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

xerotrace

Showing 3 responses by simao

I have to chime in with the LSA Statement. It's under your $8K range but it's a hybrid with a tube pre- and a dual mono SS output. Retailed originally for $11K and incredibly reviewed. No built in DAC or any other extraneous elements. Made my Maggies, my AZ Adagios, Reference 3A's sing like no other.
Hey @xerotrace

That Musical Fidelity IS an incredible amplifier.

Also, Wally at Underwoodhifi (here on Audiogon) is an LSA dealer. (LSA stands for Living Sounds Audio; it used to sound for Larry Staples Audio - the guy who designed the amp).

Some links:

http://www.stereomojo.com/LSA_STATEMENT_INTEGRATED_AMPLIFIER_REVIEW/LSA_STATEMENT_INTEGRATED_AMPLIFI...

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue35/lsa.htm

But since you're leaning toward the Crescendos, you might want to give Robert Lee at Acoustic Zen a call and see what he recommends for your budget.
@mgmarcus  Good point. Gilbert at Blue Circle is a design genius and a powerful engineer. His FtTH2 hybrid integrated and his BC 022i integrated are superb.