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
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 !
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 👍
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.
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!
"Oh that’s right, audio is not subjective, so since you are sarcastically implying Accuphase is superior, you must be right, lol!"

i'm not, I just don't believe you've heard it with such a bold statement.