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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
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
donjr1,194 posts11-06-2016 1:29pmi’m not, I just don’t believe you’ve heard it with such a bold statement.
That’s fair enough. Don’t get me wrong, I think the class A Accuphase E-600 is a very nice integrated. Not in the same league as the Vitus SIA-025 as would be expected given the price disparity, but very good. I’m just saying dollar for dollar I think the Wells Audio integrated is better value for money which was a pre-requisite of the OP, as opposed to Accuphase gear which is way over-priced in the US imho.
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greginnh
382 posts
 
donjr - I think Melbguy1, was using the comparison of Japanese prices vs US as the sole reason for his statement. The Wells Audio doesn’t even come close to the Accuphase - I have heard the Wells Audio and E-600 and own an E-470.

Unfortunately, manufacturers like Accuphase and Luxman have been challenged to enter the US market due to the mark-up imposed by their respective distributors. In fact, I am sure that this could be said for most Japanese brands that are imported into the US.

It’s a shame that Accuphase and other brands don’t exhibit or advertise more in the US. Gray market gear has absolutely no value poroposition upon resale so it is really a "pay me now or pay me later" scenario.

OP has so many choices at his price point and many more if he wants to consider used gear. The used gear market is extremely depressed and coupled with the OCD nature of many of us, with a desire to constantly upgrade our gear, a mint-condition, like new integrated could be acquired for 40% or 50% of MSRP.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Greg thanks for the heads up on the comparo between WA & the Accuphase. You’re right, a mint 2nd hand US-sale Accuphase E-470 or E-600 could be a very good option. A mint 2nd hand Boulder 865 could also be a good option &  easily snapped up in that price bracket if looking for a more neutral sounding amp.
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donjr
1,335 posts
 
My apologies to melbguy. Accuphase has never advertised much in the U.S. I had an opportunity to purchase a demo E-600 and jumped on it after hearing it a few times. My close friend owns the only high end hi fi shop in the city I live in. He carries Ayre, Luxman, Rega, Audio Research, Octave......too much to list. The Accuphase is the best integrated I've ever heard and I've heard a lot due to this friendship. I got a good deal but it wasn't a better deal than he would have given anyone else who wanted  this amp. I wouldn't trade it for any other amp. I stated my opinion and so did you. If I had the money, I would have bought this amp at retail because I've never heard a 16k integrated amp (or in that ball park) that sounds as good. 
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