Best integrated for under $20K

[BruceD]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

Indeed. Thanks!

 

[bonzo75]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

What do they use?

 

[slcaudiophile]

What do they use?

i think soulution 701s. but it changes often.

 

[iaxel]

i think soulution 701s. but it changes often.

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

 

[Hyperion]

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]

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

maybe audiogon?

 

[slcaudiophile]

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...


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

 

[analog brother]

they use cat and ch as well.

 

[Rocco I.]

The very fine Burmester 082.

 

[iaxel]

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.]

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.