Integrated amplifier help

That’s ^ quite the opinion. Another opinion might be to audition the darTZeel CTH-8550 Mk2 in this category along with the Phaeton.

- Colin

darTZeel dealer in Nashville, TN
https://gestalt.audio

Thanks for the advice on raven, but I think the integrated tube does not match the speaker. I was wondering if anyone has personal listening experience on ypsilon and avior or possibly darTZeel CTH-8550 Mk2? ...

REGA OSIRIS

I have no directly relevant experience. But if the impedance curve of your Avior is similar to that of the Avior II, as shown in the measurements section of Stereophile’s review, I would have my doubts that the Ypsilon Phaethon would be a suitable match.

The reason I say that is that the Phaethon has a specified output impedance of 0.5 ohms, which is not much lower than that of many tube amps. And as can be seen in Stereophile’s measurements of the Avior II the speaker’s impedance is in the vicinity of only 3 ohms at most bass, mid-bass, and upper treble frequencies, and is as low as 2.6 ohms at some frequencies. 3/0.5 corresponds to a damping factor of 6! That is vastly lower than the damping factors that would be provided by almost all other amplifiers having solid state output stages, which are the kind of amps I suspect the speaker was intended to be driven with.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

ypsilon phaeton integrated

That's some amp...

Whatever you get shop around, take  your time.

At that price point, you should be able to find a dealer you feel comfortable with, and help you. I wouldn't be on forums if I were about to drop that kind of dough.