2. amps-preamps
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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
aardvarkbark
11 posts
 
Actually, I purchased my INT-250 from Mike after confirming with him and directly with Vitus by email that (two months ago) there was no authorized service center in the US and that a unit requiring repair would indeed have to go abroad.  They say they are in discussions to establish one, but at this price point, I prefer the comfort of knowing that I can send my PASS to the manufacturer here in this country.  Frankly, one hopes these never require service, but the fact is that periodically they do.

Plus, I certainly don't regret my decision to get the PASS, so whether or not Vitus ever establishes US service center is now a non-issue for me.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Good work aardvarkbark, I agree, at that price point having the piece of mind of a local authorized service center is essential. I was adjusting some cables in my system a few months back & accidentally caused an 'arc' which blew the fuses in my Vitus cdp. I was able to swap out the fuses in a few minutes, but to be on the safe side I had the player checked over by the authorized service centre. The player was fine, the contacts just needed cleaning. But that shows the importance of having a local service center.

Btw, smart move going for the INT-250. If I didn't already own Vitus gear, I would have seriously consider that amp. The only real downside for synergy is that Pass don't offer a killer cdp like the SCD-025Mk2.
aardvarkbark
11 posts
 
True that PASS doesn't have killer cdp.  I use Esoteric K03X.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,733 posts
 
Pass Labs has its niche' in the marketplace. I would not want this company to build a CDP.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,733 posts
 
2nd Note;

I rather enjoy the Esoteric for SACD playback only.  Happy Listening!
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