LFD Integrated - Please talk me out of buying one

"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 )

Akgca makes an important point. LFD cabling is a beneficial synergy with the LFD integrated. I use all LFD cables with my LE Mk V- hybrid ribbon speaker cables, silicon signature power cable and an assortment of interconnects ( spirolonk iv, grainless, silver horizon, and reference silver) depending in the source.

No I haven't. I'd love to find an LFD dealer in NYC or on Long Island, I doubt there is one. Purchasing an LFD would be an act of faith, as so many of my audio purchases have been without brick and mortar stores easily accessible any more. I know it will at least sound "good" with my setup, I don't know about great and not sure I'd know that without listening in my own room. The remote thing doesn't bother me too much and neither do the aesthetics.
Sort of opposite land from Luxman. No meters, no tone controls, etc. And built by a "person". I'm thinking minimalism as well.
There are really very few audio components I've fallen in love with over the years. I had Sonus Faber Signums about 15 or 20 years ago and sold them; one of my few sales regrets in the audio world; when I had the opportunity to buy a pair of "like new Sonus Faber EAII's a couple of years ago I jumped on them - they're fantastic.
In the end, I'm a boy with toys going through another component change. There's a nice Jadis Integrated for sale on audiogon too. My first exposure to the high end was on Jadis/Sonus Faber so maybe that's the way to go. My kids are going back to college soon, Fall will be here. Haven't quite decided to do it, but it's fun thinking about.