Cary 303t Pro or Ayre c5xemp

Is the Concentra based on the model 2 or 112 amp? I forget.

I have a C5xemp and love it. Works best using balanced connections. Cary is probably warmer if that's your pleasure.

Concentra 2

The 2 is based off the 112. I happen to have one although its not in use right now. The reason I bring it up is that the Rowland is very forgiving and possibly even laid back in the high frequencies. I wouldn't consider either the Ayre all Cary to be all too warm sounding. They are both pretty neutral and much more detailed.

One other thing you mention as important is imaging. The Arcam is good in this regard. The Ayre and Cary are much better, especially the Ayre. The Rowland, however, is not so good. (I'm talking about my 112 which basically has the same power amp that your integrated does.) I really have no idea why but I thought I would mention it because imaging is one of the qualities you point out as important.

I have a Rowland 112 and I've never noticed any deficiencies in imaging. Used with Martin Logan, Monitor Audio, Spendor and Gradient loudspeakers. Directly compared to Pass, Rowland and Roksan amps.