Best integrated for my needs????


I've recently come into some funds, and it is time to upgrade my 2 channel system to something far more serious and enjoyable. First stop is here...

Current system: Extensive digital library (FLAC)/Tidal > SOtM SMS-200 > Peachtree Nova 300 > Acoustic Zen Hollogram II > Paradigm Ref Studio 40's. This system was relatively cheap to build and has been a very enjoyable platform cost/benefit wise.

About me: Love music, don't get enough time to just relax and enjoy, time for a change. Have worked in and around the audio ODM industry, so have had a chance to listen to some amazing systems over the years, and have developed some good relationships that I will lean on once I go to purchase (F&F). I listen to mostly Jazz & Classical at modest volumes w/ periodic need to turn it up to rock out a bit. My listening room is 12'x18', with the system facing the shallow side. Prefer a bit of warmth vs totally neutral sound, but abhor muddy or noisy digital reproduction. My preference would be towards a very quiet, more neutral, fast and clean musical experience with a defined sound stage. Not looking for perfection, but want to achieve 95% w/ an easy listening (no fatigue) experience.

Budget: $20k, Leaning towards a top notch integrated as the core of my system. Will pair DAC, Speakers etc. based on the integrated I choose.

Comments/Questions on integrated's:

So I've spent a bit of time reading about the current generation of Integrated Amps (all in ones). From my reading the Luxman 509x, Accuphase E-480, Gryphon 120/300 seem to resonate. Curious about Devialet though I'm not quite sure I understand the concept, and Hegel seems to be something I should also consider.

1. What if any manf/devices, am I missing from this list?
2. What is the deal with Devialet. Is this something I should consider, if so which model?
2. Which of these is likely to be most reliable and present the best possibility for future proofing (thinking 5 year time horizon). Seems some are concerned about Gryphon's long term reliability?
3. Best bang for buck?
4. Given my preferences, and assuming I start with the amp, which system will be easiest to build around in pursuit of the musical experience I want to achieve? Most flexibility?
5. Lastly, given that it is essentially impossible to trial systems in the age of covid, is there a "safe" choice here that I can proceed without trialing, knowing that I can tweak around the Integrated with high probability of success?

Am I missing anything?

Thanks all!
ratbastrd
I should clarify that my budget is $20K for entire system. I anticipate that the budget for the Integrated amp at somewhere around $9-10k. Leaving me 10K for DAC, Speakers etc. I am am likely to buy some used components to be efficient with my monies.

With a $20k budget for the whole system you don't spend half on the amp, not if you want to be "efficient with my monies." What you do is more like $3k for a Raven Blackhawk, $3k to maybe $5k for Tekton Double Impacts or Moabs, and then you have a good $12k to $14k for your source, speaker cables, interconnects, and power cords. 

That answers your question about which "devices" you're missing. Speaker cables, power cords, and interconnects are every bit as important as the amp. If you don't believe me, get a $12k Raven Reflection and a $3k Raven Blackhawk, use a $4k Synergistic Atmosphere Level III Euphoria interconnect on the Blackhawk and a patch cord on the Reflection. Your total cost with the Blackhawk/Synergistic will be less but sound better. 

The exception would be if instead of a whole system one and done this really is just the starting point, you plan on spending the next 5 years or more patiently thoughtfully improving everything, and you would like to start off with a statement or Grail type amp as the centerpiece or anchor. In that case its the Raven Reflection, hands down, and for probably more like 20 years than just five.

That's a pretty good plan by the way. If that's what it is.


Used Pass/Luxman IntAmp 6-7k
Brytson DAC/+Streamer 3k
Used Speaker 8-10k
Room treatment 1k-1.5k

Total 20k. 

I’m not going to be bothered by cables and etc.
Room treatment budget is essential if one cares about the SQ.
Something to consider is the analog side. If analog is in the discussion AT ALL the above scenario gets tossed real quick. You’ll need to decide on what you will “listen” to, analog or digital, or both. If both, add at least 5-10k to the above. And trust me, budget for cables and power management, probably a third of your budget or more. Everything matters.
I'm not planning on any analog. Also I've got cables and power conditioning handled. Thanks for the input!