I have Harbeth SHL5+ and have used the Ayre AX-7e, tried the EX-8 and now use the Aesthetix Mimas. None of them sound like a tube amp but all of them work very well with Harbeth's for a very musical listening experience. The Mimas is a hybrid that utilizes 2 6922 type tubes and is the one that best suited my tastes. Both the EX-8 and the Mimas can have a built in DAC and the Mimas can also have a built in phono stage.
***All-in-one integrated***$5000.00-$7500.00***Class A/B only***Stellar Headphone***
Following closely the similar thread $10,000.00+ with great interest & looking at the recommended components I don't think I can bring myself to spend that much..I demo'd a SimAudio 340iX today in my system & the sound was amazing until I plugged in the HiFiMan HE400i headphones,VERY disappointing for a $5000.00 rig,sounding flat,lifeless & tonally black...Contrasting the headphone circuit in my Creek Evo50a/Ruby rig which rivals some of the best tube can amps I've ever heard(Woo,modded out APPJ Audio & Schiit)...
This is my first foray into higher end SS..The Creek I have had 2 weeks now,the first SS amp in many many years,since I plugged a Yaqin tube buffer into my Newcastle surround receiver & discovered tubes...It displays wonderful color throughout the midrange & upper bass, a sweet,extended treble,extended & well defined imaging & staging,even well outside the speakers if it's on the recording,as well as good depth..Where I think it can improve is:
drums don't have quite that organic,hear into the skin of tubes...
Low level resolution seems VERY slightly veiled,like the MOSFET mist of old....
So I'm wondering what is available higher up the food chain($5000.00+),doesn't need DSD but does need excellent headphone,USB,Toslink,remote,rival good tubes in all sonic areas & lastly can't be HUGE & weigh above 50lbs..I'm pushing 60 & a lifetime of Military Diving has left my back pretty much wrecked.I also looked at the Mcintosh MA-5300 today & while the sound was more than promising it was a freaking Abrams...
Can anyone comment on the upcoming Ayre EX-8?Prices is right at $7500.00..I thought I read somewhere they had kind of a cool house sound,not sure that would work for someone who values that golden hued Class A tone...
How about moving up the Creek ladder,anyone think the Evo100a would add that missing resolution & organic tone..
Speakers are Harbeth M30.1,cables are Nordost Purple Flare & Red Dawn Leif,well treated room,musical taste all over the map...Thanks all,take care...
This is my first foray into higher end SS..The Creek I have had 2 weeks now,the first SS amp in many many years,since I plugged a Yaqin tube buffer into my Newcastle surround receiver & discovered tubes...It displays wonderful color throughout the midrange & upper bass, a sweet,extended treble,extended & well defined imaging & staging,even well outside the speakers if it's on the recording,as well as good depth..Where I think it can improve is:
drums don't have quite that organic,hear into the skin of tubes...
Low level resolution seems VERY slightly veiled,like the MOSFET mist of old....
So I'm wondering what is available higher up the food chain($5000.00+),doesn't need DSD but does need excellent headphone,USB,Toslink,remote,rival good tubes in all sonic areas & lastly can't be HUGE & weigh above 50lbs..I'm pushing 60 & a lifetime of Military Diving has left my back pretty much wrecked.I also looked at the Mcintosh MA-5300 today & while the sound was more than promising it was a freaking Abrams...
Can anyone comment on the upcoming Ayre EX-8?Prices is right at $7500.00..I thought I read somewhere they had kind of a cool house sound,not sure that would work for someone who values that golden hued Class A tone...
How about moving up the Creek ladder,anyone think the Evo100a would add that missing resolution & organic tone..
Speakers are Harbeth M30.1,cables are Nordost Purple Flare & Red Dawn Leif,well treated room,musical taste all over the map...Thanks all,take care...
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- 8 posts total
- 8 posts total