Best Integrated, period.

Neodio 150.Unbelievable!!!Why it hasn't become more popular is the greatest mystery in hi-fi to me...

2nd best? Lavardin IT

The biggest mistake people make in buying intergrated amp is to buy the miniturised version of seperates,the classic example at the moment is the new Pass lab intergrated.It is nothing more[just like most other intergrated amp] a single chasis version of their seperates...

You should look for brands that makes Intergrated amp for a living,and believe me Neodio not only look interesting,it is [like Lavardin]unique..

I have also listen to all of the Int amp in your list and the Vitus and Krell are definitely in the top 2[depending on your taste,they are as different as Obama and McCain]

To these ears of mine KRELL FBI is the best sounding krell products

Pubu157.

That sort of thinking is exactly why Intergrated amps made by most companies cannot make it to the big league..

To me,I have no problems with Pass Labs,I have many friends who like their warmth sound,but my issue is with their design approach with intergrated amp.

No, it is not as easy as you think it is,in fact IMHO,you need a specific technical skills to be able to executes the Intergrated cuircuit.

This is what I suggest you guys do;Go out and listen to these following Intergrateds this weekend[NEODIO 150,ASR Emitter,Lavardin IT/IS Referance,Kondo Ongaku,Karan]and compare them to ANY seperates at ANY price in almost ANY systems....I have,but I want you guys to find it out for yourselves..

CHEERS!!!!!

Pubul57,

Yes, even when you add a passive attenuator,[I am sure you know that all single box CDP has a built in "preamp",}It is very difficult to do it right....

Pubu157,

It is funny isn"t it?It all seems so simple on paper ,but when it comes to executions it is something else..

Of course we are talking about THE BEST of the bests here.If you want a decent sounding Intergrated[Entry level/mid-fi] sytems,it isn't difficult.

I am talking about REFERENCE systems;i.e Intergrated amp that sound even better than the seperates...I think we are talking about a different level of systems. I am sure ,that The Pass Intergrated will sound good in a lot of entry level/mid system;but to take on the Very best??I do not think so.

If you want the VERY BEST;it is better to leave it to the specialists IMHO.Even Mercedes ask Hella to make the lighting systems for their cars;how difficult can making light be?

guidocorna,

yes I have.it does have the Pass's house sound,but nothing extraordinary.....i think it is more for people who wants to have a taste of pass sound without having to spend so much more.

In short,respectable but certainly far from spectacular[to these ears of mine,I should add]