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Integrated amp comparison/recommendation

Hey all,

Yet another Simao post asking for recommendations. I feel like almost all the post I start do that, so thank you for indulging me yet again.

I’m window shopping / pursuing one of these three integrated:

1. Line Magnetic 845ia
2. Decware Torii Mk4
3. LFD LE MkV

I am running a Lyngdorf 2170 at the moment and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that except I’m looking for a different sound. Before the ling dorf, I had an LFD LE Mark 4 which I really, really enjoyed. I would jump at the chance to get a Mark V if one came up for sale here or on the other audio site.

However, I’m also really interested in line magnetic. I’ve heard them before and I would love to go back to tubes with that brand. And I’ve always been fascinated with Decware. Steve Deckert makes really really good stuff.

My speakers are spatial M3 turbos at 94dB; my sources are VPI HW19 Mark 4 turntable with a Hana ML cartridge and an LFD LE phono stage; and an Oppo 105. When I play vinyl, I tend to listen to jazz and more nuanced, well produced music. When I stream or play CD, I tend to listen to more bass heavy rock or hip hop.
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jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@simao 

don't forget the m3's (older and newer gen) have 4 ohm impedance due to dual woofer configuration, so while they are efficient flea watt amps won't be able to deal with transients and control the woofers adequately... so if you are looking decwares (like lta's) you are best off with their higher power models (25-50 wpc)

good luck, have fun
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simao OP
1,818 posts
 
@jjss49 yes, definitely a consideration. It worked wonders when my pathos double down to 140 watts into 4 ohms. The LFD did not, being class A. Steve at deckware recommended that Tori for because of its increased wattage. He said because I was so used to high wattage amps, that I wouldn't be able to really appreciate flea watts.
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condosound
127 posts
 
I had an LFD LE MkIV for many years and enjoyed it. I can recommend them, but there are better IntAmps for similar money, IMHO. Note that LFD speaker cables are excellent, and of course perfectly matched to LFD Amps. Personally, I've moved back to tubes.
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simao OP
1,818 posts
 
@condosoundWhat similar priced amps for the money do you recommend that are tubes?
cmdc
13 posts
 
I can't speak to the Torii Mk4, but I have the ZMA--one step up from the Mk4--and it is staggeringly good.  If you can try the Torii, you should definitely do so. 
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