I have another moment. It might take longer to get there than necessary.
About 7 years ago, I hadn't had much of any hifi for 15 years. On this part of the journey I started with an RME ADI2 DAC and a B&W Zeppelin - I think there have been 3 models - this was the middle one which has analogue audio in. I use it as a sound bar. I bought a Cyrus CD transport. TV, sound bar, music - all good. I liked the Cyrus - quirky - sounded fine to me through the Zeppelin.
A year or 2 later I visited 2 hifi shops to listen to Cyrus and B&W. The Cyrus amp was underwhelming.
So onto the place with B&W. I listened in their intermediate room to 7 series speakers - OK I thought. Now let's listen to 'the big boys'.
I didn't hear the speakers. I heard the amplifier. It was McIntosh. I was blown away. I had never heard anything like it. Nearly ten times the price of the Cyrus. This was my audio moment.
I have kept it really simple. It is McIntosh and B&W for me. There are so many choices - it could be endless comparing.
First the headphone amp. Then 805D3. The amp - and as wonderful it is to have an ability to drive speakers - it was underpowered. At 40% it would run out of ability.
I ordered an MA8900, but then heard a review about the largest Mc integrated. Even though this integrated is barely any difference in price to similar separates, the reviewers said get this one.
It is amazing how well it drives these poor little speakers. Depending on beverage level and music type - 40 to 60%
A friend and I tried Oxygene at 70%. It sounded fantastic! Possibly too many beverages? I cannot remember if this was the time when the amp started giving warnings "Whoa slow down lads!"
