Integrated Question

Fastfreight - Funny you brought up Soul Note. I was talking with TMR and they recommended Soul Note. I thought about waiting to see the new A3. My concern is power. Everyone I spoke to about the Totems suggest abundance of quality power. That’s why I was hesitant to consider Luxman. I am not in any way speaking poorly of Luxman but I associate it with my 225i concerning bass.

I would experiment further with different tubes, interconnects and power cord for the amp. There can be dramatic differences.

ghdprentice, what you said about SS sounding more accurate is fundamentally incorrect as a general statement. 

I don't like Pass and Luxman equipment. And they are not in the same league as Accuphase Boulder and Gryphon.  

Some of the cables above offered more than the Morrow, but when cost was factored in, Morrow was best all around for the money. I have not looked into Acoustic Zen. Just looked at The Cable Company and they carry AZ may rent and give them a try.

No, don’t do that.  If you wanna try them buy the used ones I recommended because if they don’t work out you can sell them for about what you paid for them so very little risk.  It’s almost like a free in-home trial, and they may well address the issues you’re trying to address, and if they do your problem is solved for $650. 

If it is possible take the Totems to the dealer. Most likely it’s the speakers that lack bass not the amplification!!

I have heard them all , the new E4000 Accuphase. Has now a very high800 damping factor ,vs the very good E480 it’s noticeably better it has a very natural balance ,even at low volume the best of the bunch , their patented volume control 

matches it’s impedance ,and new board ,has2-3 % lower distortion  .I like thsttheMeters are now bigger and inset , out of the integrated amps mentioned 

the E4000 is the most refined and detailed besides the Gryphon  , and for late night listened it has a button to enhance 

the performance at lower volumes . My friend at our audio club bought one 

the-only one that was a little  better was the  Gryphon Diablo.  ,which now has been upgraded ,I have not heard yet at $23k a Big jump in price.

These were 6 high end  integrated in the shoot out including dartzeel  which was a a bit too warm for my taste but still very detailed .