I have had several integrated amps that were priced right around the ones you have listed above. For sound quality, the Creek beat them all easily. It is extremely well balanced. Its one of those components that you can just listen to all day and never get tired of it. One big advantage it has over most other amps in this price range is that it uses a passive preamp. My personal opinion is that if you can't get a really good preamp then just don't use one. For me, the cutoff is right around $3000 retail. I think at that point, an active unit can sound better. Please remember, though, that this is just what I think. I haven't heard everything out there so there may be some great sounding be preamps that drop well below my cutoff that I just don't have any experience with. Also, you are absolutely correct in your assessment on some of the units above being harsh and/or extremely sensitive to matching components. I have had the same experience myself.
Help with new system
I'm starting a new 2ch system that I will be running out of an iMac. I was wondering if I could gather some opinions on what to use (can't audition everything, want to narrow it down to a few finalists first). Obviously I'd like every part of the freq. range to sound good, but I am looking for a sound with smooth treble (but not veiled) that is not over super detailed/sharp, punchy bass, and in general a cleaner sound instead of something warmer and more colored.
Speakers: I have decided on Ascend Sierra-1's
Integrated Amp Shortlist:
Creek Evolution 2
Bada DC-222
Audiolab 8200a
Cambridge Audio Azur 651a
Musical Fidelity M3i
DAC Shortlist:
Schiit Bifrost
Cambridge Audio DACMagic+
Audiolab M-DAC
Musical Fidelity V-DAC
Out of the amps, I have seen that both M3i and 8200a require careful system matching or they could sound overly forward/sharp. Out of the listed components, what would they best be matched with. I like the tube customization of the Bada, but am not sure if the tubes would fit my sound tastes.
For the DAC's, the M-DAC is the most expensive, but also seems to be the most well liked. I have read that it also can have a more forward sound.
Any opinions on the listed items would be great. Any additional recommendations would also be welcome.
Thanks
Speakers: I have decided on Ascend Sierra-1's
Integrated Amp Shortlist:
Creek Evolution 2
Bada DC-222
Audiolab 8200a
Cambridge Audio Azur 651a
Musical Fidelity M3i
DAC Shortlist:
Schiit Bifrost
Cambridge Audio DACMagic+
Audiolab M-DAC
Musical Fidelity V-DAC
Out of the amps, I have seen that both M3i and 8200a require careful system matching or they could sound overly forward/sharp. Out of the listed components, what would they best be matched with. I like the tube customization of the Bada, but am not sure if the tubes would fit my sound tastes.
For the DAC's, the M-DAC is the most expensive, but also seems to be the most well liked. I have read that it also can have a more forward sound.
Any opinions on the listed items would be great. Any additional recommendations would also be welcome.
Thanks