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 5 responses by soundsrealaudio

I really like the Sophia Electric integrated. EL 34 tubes. Not the power that you would like but if you can get a speaker that doesn't use those music sucking crossovers you might be in audio heaven. 

I revisited you post and looked at your power requirements which are pretty high for a not real expensive integrated. I would consider speakers that require less power, that usually means they have a crossover that doesn't suck the music right out of them. Some are so over dampened they sound lifeless. In your price range I would be thinking more efficient speakers and perhaps a sweet little tube integrated. 

Good luck
I have heard a number of " miracle integrated amplifiers " To name a few, the Sophia Electric 91-03, Japanese Triode TRX-88PP,  Melody Hi Fi AN 845. Now find a speaker with synergy.

I would look speakers  that are easy to drive. Large crossovers, to me suck the life out of the music. I would also avoid shine looking drivers. Are they just for show? 
seriously are we still thrashing this around? just get some good speakers and a sweet little amp, it dosen't have to say " Reference " after the model, we will still be on board.