Best Integrated, period.

Tvad's approach is a sound one.

Match a great amp incorrectly with great speaks and the results will be inferior. Match them well and for a reason and you're playing in the big leagues with many different combos.

Just look at the variety of outstanding systems represented on this site? Which is best sounding?

In the words of the great Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson:

"It doesn't matter which is best!"

Tvad,RIGHT ON !!

I listened recently to the JRDG Continuum 500 was other than a few niggling concerns was reasonably impressed. My review was posted on the forum at www.audioenz.co.nz

Kiwi_1282001,

What was the hybrid amplification you refer to in your review that you were comparing the Rowland unit to with the MBLs?

Keep in mind that Kiwi's review was with the MBLs. I think that the Continuum is best matched with dynamic speakers (like Vienna Acoustic, Sonus Fabre, Wilson, Dali, etc.) that can use the power and control of this type amp.

I don't know enough about the MBLs to say what amps make them work and what doesn't, but I've heard them sound very different in different setups.

In my system, the Continuum 500 is very musical and emotionally involving when driven by either my Playback Designs MPS-5 or my TT. Rhythm and pace are astounding. This makes me suspect that the MBL is a bad match for the Continuum. With more "normal" speakers you're not going to have issues of emotion, musicality, rhythm or pace.

Dave