker, though)
http://www.vtl.com/pages/integrated.html