Best Integrated, period.

Another contender might be the LSA series hybrids. All have the same structure and put out 150watts. The Signature and statement have slightly different circuits and improved components. I have heard the basic reference version when it was DK designs, the other 2 are supposed to be a big step up. The basic one was very good indeed. Strong support from Bound for Sound and Stereo Mojo too.

Fafaion If and when Spectral designs integrated amp on the base of 250 amp and 30SS preamp that could be a great integrated, you just need their one box player the 4000 and quest for electronics is over.

Mapman said:

"I'm still thinking though that the Rowland 500w/ch Class D is probably the best high end match for my big power sucking Ohms."

This could be very true.

The pre section is "all new" and really brings a transparent sweetness and evenness that very few separate pres can match and then you have the well controlled power section, operating in DC (the pre does to) to give you ultra quiet background, all provided with very generous power reserves and high damping capacity. Even my traditional dynamic speakers appreciate the power, but the Ohms may well DEMAND it.

Dave

"the Ohms may well DEMAND it"

Yes, this is for certain. They would love the 500w/ch doubling into 4 ohms, high current, and damping. There is little doubt in my mind.

They are very forgiving however once you meet this demand. They impart their highly coherent omni-like sound to almost any decent piece of equipment properly matched. Better pieces will deliver their unique qualities as well, but the Ohms are so inherently lifelike that a listeners priorities regarding the sound they are used to might well change.

I asked John Strohbeen at Ohm what amp to go with for the Ohm 5s. He suggested NAD as a good value option. I've had NAD stuff. Not the most coveted of gear for audiophiles, but I am sure a good NAD on the Ohms would compete well with much higher end electronics on many other speaker designs.

The highly regarded pre-amp section (including phono) on the Rowland adds value for it in my case with the Ohms on my current system.

Mapman, my friend, there's no getting around it, at $8800 ($9200 with phono)for the Continuum 500, you're talking "real money", BUT I think it's an incredible value or bargain. I've never had a moment of buyer's remorse. As you note, the pre-amp section competes with separate pres that cost more the C-500 in total. It's really a no-compromise integrated.

NAD is a great "value" for those that can't afford or don't want to afford 9k (I fully understand this position and I've been there myself in the past), but no one's going to say that it'll compete with an ARC Ref.3 pre-amp, as is actually said of Rowland's pre. Forget about the power side, where Rowland is literally in a class almost by itself.

If you need more power than 1000 watts into 4 ohms, then you'll have to consider separates, like a Capri driving two Spectron III monoblocks. I have little doubt that would be wonderful, but expensive and much bulkier than the C-500. Hey, but if you need the power, you need the power. (I suspect - hope - that the 1000 watts will be enough).

Dave