LFD Integrated - Please talk me out of buying one

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.

With the "right" system, it is terrific.

We all know that system synergy matters , but in my experiences and with our local dealer, none moreso than with LFD.
For example, LFD electronics sound sensational at the dealer where it is all LFD cables. I saw one guy chintz it on the cables upgrade to go with his new integrated (over the strong recommendations by the dealer) and the result was predictable.

LFD also excels with certain UK speakers and sources.

Overall it was my second choice (I went with the REGA OSIRIS )