Hi-End Integrateds
ludovico -- Sat, 11/01/2008 - 21:54
I have been following the reviews of hi-end integrateds in TAS since NG's review of the Plinius 8100 many years ago.
I am finally ready to make the jump and I wanted to compile a short list of integrateds based on your experience.
My priorities are probably best summarized by JV in his review of the Gamut DI-150 (TAS 176):
"...the kind of listener that prizes detail, speed , power, and neutrality above all else..."
I almost pulled the trigger on the cj CA200, but I discovered that it is SE (my best cables are balanced/XLR!)
I have read reviews of the PASS INT-150, the BAT VK-300x, the newer ACCUPHASE, the Plinius 9200 and the Goldmund 330, and all these sound like good candidates. Problem is I live in an audio-challenged city (Houston), and can't bop down to the local hi-fi shop and give any of these a spin.
In your opinion(s) which of these integrateds come closer to the Gamut in terms of realism? I can certainly change cables, but in my experience I have definitely heard the benefits of balanced circuitry (from ATC, Muse, etc)
Naturally I plan on audioning before I make the decision, but it would be helpful to winnow the list down some before I go traipsing about country.
Thanks,
John
I
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Dear Ludovico
I can recommend both the Pass INT150 and the Accuphase 450.
I personally own a combo Pass X1 Pre and Pass X250.5 as well as a Accuphase E-408 in another setup. Allthough I like the Accuphase, I like the Pass combo better (as it should for the price difference) . I have heard the Pass INT150 and it comes very close to the X150.5.
Allthough in German, I can recommend you to take a look at the German Magazine Stereoplay , which tested the GAMUT as their number 1 in solid state amplifiers, closely followed by the Accuphase and Pass Labs, amongst others.
http://www.stereoplay.de/Produktdaten/Pass-INT-150_3796510.html
http://www.stereoplay.de/Produktdaten/Accuphase-E-450_2172998.html
http://www.stereoplay.de/Produktdaten/Gamut-International-A_S-DI-150_2173054.html
Hope this helps
Dirk
I haven't heard all the units you're considering, but based on sharing notes with Neil Gader about the Pass Labs INT-150 (I reviewed the Pass XA100.5 monoblocks, which have very similar parts and topologies), I would think the Pass should be at the top of your auditioning list.
Have you ever heard the creek 5350se amp,if you have id like to no what you think
robert_harley6 wrote:I haven't heard all the units you're considering, but based on sharing notes with Neil Gader about the Pass Labs INT-150 (I reviewed the Pass XA100.5 monoblocks, which have very similar parts and topologies), I would think the Pass should be at the top of your auditioning list.
Couldn't agree more with RH-The Pass Labs is truly a must- audition.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
I would add the Simaudio i-7 to your list. Similarly powered as the Pass, utterly neutral, detail galore, very quiet background, and not a pushover on the speed front either.
I posted a link in another thread about an upcoming 200w/ch ss integrated from ARC (DSi200) to see if anyone has had the opportunity to hear this amp. I know that ARC is making the rounds with dealers to introduce the new product as well. Looks interesting on paper. Has 3 sets of SE inputs and 2 set of Balanced inputs, so that should accomodate your criteria as well. Here's a link to a preview of the new upcoming unit from arcdb: http://www.arcdb.ws/DSI200/DSI200.html Would love to hear anyone's opinions on this new model from ARC if anyone has had a chance to audition it.
Good luck shopping for your new integrated Ludovico and hope you have loads of fun in the process.
Being in the same market, I selected the new Magnum Dynalab 309, which combines tubes (pre-amp stage) and SS for power output and includes a wonderful DAC. There are two reviews on their site (magnumdynalab.com)for the new 209. Its final competition was the NAIM combo of 282, 250 and HiCap, which should give you and idea of the level these integrates are playing at. Bob
Ludivico,
Not wishing to add to your dilemma, but as you mentioned Muse in passing, what about the Muse Two Hundred? Configered how you want, it's an ideal solution, as long as you can live with the idea that the name Two Hundred not only refers to the power output, but the number of tiny buttons on the remote handset.
I'd hesitate to make specific decisions without knowing more about the rest of the system.
