I have never heard anything negative about this Rowland. Rowland Concentra I, the original Concentra, is excellent too with 100wt/ch. Rowland has a sophisticated slightly laid-back on the warm side of neutrality sound. There is a good reason why almost no-one sells them. Whether it would have enough power drive and speed for your system and taste is another question. Concentar II should probably cost about $3.5k - $4k, Concentra I about $1k less.
Search for miracle integrated
Hello All,
I'm on a search for a very specific type of integrated. I am upgrading my system from the top of the stream down. I go all digital / Lossless quality or higher so the logical start was with the DAC. I just received my Yggdrasil which I absolutely LOVE and feel that I got a much better value than I was expecting (even with all the praise online it met and exceeded my expectations).
My quest continues with the integrated. I am looking for a company that spends very little on marketing and works to move as much of the value for the money to the product itself. Very high value is important to me, I want to get value above the price and I don't want to pay for anything I don't need (such as a built-in DAC as I already have one). The more musical and the higher the clarity the better. My short list is pretty short- the SimAudio Moon 600i and Ayre's integrated. Some other factors are below. I typically buy new but I'm open to a good value in a used product as well.
Budget (only for the integrated): $8K+/-
Music preference: classical, light rock, pop
End speakers: It is between Accoustic Zen Crescendo / Vandy Quatros / Wilson Sophias / Revel Salon Ultimas
Power: 150 WPC+ into 8 ohm
I'm on a search for a very specific type of integrated. I am upgrading my system from the top of the stream down. I go all digital / Lossless quality or higher so the logical start was with the DAC. I just received my Yggdrasil which I absolutely LOVE and feel that I got a much better value than I was expecting (even with all the praise online it met and exceeded my expectations).
My quest continues with the integrated. I am looking for a company that spends very little on marketing and works to move as much of the value for the money to the product itself. Very high value is important to me, I want to get value above the price and I don't want to pay for anything I don't need (such as a built-in DAC as I already have one). The more musical and the higher the clarity the better. My short list is pretty short- the SimAudio Moon 600i and Ayre's integrated. Some other factors are below. I typically buy new but I'm open to a good value in a used product as well.
Budget (only for the integrated): $8K+/-
Music preference: classical, light rock, pop
End speakers: It is between Accoustic Zen Crescendo / Vandy Quatros / Wilson Sophias / Revel Salon Ultimas
Power: 150 WPC+ into 8 ohm
Showing 12 responses by inna
Ther are no 'miracle integrateds', but if you wish to experience the best you have to go much higher in terms of cost and much wider in terms of brands. There are a few worth trying - Ypsilon, Absolare, Gryphon, VAC and others. Of what I mentioned VAC and lesser Gryphon are the least expensive, about $10k - $12k, and Ypsilon and Absolare are the most expensive, about $25k. Best Gryphon integrated is 300wt/ch/8ohm and is about $15k, I guess, and only available from dealers outside of the US. Pass is probably the easiest and least expensive choice, YBA is very rare, 100wt/ch and you may not like its sound. Older Rowland Concentra II is 150wt/ch and might be perfect for you but is extremely difficult to find. |
I doubt that 25 watts will be enough. Depends on the music you listen to, volume and room size. Personally, regardless of speakers I never consider anything less than 50- 60 tube watts or 75-100 solid state watts. I can easily drive my speakers with 30 solid state watts and I used to do it with 60 solid state watts. Now I have 120 watts and it is much better, you can feel the power. My listening habits, taste of music and room remain the same. Speakers are 89db, 8 ohm, two way floorstanders with 8" woofer. |
Yeah...I think, that VAC is gone. In my dreams I would like to compare that VAC, Ypsilon hybrid integrated and Gryphon solid state integrated. Assuming reasonably efficient speakers and medium size room, I would guess it would be a matter of taste but also it could depend on particular music and volume level, but overall all three should be absolutely top level. Gryphon Diablo 300 is said to be extremely poweful and dynamic, in addition to other things, VAC should win in midrange and Ypsilon might have a unique sound signature and great balance. If I am right in my very schematic assessment, which one would I take? Hmm..I don't know ! |
I saw that Gryphon, it is supposed to be an excellent amp, but it is 11-17 years old, there are no Gryphon dealers in North America and it is not as good as the following Diablo model not to mention current Diablo 300 model. Judging by reviews and the word of mouth. Besides, I would have to sell things that I don't want to sell to get it. So no, I will wait. As I said, I am sure I would be happy with any of those three. |
http://www.ypsilonelectronics.com/product/14/cdt-100-cd-transport.html LAMM and VAC have enough stuff to sell, don't need it. Gryphon makes it only because they want to have all Gryphon system and they don't make turntables. Why Ypsilon makes it I have no idea of, maybe they are thinking of making speakers too and have all Ypsilon set-up. CD players are going to be completely obsolete very soon. My player is in the closet unlike turntable and tape deck. It's either analogue or computer. |