Search for miracle integrated


Hello All,

I'm on a search for a very specific type of integrated. I am upgrading my system from the top of the stream down. I go all digital / Lossless quality or higher so the logical start was with the DAC. I just received my Yggdrasil which I absolutely LOVE and feel that I got a much better value than I was expecting (even with all the praise online it met and exceeded my expectations).

My quest continues with the integrated. I am looking for a company that spends very little on marketing and works to move as much of the value for the money to the product itself. Very high value is important to me, I want to get value above the price and I don't want to pay for anything I don't need (such as a built-in DAC as I already have one). The more musical and the higher the clarity the better. My short list is pretty short- the SimAudio Moon 600i and Ayre's integrated.  Some other factors are below. I typically buy new but I'm open to a good value in a used product as well.

Budget (only for the integrated): $8K+/-
Music preference: classical, light rock, pop
End speakers:  It is between Accoustic Zen Crescendo / Vandy Quatros / Wilson Sophias / Revel Salon Ultimas 
Power: 150 WPC+ into 8 ohm

xerotrace

Showing 2 responses by sbank

Why with DAC & amp are you putting high emphasis on "a company that spends very little on marketing and works to move as much of the value for the money to the product itself", but you have listed some speakers that exhibit the exact opposite IMHO(i.e Wilson & Revel)? Speakers are available from a larger number of companies than other categories, with more variation in value, style, strengths & weaknesses. It's a much more personal category and requires listening more than any other category. Whatever your preferences I am guessing you can find a few from smaller companies that will give you more value. 

On the amp/pre side does it have to be an integrated? I would say that a $3k Backert Labs Rhumba preamp is a tremendous value and if paired with many amps ~$5k would be a great start. It's smart to decide on the speakers you want before choosing a power amp since the speaker might affect what amp with be best choice. 
If it has to be an integrated ss amp, ASR, Pass Labs come to mind as more musical than most. Cheers,
Spencer
  
Yes, as @zavato said, ASR is German battery powered integrated. The power supply is usually in a second full size box, so it sort of defeats your purpose in terms of taking up space. hifishark has some used ones listed, mostly in Europe. About 6-7 years ago I remember attending CES and it seemed half the rooms had their amps running. 
Vinny Rossi LIO is a good idea. He is known for GREAT service and they can be configured to your needs easily. His gear represents your values; no nonsense, etc. 
Regarding the suggestions that look like jewelry, well how to politely say this.........hmmm....If $X go into a fancy chassis, then how much is left for top quality parts inside. Then if I want to justify high prices, one of the best ways is to use parts/policies that will discourage outsider technicians from looking around inside my jewelry gear. Cheers,
Spencer