British Integrated Amps

Thanks mr_m, but I’m fancying these shoe box sized integrated because I’m moving overseas soon and just like the form factor of them and the fact that they are so good sounding and don’t take up lots of room either.

I had a good lead on an Onix OA21 but passed on it because it’s not dual voltage and I’d rather not have to run a SUT if I don’t have to. Someone will be a very happy customer if they pick this unit up that’s on USAM now.

To that end, I also will soon be getting a Meridian 551 to match my 504 tuner and really look forward to hearing it. 

Today, I received an after market remote from Italy for the Linn Majik I and it changes the stations on my Meridian tuner but does not work the Linn at all. Hoping it will work the Meridian 551 when it arrives next week :)

If you want a small form “half-size box ” high-end integrated amp with all other matched half-sized components available  …..CYRUS

CYRUS 6 DAC and 82 DAC

Q. What is the difference between the 6 DAC and 82 DAC?

A. Both amps are based on the same design and feature similar inputs and outputs. The 82DAC is our higher performance integrated amp and features much higher power output than the 6 DAC. The 82 DAC can also be improved further with the addition of the PSX-R2, whereas the 6 DAC cannot.

https://www.cyrusaudio.com/support/faqs/product-range/

I've owned a Creek 4140 (version 1) for years. I was deciding between the Creek and a Naim Nait 2 at the time. I've really liked the sound but didn't really realize how good it actually sounded until this past year when I had a chance to have some other amplifiers in my system.

PS Audio Stellar Strata: Much worse than the Creek. Sound seemed a bit synthetic. Maybe that is due to its Class D design?
Creek Evo 50: Worse than the Creek. Sounded ponderous and slow. Lacked pace.
Pathos Classic One: About at the same level as the Creek
Belles Aria Integrated: Similar in character to the Creek, but better resolution and imaging of the soundstage.

I also listened to some amplifiers at dealers:

Naim Supernait 3: A disappointment given all of the good reviews that I read about it. It sounded a bit gray in tonal color and a bit two-dimensional
Sugden A21 Signature: My impression of the Supernait 3 probably suffered because it was listening to it next to the Sugden. The amount of tonal color and fullness of sound that the Sugden was able to convey was impressive.

Calvin, Interesting commentary and thank you for the post.  I had a Creek 5050 many years ago after a 3-4 year sabbatical from audio when my daughter was born.  It was pretty nice but I was greatly more impressed by the Creek 4330 that I had years later.

I’m also not a great fan of class D.  To me, they all sound a little dry and need to be paired with a tube preamp.

Right now I have a Linn Majik I, Music Fidelity B1, Acurus DIA100, and will soon be getting a Meridian 551.  The DIA, which is excellent, is for sale & giving the MF to my nephew.

@lou_setriodes Although not relevant to this discussion, your mention of the Acurus DIA100 brought back great memories.  It was the first piece of good audio gear that I ever owned, and it got me started in this wonderful hobby.