Audio Aero Prima DAC

What aren't you getting from your Classe amps? Better yet, what is missing from your system that is leading you on this system overhaul. Been there done that. With this source upgrade, of yours, we could be talking about the beginning of the end of your system as you know it. It's the nature of the beast. Hope you have a pair of ICs that can deliver the message.

I don't have Classé amp, but a Classic : this is a Chinese amp. My system doesn't sound 'bad' at all, but I'm missing a bit of warmth. And yes indeed, I'm on the beginning of the end of my system-upgrade-disease.

My IC's are from the German brand 'Heavens Gate': these are NBS-based cables built by the former importer of NBS in Germany. They sound great and better than my NBS Omega 2. Speakercables are from the same brand.

Warren, what do you dislike about Plinius or Perreaux?

Renaat

It's not that I dislike them. I like, for my ears, the Passion Integre and the JRDG Cocentra II best. I didn't, to be fair, give the Perreaux or the Plinus long listens, but they didn't excite me (could be, of course, the associated equipment) as much as the Passion. The Passion is a pretty toasty 100 SS watts. Hey, it don't matter what I like. Your ears are the deal. There may be some (though, I find that hard to believe) who found/find the Passion lacking in something here or there. Go figure. happy listening...

Warrenh

I got a question...Have you heard the Perreaux Radiance R200i, or the Reference 200iP integrated amps??

I have, as I have owned both(still own the R200i), also heard the YBA Passion, and I don't know where you get this "your prima deserves better" thing. They are different, but I do not think the YBA is better than either Perreaux.

By the way, the 200iP is a little warm sounding, with some body to it. The R200i is quiter, more neutral, with a little more detail.

I got the Plinius 8200P on a trial basis and compared it to Perreaux E160. Perreaux is too smooth for me, Plinius gives lots of detail but with enough 'body'. Think I'll stick with Plinius, but it will be the new P8 or SA 201.