Integrated Amp - Looking to replace my amp & pre

I second the Simaudio I-7, a robust 150 wpc. And this is Sim gear, so the output is much more than your average 150 wpc. I also second the BAT 300x SE, b/c that is what I currently use, and am totally impressed with the exquisite fluidity back with 150 wpc with BAT-PAK of sound. I admit I am partial to Simuadio and BAT gear. I use the 300 SE with a Simaudio Equinox SE CDP and Dali Helicon 400 floorstanders. The I-7 runs $3300 to 4200 used, a/b $7000 new; the 300 SE ab $6500-7500 new, or $3000-3500 used. I think the I-7 and the 300 SE attest to the advancement of modern audio gear, getting away from the long standing belief that separates is the only way to go. Also, the I-7 is a dual-mono,but the BAT 300 SE is not, and still gets amazing results for its price. Also, audio guru Nelson Pass of Pass Labs is now delving into integrateds with his INT-150. Its a good time to go to integrateds, even NAD is getting some accolade for its recent M series integrated.Best of luck

If you don't need a remote, don't mind the heat of 8 KT 88s, and also want a gorgeous piece of design that puts out 60 WPC Pure Class A glorious, textured music, auto-bias, then buy the Jadis DA 88S currently on sale on A'gon. (No, I'm not selling it - although I used to own one and only wish I still did).

Bongofury,

May I know if you have listened to both LFD Zero MkIII and Exposure 2010S? If you have, I would appreciate if you can let me know whether the Exposure would sound close to the LFD at fraction of the cost. I have listened to the LFD and found it to be an exceptional unit.

Thanks in advance.

Ryder

I have listened to both.

LFD is the best "British Sound" amp there is. Will match well with speakers like Harbeth and Stirling that approximate the BBC Monitor sound. The build quality is second to none. Gene Rubin in Oxnard CA carries this line, for many years, and sells about 50 units a year.

Exposure has more tube like warmth (one writer compared it with Dynaco which is spot on) and will work well with speakers like Spendor and Neat. There is a person in Venice CA who has great history with this product, James at Sound Asylum. He is very fond of the Exposure/Neat combo.

I recently heard a Mastersound 845 Integrated in NJ which was lush,focused and highly musical. Retail price is $5795 and I am sure that you can get a reasonable discount. The 845 Reference Integrated lists at $12,500 and you could probably squeak in at about $10000 and I have heard nothing but raves about that integrated (although I have not heard it personally). In the other side of the less expensive spectrum the Primare solid state integrated is highly musical and can be had for less than $3000.