Best integrated for under $20K

BruceD · Jan 1, 2017

slcaudiophile said:
Really? TB stuff is f***ing incredible sounding gear. I was lucky enough to demo their zero mono's while I was overseas several years ago and I still remember how they sound. I am surprised they are not well known here in America.

Evidently the earlier models proved to have a Glitch--seems to have been sorted with the current crop though

BD

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/technical-brain-revisited/?page=5

KeithR · Jan 1, 2017

slcaudiophile said:
I always thought it was about the electrical current then the actual power output rating. If 25 watts can drive the YG's bitches they can drive anything.

I've heard and demo'd YGs numerous times. Love the speakers, but they need more power. I've also heard the Vitus SIA25 on Rockports and felt the system was a bit compressed. YMMV.

iaxel · Jan 2, 2017

Hyperion said:
I've got the Absolare, Ayre, Ypsilon, Rowland and Devialet on permanent demonstration at our premises in Stockholm. I used to have the Gryphon Diablo 300 as well. I'm also carrying CH Precision, where the I1 will hopefully arrive early this year.

All have their virtuos.

What are you looking for besides the ability to drive tougher loads? What does the rest of your system consist of?

All the best.

/ Marcus, Perfect sense

Thanks!
I have an Audiomat dac, TW turntable with Thomas Mayer LCR phono. My speakers are the Magico S3 (and they present a very tough load).

bonzo75 · Jan 2, 2017

Thieliste said:
Then if you cannot audition the Rowland you should try out the Ghyphon Diablo 300 and the Pass Int 250 if you want to stay within your $20K budget.
The ASR Emiter 2 Exclusive is stunning, probably my favorire integrated i auditioned to date but not sure if it would drive your speakers perfectly.
The ASR can compete way above its price point, you might want to check it out.
The only problem i find with this amp is it's 4 box set up.

Joel mentioned to me that ASR is not best at tougher loads, so might not suit iaxel

iaxel · Jan 2, 2017

bonzo75 said:
Joel mentioned to me that ASR is not best at tougher loads, so might not suit iaxel

Indeed. Thanks!

bonzo75 · Jan 2, 2017

I also would not go with the lower watt Class A as you will lose most of the class A on the lower impedances.

iaxel · Jan 2, 2017

bonzo75 said:
I also would not go with the lower watt Class A as you will lose most of the class A on the lower impedances.

Right. I may need a good class AB with the ability to drive low impedances (high current). That's why the list consists the Pass INT250, Gryphon Diablo 300 and now I've added the Vitus RI-100. All seem to have those numbers, looking at their specs.

bonzo75 · Jan 2, 2017

iaxel said:
Right. I may need a good class AB with the ability to drive low impedances (high current). That's why the list consists the Pass INT250, Gryphon Diablo 300 and now I've added the Vitus RI-100. All seem to have those numbers, looking at their specs.

From what I know Vitus strength is the class A not the AB. I have never compared and love their stereo amp class A, but that is what a couple of amp owners told me. The analog domain integrated can drive anything. It's a clean, transparent and fast sound

analog brother · Jan 2, 2017

jadis da-88s is another contender.
60 watts class a tubes. nice synergy with magico.
otherwise, diablo 300, pass int-60, or t+a hv 3000

slcaudiophile · Jan 2, 2017

iaxel said:
Right. I may need a good class AB with the ability to drive low impedances (high current). That's why the list consists the Pass INT250, Gryphon Diablo 300 and now I've added the Vitus RI-100. All seem to have those numbers, looking at their specs.

use with magico uses in their listening room and stop worrying about it.

iaxel · Jan 2, 2017

slcaudiophile said:
use with magico uses in their listening room and stop worrying about it.

What do they use?

slcaudiophile · Jan 2, 2017

iaxel said:
What do they use?

i think soulution 701s. but it changes often.

iaxel · Jan 2, 2017

slcaudiophile said:
i think soulution 701s. but it changes often.

Yes. Last time I've checked the 701 where in the $100k region and monoblocks.

Hyperion · Jan 2, 2017

The Magico showroom - at one point in time (quite recently). What Magico uses as "reference components" does not say anything about your personal, emotional connection with the music in this particular system of course...

slcaudiophile · Jan 2, 2017

iaxel said:
Yes. Last time I've checked the 701 where in the $100k region and monoblocks.

maybe audiogon?

slcaudiophile · Jan 2, 2017

Hyperion said:
The Magico showroom - at one point in time (quite recently). What Magico uses as "reference components" does not say anything about your personal, emotional connection with the music in this particular system of course...

View attachment 30393

i agree with you. i was being a little bit sarcastic. magico does have a pretty listening room.

analog brother · Jan 2, 2017

they use cat and ch as well.

Rocco I. · Jan 3, 2017

The very fine Burmester 082.

iaxel · Jan 3, 2017

Rocco I. said:
The very fine Burmester 082.

Not sure it has enough reserve. 100W @ 8ohms and 150W @ 4ohms - how does it deal with a 2 ohms load?

Rocco I. · Jan 3, 2017

I listened it drove the Martin Logan CLS, Burmester B80 and Wilson Sasha 2 with easy and an outstanding musical performance at all. Of course the final proof is to test it with own loudspeakers.

Best integrated for under $20K

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