2. amps-preamps
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Help choosing integrated

I'm currently shopping for an integrated amp for my main system. Got a few integrated amps on my mind. Since I haven't had a chance to audition all of them so I would like to learn from your experience and get your input before making the final decision. Here is my short list (all used):

Gryphon Diablo
Vitus RI-100
GamuT Di150
MBL 7008a

The rest of my system includes:
MacBook Pro/Audirvana
Anticables 3.1 USB cable
Hegel HD 25 DAC
Focal Diva Utopia Be
Synergistic Research Tungsten Interconnects
Triode Wire Lab Speaker Cables 

Thanks in advance for your feedback!
jjue
keithtexas
352 posts
 

Probably the Vitus.

Hard to imagine you wouldn’t be very happy.


arsh
367 posts
 
I am sorry that I don't have personal experience with the amplifiers on your shortlist. However I would add the musical Fidelity Nu Vista 800, with which I do have personal experience.  It sounds excellent,  has plenty of power, has outstanding build quality, and in my opinion good aesthetics as well. 
jjue OP
103 posts
 
@samac Thanks a lot for sharing the details. I need to add 585 to my list :)

@mountainsong What source and speakers you use to pair with the Marantz?

@keithtexas You read my mind :)

@arsh I read some rave review about the Nu Vista 800. Sounds attractive. What source and speakers you use to pair with the Nu Vista?


arsh
367 posts
 
Jjue,

for analog source I have a heavily modified VPI scoutmaster turntable with three different cartridges  and arms. I have a Herron VTPH 2A phono stage. On the digital side I use the Nu Vista CD player which is a companion piece to the Nu Vista amplifier. My speakers are Wilson  Audio Sashas.  I love the sound of this system!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The Focal-JMlab Diva Utopia Be’s ported enclosure was tuned to approximately 27Hz, with minimum impedance of 3.38 ohms at 100Hz. I would judge this speaker to be of average difficulty to drive for any amplifier comfortable with a 4 ohm load, and I would rate its nominal impedance at 4 ohms. The speaker’s sensitivity measured approximately 87dB/2.83V/m.

jjue

It also has a around -50 degree negative phase angle around the 100hz bass mark, which will make it very current hungry at that point, making it seem like 2-3ohms EPDR load to the amp, knowing Gryphon 300 amps are great for current (having bi-polar outputs), I would steer you this way.

Cheers George
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