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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
pfglhe's avatar
pfglhe
10 posts
 
The CODA CSiB seems to meet all the criteria in your original post.  Built by a company of seasoned veterans in amplifier design.  They spend absolutely nothing on hype or advertising. Their products are built to last. The CSIB has more than enough power to drive any speaker you may decide on. And in my opinion  Will sound as good or better than anything mentioned above in this post. I believe it is quite a bargain at $6000. An integrated amp to seriously consider!
stewart0722
184 posts
 
As you look at bang for buck propositions, you've got to calculate the differential between the companies referenced that do no advertising, put all the money in the piece etc......with:  what sort of following do those brands command, so what is the potential resale if you decide to move on in say 2 or 3 years.......will your added value wash away because noone wants the piece when you decide to sell it......

In that regard, another candidate you should include is the Audio Research VSI75, which lists for 8500.00

You should be able to purchase it for 7K or less if you shop several
reputable dealers.....

I owned the predecessor, VSI60 and wish I had it back.....
arsh
367 posts
 
Jafant, thanks!
xerotrace OP
30 posts
 
Thanks everyone for all the feedback it has been tremendously helpful! Here is my new short list (not in order):

Pass INT-150
Perreaux E'Loquence 150i
Vinnie Rossie LIO
CODA CSiB
Modwright kwi 200
AR VSI75 might also be a consideration
Possibly Schiit's integrated if they add a remote. 

also I have officially removed Wilson and Revel from my speaker list. It is between Vandersteen (40%) and AZ (60%). RMAF is in less than a week so there might be some great new options on the horizon! 
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
I have a Musical Fidelity M6si which for me has been truly phenomenal performance wise. Given its relatively low cost it makes for an overall good value. I’d certainly plus 1 the recommendations herein for the NuVista 800 having never even heard or seen it in person. I think that can be had for less than 13K (probably closer to 10K).

One issue I do have with Musical Fidelity is with the company itself, not their products. They are "dealer only" as far as customer support and that type of thing. Personally I think they would be better served if they had their own forum and communicated directly with end customers. They don't even provide an email address to contact them if needed, only an overseas (if in U.S.) number. Essentially they ignore the end-customer. Not sure if this is a cultural thing but regardless it leaves a lot to be desired.

In keeping with the thread title, "I need a miracle every day" :)


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