You are on the right path. A few years ago, when I had my Verity Parsifal Encore's driven with ARC Ref 3 and a highly modified BAT VK-75SE, I bought a VAC Avatar Super on a whim. I was stunned at how well that little integrated amp performed. Excellent bang for the buck, and a great match for the Parsifal's. I eventually sold it to fund another high end phono cartridge.
When I downsized a couple years later due to the economy, I immediately bought another VAC Avatar Super. As the years went by, and I started to recover, I thought I was missing something with separates, so I sold the VAC and went back to separates. I never did get that magic back.
Just last week I gave up on my 2.5 year separate adventure and bought a VAC Sigma 160i and the magic is back. That is one sweet little amp. I think you'd have to spend upwards of at least $25K on separates to match it or surpass it. Simplifying things is a good thing too. Hopefully I have learned my lesson for good.
Happy hunting,
John
When I downsized a couple years later due to the economy, I immediately bought another VAC Avatar Super. As the years went by, and I started to recover, I thought I was missing something with separates, so I sold the VAC and went back to separates. I never did get that magic back.
Just last week I gave up on my 2.5 year separate adventure and bought a VAC Sigma 160i and the magic is back. That is one sweet little amp. I think you'd have to spend upwards of at least $25K on separates to match it or surpass it. Simplifying things is a good thing too. Hopefully I have learned my lesson for good.
Happy hunting,
John