LFD Integrated - Please talk me out of buying one

IMHO, the only problem with LFD is that it is way overpriced.

I have owned a couple of LFD pieces, (I still have an original LFD Mistral phono stage).

The LFD gear sounds very good, but the fit and finish and build quality are not what they should be for the asking prices.

Probably the most overly hyped product out there. I had a MkIV for a week - sounded like a Naim XS for 25% more money - build quality was crap - parts quality was crap. No remote. Thumped when I turned it on and off.

Stick with your tubes.

Not convincing enough yet:-). Getting there. Which Ayre?

"07-29-14: Steveashe
Not convincing enough yet:-). Getting there. Which Ayre?"

Either, but the new 5 series is the better of the 2. As it should be, given its a lot more money. I know Austinbob disagrees but he has Harbeth speakers and they're just not a good match for Ayre. Its understandable why he would pick something else.

Have you listened to the LFD? If so, what did you think? If not, I suppose an audition would be greatly helpful. I went from a Luxman 505u to a LFD LE Mk IV. I much preferred the sound of the LFD over the Luxman. The Luxman was more cosmetically appealing, but the LFD sounded much better to me. I now have the Mk V and enjoy it immensely. At first I wasn't sure how I could get along without a remote. I now find the absence of a remote a positive thing; set the volume, sit down, and delight in the music undistracted by any compulsions to raise and lower the volume. I find the minimalism of the LFD desirable. But then, that's just me.