Looking for a very good integrated solid state amp

01-07-13: Zd542
Can you define some of the extra stuff? The Ayre has a passive line stage. Not only that, Its a fully balanced, 0 feedback design. No offence, but I highly doubt that you have any experience with this amp.

Not exactly in relation to the Ayre, though Airegin's experience mirrored some of mine's as well. Features such as Home Theater bypass, preouts for subwoofer or power amp connections etc. In other words, all the fancy bells and whistles. All these additional features may bring more detrimental effects when compared to an amp that has more simple circuitry, more purity in the signal path. Not always the case but usually true.

Edited around your stated budget from my response to your other thread..

I could think of a few different compact sized integrateds to recommend within your budget -

- Musical Fidelity M6i, $2999
- Unison Unico Secondo hybrid integrated, $3150
- Bladelius Tyr Mk2, $3699
- Hegel H200, $4400

Of the above, the most musical sounding would be the Unison, whilst the Hegel is the pick of the bunch overall & would be the better option if you think you may need more power in future. It's also worth talking to your local Hegel dealer as they may be able to get you a killer deal on the top range H300 which has been getting great reviews. Here is a review by Goodsound magazine fyi which btw compares the MF M6 500i - http://www.goodsound.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/409-hegel-music-systems-h300-integrated-amplifier

Hegel H200!
Finest, low noise, excellent dynamics closest to class A I had experience on A/B amp.

Dah, how could I have forgotten the Modwright KWI-200?? That is a superb integrated amp, and knowing how lovely the KWA-150 sounds and how well engineered and built that amp is, I would expect the KWI-200 to sound wonderful. Price is $5k. And that that pricepoint, i'd expect it to give the Hegel H200 stiff competition indeed. Between those two options, i'd stretch and buy the Modwright. But the H300 is a different story.

Ryder,

I understand what you are saying but my comment/question was meant only for the Ayre 7. Airegin states specifically that theres "extra stuff" in the signal path. I just called him on it because its simply not true and he either doesn't know what he's talking about or is just making it up.

The way I look at it, someone is asking for advice on something that will likely be a major purchase. The least we can do is give honest opinions and accurate info. I also know that you, in no way, are trying to get in the middle of all this. Your post is 100% correct. With many other products you would definitely want to consider other, non essential features in the circuit path.