Integrated amp comparison/recommendation


Hey all,

Yet another Simao post asking for recommendations. I feel like almost all the post I start do that, so thank you for indulging me yet again.

I’m window shopping / pursuing one of these three integrated:

1. Line Magnetic 845ia
2. Decware Torii Mk4
3. LFD LE MkV

I am running a Lyngdorf 2170 at the moment and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that except I’m looking for a different sound. Before the ling dorf, I had an LFD LE Mark 4 which I really, really enjoyed. I would jump at the chance to get a Mark V if one came up for sale here or on the other audio site.

However, I’m also really interested in line magnetic. I’ve heard them before and I would love to go back to tubes with that brand. And I’ve always been fascinated with Decware. Steve Deckert makes really really good stuff.

My speakers are spatial M3 turbos at 94dB; my sources are VPI HW19 Mark 4 turntable with a Hana ML cartridge and an LFD LE phono stage; and an Oppo 105. When I play vinyl, I tend to listen to jazz and more nuanced, well produced music. When I stream or play CD, I tend to listen to more bass heavy rock or hip hop.
128x128simao
How about LTA or Raven tube amplifiers?
i have a LTA Z10 integrated, excellent quality and sound. Highly recommended.
Dan
I've had my eye on a Raven for a while now. All indications are superb. Decware however is right up there, although you may not like the wait time. I heard it is 5 or 6 months?
@millercarbon. Yes, I've been talking with Steve (who's right up the road) and just asked him the lead time. 
Does Steve have a demo unit you can try in your system? Would be great to support a local guy if you like how the amp sounds in your system.

I've heard great things about the LFD, but haven't heard it. I believe it does not have remote. Correct? If so, that would disqualify it for me.

Good luck in your hunt.
Oh man, drive on over and listen! Really keen to know how they sound. All the comments are extremely positive, just lacking in details. But glowing. Same for Raven. One guy here, willgolf, seems he can afford anything and has been all over the world and the one amp he's most smitten with is the Raven Reflection MkII. My hunch is both are so good it will come down to individual taste where one is excellent the other magical.
i am using a newly acquired linear tube audio zotl40 reference with my spatial m3 sapphires and the s.q. is really excellent

strongly suggest you consider it

clayton shaw uses the LTA amps at shows for a reason... real synergy here 
Thanks all. I'm considering hauling my M3s up to Peoria to see how the Decwares sound with them. And thanks for the LTA recs. I'll check it out. 
@simao 

don't forget the m3's (older and newer gen) have 4 ohm impedance due to dual woofer configuration, so while they are efficient flea watt amps won't be able to deal with transients and control the woofers adequately... so if you are looking decwares (like lta's) you are best off with their higher power models (25-50 wpc)

good luck, have fun
@jjss49 yes, definitely a consideration. It worked wonders when my pathos double down to 140 watts into 4 ohms. The LFD did not, being class A. Steve at deckware recommended that Tori for because of its increased wattage. He said because I was so used to high wattage amps, that I wouldn't be able to really appreciate flea watts.
I had an LFD LE MkIV for many years and enjoyed it. I can recommend them, but there are better IntAmps for similar money, IMHO. Note that LFD speaker cables are excellent, and of course perfectly matched to LFD Amps. Personally, I've moved back to tubes.
@condosoundWhat similar priced amps for the money do you recommend that are tubes?
I can't speak to the Torii Mk4, but I have the ZMA--one step up from the Mk4--and it is staggeringly good.  If you can try the Torii, you should definitely do so. 
I'll throw one more in the mix just because I own one and it rocks. Vincent SV-237MK. An integrated hybrid with a capable yet simple three tube preamp and an excellent SS amp. There is only one tube you can roll in it, a 12AX7, but it's the one that makes the most difference. Also, it has both tone controls and a loudness switch which can be defeated, so you have options to make your music sound the way you want it to sound. At 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with the first 10 watts in class A, it will drive any speaker you throw at it. It has coaxial and digital inputs, but lacks balanced inputs. It also lacks phono inputs, but since most audiophiles choose to use a separate phono preamp, I don't see that as a deal breaker.
I think the best integrated I’ve ever had besides the LFD was the LSA Statement. What an underappreciated gem.


Oh, and what's the word on Jadis? 
And if you're looking at a Tori you may want to consider a Coincident Technology Dynamo 34SE MKIII.In a direct comparison I found the Dynamo to have more gravitas and meaningful bass.Quietest tube amp I have ever owned.Drop dead gorgeous and well reviewed by the industry.
I just talked with Steve up at Decware who said the lead time for the Torii is 20+ weeks.  Yikes. Will check out Coincident and am also considering the Raven Blackhawk.