Integrated amp comparison/recommendation


Hey all,

Yet another Simao post asking for recommendations. I feel like almost all the post I start do that, so thank you for indulging me yet again.

I’m window shopping / pursuing one of these three integrated:

1. Line Magnetic 845ia
2. Decware Torii Mk4
3. LFD LE MkV

I am running a Lyngdorf 2170 at the moment and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that except I’m looking for a different sound. Before the ling dorf, I had an LFD LE Mark 4 which I really, really enjoyed. I would jump at the chance to get a Mark V if one came up for sale here or on the other audio site.

However, I’m also really interested in line magnetic. I’ve heard them before and I would love to go back to tubes with that brand. And I’ve always been fascinated with Decware. Steve Deckert makes really really good stuff.

My speakers are spatial M3 turbos at 94dB; my sources are VPI HW19 Mark 4 turntable with a Hana ML cartridge and an LFD LE phono stage; and an Oppo 105. When I play vinyl, I tend to listen to jazz and more nuanced, well produced music. When I stream or play CD, I tend to listen to more bass heavy rock or hip hop.
128x128simao
@jjss49 yes, definitely a consideration. It worked wonders when my pathos double down to 140 watts into 4 ohms. The LFD did not, being class A. Steve at deckware recommended that Tori for because of its increased wattage. He said because I was so used to high wattage amps, that I wouldn't be able to really appreciate flea watts.
I had an LFD LE MkIV for many years and enjoyed it. I can recommend them, but there are better IntAmps for similar money, IMHO. Note that LFD speaker cables are excellent, and of course perfectly matched to LFD Amps. Personally, I've moved back to tubes.
@condosoundWhat similar priced amps for the money do you recommend that are tubes?
I can't speak to the Torii Mk4, but I have the ZMA--one step up from the Mk4--and it is staggeringly good.  If you can try the Torii, you should definitely do so. 
I'll throw one more in the mix just because I own one and it rocks. Vincent SV-237MK. An integrated hybrid with a capable yet simple three tube preamp and an excellent SS amp. There is only one tube you can roll in it, a 12AX7, but it's the one that makes the most difference. Also, it has both tone controls and a loudness switch which can be defeated, so you have options to make your music sound the way you want it to sound. At 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with the first 10 watts in class A, it will drive any speaker you throw at it. It has coaxial and digital inputs, but lacks balanced inputs. It also lacks phono inputs, but since most audiophiles choose to use a separate phono preamp, I don't see that as a deal breaker.