Contenders for Best Tube Integrated Amp? Only the best elements of tube sound!

[Hyperion]

Absolare Integrated vs Ypsilon Phaethon Integrated? Anybody has experience with both these units? Look similar from spec point of view. Heard the Phaethon in my system which sounded superb, but willing to explore the Absolare option.
Thanks, Tim

I've got both on permanent display. What's the rest of your system if I may ask?

/ Marcus

 

[George K]

what speakers where you using?

Tidal Piano G2

 

[George K]

i think the phaethon is going to be difficult to beat.

You should listen new Viva Audio Solista then.

 

[marslo]

Here are two integrated which I auditioned at home and are really good.
Einstein Ultimate has too high gain for efficient speakers like my Avantgarde, but for regular ones it can be the top notch. Avantgarde XA integrqted was the perfect match for Duo Mezzo XD during Rocky Mountain 2015.
Einstein is a hybrid design with valve pre section, XA is fully ss however.

 

[slcaudiophile]

You should listen new Viva Audio Solista then.

ok. ive been holding off replacing my audio research integrated because the next one i buy will be the last. which dealer did you work with for the viva?

 

[4music]

I've got both on permanent display. What's the rest of your system if I may ask?

/ Marcus

Marcus,
The system is: Playback Designs MPS-5, Ypsilon PST MkII, Ypsilon Aelius, YG Carmel 2. Sounds terrific but I am looking to reduce the box count with an integrated. Currently trying the Dart 8550, which while very good in its own, its not up to the Ypsilon separates.
Thanks, Tim

 

[Hyperion]

Marcus,
The system is: Playback Designs MPS-5, Ypsilon PST MkII, Ypsilon Aelius, YG Carmel 2. Sounds terrific but I am looking to reduce the box count with an integrated. Currently trying the Dart 8550, which while very good in its own, its not up to the Ypsilon separates.
Thanks, Tim

Thanks Tim!

Well, first of all. If you're happy with your current Ypsilon PST MKII + Aelius combo, the Phaethon integrated will give you (up to) 90% of the performance with the Carmel 2's. The integrated is something very special. I've got a lot of respect for Dartzeel in general, but the Ypsilon Phaethon is in another division compared to the Dartzeel 8550. I've had them here side by side last year when I got the Dartzeel as trade-in for the Aelius monos.

 

[George K]

ok. ive been holding off replacing my audio research integrated because the next one i buy will be the last. which dealer did you work with for the viva?

Depends where you are located http://vivaaudio.com/en/dealers/

 

[Hyperion]

Depends where you are located http://vivaaudio.com/en/dealers/

I've heard a lot of good things about Viva. I'm planning to go to Riga this spring to visit their showroom over there. Can't wait

 

[4music]

Thanks Tim!

Well, first of all. If you're happy with your current Ypsilon PST MKII + Aelius combo, the Phaethon integrated will give you (up to) 90% of the performance with the Carmel 2's. The integrated is something very special. I've got a lot of respect for Dartzeel in general, but the Ypsilon Phaethon is in another division compared to the Dartzeel 8550. I've had them here side by side last year when I got the Dartzeel as trade-in for the Aelius monos.

Thanks Marcus. Any comments on Ypsilon Phaethon vs Absolare integrated?

 

[George K]

I've heard a lot of good things about Viva. I'm planning to go to Riga this spring to visit their showroom over there. Can't wait

Great. Can't wait to let us know about your experience there.

 

[George K]

Thanks Marcus. Any comments on Ypsilon Phaethon vs Absolare integrated?

Tim why don't you audition Viva Solista too? Do you have a dealer nearby?

 

[George K]

There is an upcoming hybrid integrated from Viva as well. I guess the finalized model will be presented in Munich this May.

 

[Hyperion]

Thanks Marcus. Any comments on Ypsilon Phaethon vs Absolare integrated?

You're most welcome.

Well, first and foremost, there's a €10.000 difference in between the Ypsilon Phaethon and Absolare Integrated (basic version - there's also a signature model) over here in Europe which does place them within rather different price brackets. The Absolare is also more easily tweakable - especially by changing the input tubes (altering the sound characteristics). They're also radically different design wise - where the Absolare is quite large (deep especially) and noticeable, where the Ypsilon is rather compact and discrete in comparison. They're both powerful hybrids, driving most anything on the market without restrictions in normal sized rooms at sane volume levels.

Sonically, there's no winner or loser here (as so often on this level). I would consider the Ypsilon neutral in a more absolute sense compared to the Absolare. They both have the drive, control and bottom end impact that you could expect from a solid state design combined with the tone color, air and scale of tubes. I would consider the Absolare to have a bit more of the typical tube qualities though - timbre, texture, flow, weight, body. The Absolare is basically a very engaging and emotional amplifier with SET-like qualities. That said - depending on system matching and personal preferences - some might just as well prefer the slightly more restrained and polite character of the Ypsilon. They're both world class - putting music first!

Hope that helps!

/ Marcus

 

[4music]

You're most welcome.

Well, first and foremost, there's a €10.000 difference in between the Ypsilon Phaethon and Absolare Integrated (basic version - there's also a signature model) over here in Europe which does place them within rather different price brackets. The Absolare is also more easily tweakable - especially by changing the input tubes (altering the sound characteristics). They're also radically different design wise - where the Absolare is quite large (deep especially) and noticeable, where the Ypsilon is rather compact and discrete in comparison. They're both powerful hybrids, driving most anything on the market without restrictions in normal sized rooms at sane volume levels.

Sonically, there's no winner or loser here (as so often on this level). I would consider the Ypsilon neutral in a more absolute sense compared to the Absolare. They both have the drive, control and bottom end impact that you could expect from a solid state design combined with the tone color, air and scale of tubes. I would consider the Absolare to have a bit more of the typical tube qualities though - timbre, texture, flow, weight, body. The Absolare is basically a very engaging and emotional amplifier with SET-like qualities. That said - depending on system matching and personal preferences - some might just as well prefer the slightly more restrained and polite character of the Ypsilon. They're both world class - putting music first!

Hope that helps!

/ Marcus

Marcus,

Many thanks for the detailed comparison report. Very useful indeed!

Tim

 

[slcaudiophile]

Marcus,
The system is: Playback Designs MPS-5, Ypsilon PST MkII, Ypsilon Aelius, YG Carmel 2. Sounds terrific but I am looking to reduce the box count with an integrated. Currently trying the Dart 8550, which while very good in its own, its not up to the Ypsilon separates.
Thanks, Tim

agree 100% on reducing box size. ive always used integrated ... beginning with my first nad. i currently use the carmel 2's as well. i was thinking of the Ypsilon integrated but i may look into the viva stuff.

 

[Hyperion]

Marcus,

Many thanks for the detailed comparison report. Very useful indeed!

Tim

I'm glad you found it useful Tim!

/ Marcus

 

[TUBEY]

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/nvo/1.html

 

[BruceD]

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/nvo/1.html

Hmm--someone should have proof read the faceplate Typo---

BruceD

 

[jfrech]

Hmm--someone should have proof read the faceplate Typo---

BruceD

Funny - nice catch !