In search of the right SS integrated amp

Update: Coda, Musical Fidelity, Chord and more

Doug Dale of Coda sent a courteous response to my inquiry, stating that the present Coda has, and the next model will continue to have, just one balanced and one RCA input. This would not only rule out taking full advantage of balanced connections but also exclude using my tuner -- not that I listen to the radio a great deal, but I like to be able to do so on occasion. Regrettable.

Looked into the Musical Fidelity A5.5. Seems like a fine amp, but only RCA inputs. Also regrettable.

To Calgary on Friday, where I auditioned Chord amplification. The demo took place under difficulties. It used (I write from memory) a CPA 3000 and an SPM 1050 pre and power amp rather than the integrated CPM 3350, but that should have made little difference. The dealer's favourite speaker cables were out on loan and his preferred speakers not in stock.

My first reaction was to notice the excellent speed and definition of the sound. The sound stage receded a bit from what I am used to but was none the worse for that. When, however, we came to listen to female vocal (the late Lorraine Hunt Lieberson) it became obvious that there was a disagreeable hardening of the sound in the upper treble at higher volumes, which once I had heard it was noticeable also on piano and other instruments. A different cable helped somewhat but did not cure the condition completely.

My conclusion is that Chord may still offer fine amplification but is very sensitive to partnering equipment. The actual demonstration was frankly a great disappointment; I had hoped for much better. Kent after all is the county of my ancestors and I should be supporting its economy, shouldn't I? Not at the moment, apparently.

The Accuphase pre and power pair lent by my friend Greg has now gone home and I have hitched up my old GamuTs; still pleasant, but missing something in the high frequencies, and therefore in harmonic richness. At the same time, the Accuphase combination could sound a bit bright. I don't yet know if the E550 shares such a trait.

I plan to attend the RMAF in Denver. Denver in its mining days led many an incomer to stray from the path of virtue. Will the allure of pure Class A (Accuphase, Luxman) seduce me from stern accuracy (Boulder, Rowland)? Or will some so far unheard siren song divert me to an unexpected landfall? Watch this thread!

Nick

In my list appears the Boulder, Vitus, Burmester and Gryphon amps in SS mode. But you can also try a power amp driven thru a passive preamp (small footprint) like the Axiom - it worked for my for a long time.

Update: Rowland, Luxman, and an inconclusive conclusion

Now back from the RMAF. While in Denver was able to hear a demonstration of the Rowland Continuum (thanks to Guido and David who shepherded me there and Rod who did the demo). An impressively convincing amplifier, seamless sound throughout the frequency range, neutral, quick, very competent at sound staging, all the right qualities. Those who had heard both all preferred it to the Boulder. Not even unduly expensive.

Not to leave any possibility unexplored, visited the Accuphase and Luxman rooms. They were demonstrating monoblocks, not their integrateds, but I got a distinct impression of the character of their sound insofar as I sensed the same slight brightness from Accuphase that I had encountered at home and found the Luxman sound natural and pleasing.

But then ....

At one point out of curiosity I dropped in to listen to the SoundSmith strain gauge cartridge and was enchanted. There is a good deal to be said in favour of using Peter Ledermann's phono stage-cum-preamp along with (because they don't need to take up rack space) monoblock power amps. That raises a whole unexpected set of possibilities and prospects. Back to a new beginning! Thanks to all who contributed to this thread, I've learnt a lot, sorry not to have come to a decision yet, but life is full of surprises.

Nicholas

Have you considered the Simaudio i-7 integrated?

The amps you've mentioned are very, very good, to excellent.
A more telling conversation would be, 'what flavor' do you look for in music.
Virtually every designer will tell you that his design has 'no sound of it's own', and I'm sure they're being sincere...it's just that all have a 'flavor.'
Knowing, your speakers, listening preferences, volume preferences, all play into any good, well thought out recommendation.The problem with recommendations is that everyone 'loves' what they happen to sell, or frankly may not have a wide berth of experience with the 'sounds' that the unit's offer.
Example, a Chord, with a pair of THIEL CS 2.4's would not be to my personal liking...slghtly dry plus slightly dry equals too much of one characteristic. The MAC may be better, (but you may think the MAC sounds a little rolled off, or 'slow'. Note I say, 'you might think.'
That's not to criticize either, just making the point that too much of one particular sound characteristic can be bothersome, (TO ME).
If you're lucky enough to have a B&M store with several models, ask for long term, (week end borrowing priv). If he's/she's nice enough to accommodate, don't consider, (assuming you find what you like) buying elswhere.
Or, if you'd like private advice on basic sound characteristics,(just email me) I'd be happy to acquaint you with my perceptions. This business is so subjective, having additional ears to assist can sometimes be very helpful.

Good luck and good listening.

Larry