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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
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
YBA should be considered.
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
I really like the Sophia Electric integrated. EL 34 tubes. Not the power that you would like but if you can get a speaker that doesn't use those music sucking crossovers you might be in audio heaven. 

zavato's avatar
zavato
1,399 posts
 
Formerly owned a Pass INT-150 (still have Pass). Fabulous integrated and you will spend under $4000. A brother from another mother has an ASR. A bit finicky but sounds great. It's German, and the way it works is that it runs off of battery power (of course the batteries are rechargeable). Detailed and insightful. Pass is a bit rounder. You can probably get he ASR used in your price range. 
xerotrace OP
30 posts
 
Thanks for the awesome recommendations! I love the idea of the LIO but I wish it was stronger on the wattage side. PASS is definitely an option, I also like the idea of YBA- the passion integrated seems very cool and can be purchased without a DAC. 
inna
7,296 posts
 
Ther are no 'miracle integrateds', but if you wish to experience the best you have to go much higher in terms of cost and much wider in terms of brands. There are a few worth trying - Ypsilon, Absolare, Gryphon, VAC and others. Of what I mentioned VAC and lesser Gryphon are the least expensive, about $10k - $12k, and Ypsilon and Absolare are the most expensive, about $25k. Best Gryphon integrated is 300wt/ch/8ohm and is about $15k, I guess, and only available from dealers outside of the US.
Pass is probably the easiest and least expensive choice, YBA is very rare, 100wt/ch and you may not like its sound. Older Rowland Concentra II is 150wt/ch and might be perfect for you but is extremely difficult to find. 
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