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SS intgtd- Ayre; YBA; Sugden; Bel Canto; Accphse ?

New baby in house so tubes on main floor might be problematic- need simplicity for the television/'B' system- therefore thinking solid state integrated. Looking for a recommendation and/or comparison of SS integrated amps at ~ $2.5k max used.

Speakers are Coincident Victory, very revealing with tightly damped bass and a ribbon tweeter- large room. Looking for the most 'full-bodied' natural sound yet with excellent micro-dynamic detail retrieval as well. Wish list would include a remote plus one balanced input for a dac, plus very well-built power supply and well-executed yet simple circuit design. Here's a few options that spring to mind:

Ayre AX-7e
YBA Passion Integre
Bel Canto Evo2i Gen II
Sugden A21e
Blue Circle NSCS
Accuphase E-***??? (anyone heard the E-407?)

most interested in a comparison of the Ayre and YBA, as have heard great things about both.
sutts
hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
342 posts
 
I cannot comment regarding the sound of a NSCS unit in the configutration the wish list includes. Mine has the dual shallco's, thus no remote. Plus I was told the unit is unavailable with a balanced input option.

My NSCS is just starting to break-in and I was happy with the sound out of the box. Other than possibly someday in the future replacing the cdp I cannot forsee any further system changes. I'm that happy with what I'm hearing.
sutts OP
700 posts
 
thanks guys- maybe I should add the Plinius 9200 to the list?

Warren- maybe you're onto something- a Passion Integre integrated sold pretty quick on Agon the other day.
camadeco
133 posts
 
A high powered amp, integrated or otherwise is superfluous for the Victories. These are designed to mate with low-power SET or other tube amps. You're best suited to go with the Sugden with 30 wpc of Class A. Personally, I would stay away from all of the others you have mentioned. You should include the Bryston B-60, Music Hall Mambo or Lavardin IS/ IS Ref.
Also, many tube integrated are available with cages that will protect your familiy/pets from direct contact with tubes.
sutts OP
700 posts
 
thanks Camadeco- I get from your post that the Sugden will have an 'edge' over the other SS designs due to the Class A bias. Of course tubes are my first choice- just a matter of finding the right combo...
ben_campbell
1,169 posts
 
I had the Sugden 21a which is a different beast from their new version of it.
However the Ayre AX-7 destroyed it,not surprising considering the price difference.

I still have an Ayre Ax7 it's a very nice amp.
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