The best integrated amplifier

Shooting for the moon won't necessarily get you there. As I recall, the Esoteric speakers you have use metal (magnesium) cones and that beautiful woodwork is done by Tannoy, but when I heard them, they didn't have that get up and go that you described and that was with an Esoteric integrated at TEAC's listening room. It wasn't an ideal room set up (what with all the clutter) but it was soundproofed which let the speakers loose, so to speak. I was auditioning the then, new, TEAC PD-H600 CDP and I could tell it was worth it but I knew it would sound better back at my place. And it did.

You'll definitely need something that can move those speakers.

I would definitely consider Threshold, Coda and McCormack. I agree with the Rowland and Pass as well.

VAC Avatar.

It is not the power that will move the speakers it is the quality of the sound. Think about a good tube integrated. I have a pair of demo MG-20's listed on agon and can make suggestions. give me a shout.

jim

Hi all
Thanks for the response so far. I would like to stick with solid state, really can't see me messing around with tubes.

In the long run I don't feel the Esoteric speakers are for me. What they do with simple type music they do extremely well but I don't think they will ever rock. So this is a longer term plan - get the best out of them for now with a better amp and then go for speakers so I will be auditioning amps along side speakers.

I have quite a large room (by European standards) and am really looking for a set up that will bring the best out from all types of music not just a head banging type system.

There is a chance of a pair of GamuT L7 speakers at a really god price so it would be interesting to hear these along side the GammuT amp.