Alan Sircom
Editor, Hi-Fi Plus Magazine
London, England
editor [at] hifiplus [dot] com
Cmalak, I have not heard Pass Labs (not that readily available in UK), but the ARC DSi 200 is very up my alley. So smooth, so natural, takes a huge amount of time to burn-in, but with my Vantages it is a combo that I really love. I compared it with the GamuT DI150, Plinius Haito, Pathos Cinema X, and it is much more up my ally. (see my earlier post: http://www.avguide.com/forums/amp-martin-logan-vantages) I always say that any set-up that can play Classical, Jazz and Rock without too much drawbacks is something serious. I have decided to buy the amp, and am impatiently waiting for it.
Andre...thx for the feedback on the ARC DSi 200 (Ludovico - sorry don't mean to steal your thread). I currently run ARC tube separates and was considering downsizing to simplify my system. I will definitely give the ARC DSi200 a listen when my local ARC dealer gets it in his shop. Thx for the heads up and glad that you are enjoying the new integrated from ARC. I guess the other upside is that this a much more environmentally friendly piece of audio gear :-)
Ludovico,
You also mention the BAT VK-300x.
I have had one in my system for a couple years, and while it has a sound I enjoy listening to, "neutral" it ain't. The BAT offers a very warm, rich tonal palette.
You may also want to consider one of the McIntosh integrateds -- although the McIntosh name is practically considered mid-fi around here. Had one for several years and will probably return to Mac when I am ready for a separate amp/pre-.
To be fair, I think it might benefit you to consider the Moon product line. They make great sounding gear that is very musical and not steril. They offer several units. They sound great: I decided on a matched Moon system.
Consider the Burmester 032....
It's really an hoat road..
I am also looking to upgrade my Ayre AX7e integrated. It's a great amp but ay 60w would not give me enough headroom for some of the large orchestral pieces and hard rock. I heard very briefly the Plinius 9200, Perreaux i150 and following Stecen Stone's review, the April Music Stello Ai500. I must say the Ai500 sounded pretty good, very neutral, good timing and price is within budget.
Any other impressions on the Ai500? I plan to spend more time listening to all 3 again over the next few weeks.
I've heard great things about the Pass Labs Int-150 too - from what I read it was the integrated to beat. It was one of the top on my list until I got a deal on a used Simaudio Moon i-7. I have absolutely no regrets with the i-7, though. I stepped up from the NAD M3, which was also a fantastic integrated at its price point! The main difference I heard in the trade up is speed - the i-7 sounds faster than the NAD. The i-7 also gave me a wider soundstage and a tad more extention and clarity at the extreme upper and lower octives. Overall it's got a great cohesiveness across all frequencies, with a nice detailed yet "musical" presentation (i.e. it does not sound at all "clinical" or "bright"). The i-7 also has some cool upgradable software that allows you to customize a bunch of different settings for each input. Check it out if you can - it's worth a listen.
I just managed to get a used Bladelius Thor MkII integrated for a decent price The 165w/ch certainly gives a much better grip to a 90dB ProAc Studio 140 and I am now enjoying significantly improved sound, even from the movies in 2-ch.
If you want a fantastic Integated Amplifier please consider the 47kg Krell FBI, 300wpc 8ohms, 600wpc 4ohms & 1200wpc 2ohms, partner with the Martin-Logan Vantage speakers and smile.
Much depends on your loudspeakers. I am very partial to fairly high efficiency speakers, such as these excellent ones by Coincident Technologies, Devore, Vaughn, etc. Using these speakers enables one to optimally use excellent sounding and performing tube integrated amplifiers. Leben makes a couple of great integrated amps such as the CS-600, CS-300, RS-100 & RS-100U, the Ayon Triton Tube integrated at $8,495, the Rogue Audio Cronus at $1,795, the Audio Space Galaxy 88 at $2,195, Grant integrated amps, and the more powerful LSA Standard, Signature, and Statement integrated amps from $3,195 for the Standard to $9,000 for the Signature, KR Audio VA340, the Luxman SQ-38U among other Luxman models, etc.
Greg
The ASR Emitter 2 is, quite possibly, the best "integrated" amp I have ever heard. A solid state (Mosfet), integrated stereo amp with three beefy power supplies (one DC, two AC) that is built like a tank and performs flawlessly; amazing dynamics, remarkable soundstage depth width and height, and a resolving power that equals the best Class A designs, tube or solid state.
It is a bit more money than most retailing at about 27.5 K.
-atul