For the past (almost) 40 years, I have had SO many integrateds in my home it is almost shameful. Both tubes and solid state. Both well-known manufacturers and exotic, rare birds (with rarer distribution and support.)
My all-time most enjoyable components in the solid-state camp, (I can mention tubes in another post):
Second place: Norma Audio IPA-140.
This is a somewhat unknown integrated in North-America, but with a good history in Europe. I beleive Singer in N.Y. still carries it. A minimalist design, with world-class build quality (except maybe for the volume knob (not the volume control system). It is a hollow design that "rings a bit" when you tap your fingernalis on it. Not sure if it affects the sound, I think not, but it still bothered me a bit. A sonic purity that is addictive and compares to more expensive units, as the Norma in itself is quite expensive hovering around 10K
First place: Yamaha AS3000. Yes, and integrated with tone controls. This has nothing to do with your usual Yamaha fare. A statement product if there ever was one, and I believe a future classic. .After owning many boutique high-end units, this integrated has it all. Build quality that rivals (and surpasses Accuphase in a few areas actually). There are so many things that can be said about the build quality, design, parts quality and exceptionnal fit and finish that it can only be appreciated going beyond photographs. Sound is neutral yet very somptuous with an extremely large soundstage with 3D depth, with just a very slight character of sweetness to it. Bass is exceptionnally well-defined. And those tone controls that are so subtle yet get out of the way...And the look is stunning, at least for me, with those cut-glass enclosed view meters with that delicate off-white glow that can be turned off (but why would you, it's LED lifetime duration). In fact the shade of white reminds me of my favorite tube color, the 572 tubes from a previous Cary SET monoblock system.
Audio is about sound of course, but also about beautifull and inspiring creations and ownership experience. Above all, it is about being moved with a personnal connection to the artist. This Yammy does it all for me. Always very subjective of course.
Read my review of this unit from 2018 to get more details.
My all-time most enjoyable components in the solid-state camp, (I can mention tubes in another post):
Second place: Norma Audio IPA-140.
This is a somewhat unknown integrated in North-America, but with a good history in Europe. I beleive Singer in N.Y. still carries it. A minimalist design, with world-class build quality (except maybe for the volume knob (not the volume control system). It is a hollow design that "rings a bit" when you tap your fingernalis on it. Not sure if it affects the sound, I think not, but it still bothered me a bit. A sonic purity that is addictive and compares to more expensive units, as the Norma in itself is quite expensive hovering around 10K
First place: Yamaha AS3000. Yes, and integrated with tone controls. This has nothing to do with your usual Yamaha fare. A statement product if there ever was one, and I believe a future classic. .After owning many boutique high-end units, this integrated has it all. Build quality that rivals (and surpasses Accuphase in a few areas actually). There are so many things that can be said about the build quality, design, parts quality and exceptionnal fit and finish that it can only be appreciated going beyond photographs. Sound is neutral yet very somptuous with an extremely large soundstage with 3D depth, with just a very slight character of sweetness to it. Bass is exceptionnally well-defined. And those tone controls that are so subtle yet get out of the way...And the look is stunning, at least for me, with those cut-glass enclosed view meters with that delicate off-white glow that can be turned off (but why would you, it's LED lifetime duration). In fact the shade of white reminds me of my favorite tube color, the 572 tubes from a previous Cary SET monoblock system.
Audio is about sound of course, but also about beautifull and inspiring creations and ownership experience. Above all, it is about being moved with a personnal connection to the artist. This Yammy does it all for me. Always very subjective of course.
Read my review of this unit from 2018 to get more details.