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Search for miracle integrated

Hello All,

I'm on a search for a very specific type of integrated. I am upgrading my system from the top of the stream down. I go all digital / Lossless quality or higher so the logical start was with the DAC. I just received my Yggdrasil which I absolutely LOVE and feel that I got a much better value than I was expecting (even with all the praise online it met and exceeded my expectations).

My quest continues with the integrated. I am looking for a company that spends very little on marketing and works to move as much of the value for the money to the product itself. Very high value is important to me, I want to get value above the price and I don't want to pay for anything I don't need (such as a built-in DAC as I already have one). The more musical and the higher the clarity the better. My short list is pretty short- the SimAudio Moon 600i and Ayre's integrated.  Some other factors are below. I typically buy new but I'm open to a good value in a used product as well.

Budget (only for the integrated): $8K+/-
Music preference: classical, light rock, pop
End speakers:  It is between Accoustic Zen Crescendo / Vandy Quatros / Wilson Sophias / Revel Salon Ultimas 
Power: 150 WPC+ into 8 ohm

xerotrace
oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
I am a acoustic zen fan , the cresendos are top notch . I just talked to mr lee today about shortening some cables i have from him ( adagios ,all az cables,nuvista ) I strongly suggest you call him , he almost always answers himself . And i would ask his opinion on power. The mf nuvista will sound great and rip , I personally would be going reference vac intergrated used

Ask inna he found a vac phi 110 used for 9k cple weeks back 25k new epic for those crescendos ( a dream amp for me )

. Again call mr lee he will give you great advice and may offer you a deal you can’t refuse. Any az spkr owner usually gets 40% off on cables etc
just saying ..
cheers

there is also a vac sigma 160 for sale here for like $8500 
inna
7,296 posts
 
Yeah...I think, that VAC is gone. In my dreams I would like to compare that VAC, Ypsilon hybrid integrated and Gryphon solid state integrated. Assuming reasonably efficient speakers and medium size room, I would guess it would be a matter of taste but also it could depend on particular music and volume level, but overall all three should be absolutely top level. Gryphon Diablo 300 is said to be extremely poweful and dynamic, in addition to other things, VAC should win in midrange and Ypsilon might have a unique sound signature and great balance. If I am right in my very schematic assessment, which one would I take? Hmm..I don't know !
oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
That phi 110 was a "call it quits for me amp ". A great and rare deal , there is a gryphon for sale here but not a diablo. I just really like vac always have . I see one in my future hopefully the 110 👍
inna
7,296 posts
 
I saw that Gryphon, it is supposed to be an excellent amp, but it is 11-17 years old, there are no Gryphon dealers in North America and it is not as good as the following Diablo model not to mention current Diablo 300 model. Judging by reviews and the word of mouth. Besides, I would have to sell things that I don't want to sell to get it. So no, I will wait. As I said, I am sure I would be happy with any of those three.
sonicbeauty
324 posts
 
A company that is spending little on marketing but mostly all on product and sound?

I currently own a Norma IPA-140 integrated. Not cheap at around 10K retail ( less of course on the used market).

Go to the website, read all you can on it, it is a very refined and unbelievable jewel for the money, some say it can hold its place compared to twice the price company. The sound is addictive.

I have owned So many integrateds in the past, including some from simaudio /Moon, and that LSA (ex DK amp from China).

The norma is in a higher league in my opinion sound-wise and build quality. And of course its a looker, its Italian...

I think Singer in NY is a dealer for norma.

Cheers!
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