@pokey77
Yeah, the LTA Ultalinear+ I have is the integrated, and it's terrific, especially with the Baltic 3. I believe Linear Tube Audio uses this combination at some audio shows, and I can certainly see (and hear) why. It's a dynamite combo.
As for the cables, my advice is do not listen to a Takumi unless you intend to buy it. Once you know, you know, if that makes sense. The Obsession has a very dynamic sound with excellent soundstaging and detail retrieval, without sounding the least bit "hard," strident or clinical. I would say the Nagomi is more nuanced and does take some getting used to, especially if you are accustomed to cords with a bolder, more forward sound. The sound stage of the Nagomi at first seems to emphasize the mids and back off a little on the extension of the higher frequencies, but that sensation may just be relative to what I have been used to. It is a very musical cable that draws you in more than it blows you back. But for me it represented a paradigm shift that took me a good while to get used to.
Both are very fine cables and are still in service in my system. TWL has upgraded the Obsession to a new "Statement" series that I have not heard, but may try later in the year, along with the mid-tier Hijiri cable that falls between the Takumi and Nagomi. I'm in no hurry, though. My system has never sounded better!
