If you are determined to buy an integrated then of your listed choices the Mimas or also look at the Modwright hybrid integrated however Odyssey amps and Vandersteen speakers are a great match. An alternative would be to keep the Khartago (I ran one with 2CE Sigs for six years) and add a tube preamp like the Supratek Chardonnay and the Spring 3 and still be dollars ahead. In the past I have owned 2CE Sigs, 3A Sigs and Treo CT's all run with Odyssey or Belles power.
Help! Trying to choose between 2 integrateds that I haven't heard to pair w/Vandersteens
I think I’ve narrowed my choices to 2 integrated amps, to pair with my new Vandersteen 2CE Sig III speakers (latest generation):
1: Ayre AX-5 Twenty (I found a clean used one @ $7500 --they’re >$12k new)
OR
2: Aesthetix Mimas, $7000 naked, or $8200 with DAC. (review: http://aesthetix.net/docs/Aesthetix_Mimas_TheAbsoluteSound2019.pdf )
I lean to the Mimas because it does have a headphone stage, and they have a DAC module for $1200 that is said to be excellent. Also because of the tube preamp stage, and I sorta crave some tube in my system.
That said, AYRE is a classic matchup for Vandersteens (it and the Aesthetix use no negative feedback, fwiw) and gets excellent reviews. New vs new, it’s a step up from the Mimas
I did try the Simaudio 600i V2 and it was sweet, and built like a tank with 10 year warranty. I liked it, but wish I could have auditioned it in my home. It didn’t knock me out though.
I currently run an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 preamp/DAC + Odyssey Audio Khartago+++ amp, the best Khartago he builds. I am not unhappy, but want to take things to the next level. With the Ayre I’d need a separate DAC, and am thinking the Denafrips Pontus II or the new Holo Spring 3... OR?
Thanks for any advice, especially Vandersteen folks!
1: Ayre AX-5 Twenty (I found a clean used one @ $7500 --they’re >$12k new)
OR
2: Aesthetix Mimas, $7000 naked, or $8200 with DAC. (review: http://aesthetix.net/docs/Aesthetix_Mimas_TheAbsoluteSound2019.pdf )
I lean to the Mimas because it does have a headphone stage, and they have a DAC module for $1200 that is said to be excellent. Also because of the tube preamp stage, and I sorta crave some tube in my system.
That said, AYRE is a classic matchup for Vandersteens (it and the Aesthetix use no negative feedback, fwiw) and gets excellent reviews. New vs new, it’s a step up from the Mimas
I did try the Simaudio 600i V2 and it was sweet, and built like a tank with 10 year warranty. I liked it, but wish I could have auditioned it in my home. It didn’t knock me out though.
I currently run an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 preamp/DAC + Odyssey Audio Khartago+++ amp, the best Khartago he builds. I am not unhappy, but want to take things to the next level. With the Ayre I’d need a separate DAC, and am thinking the Denafrips Pontus II or the new Holo Spring 3... OR?
Thanks for any advice, especially Vandersteen folks!
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- 22 posts total
I have the Aesthetix Pallene and Atlas with my Vandy Quatros the Pallene is the preamp of the MIMAS Aesthetix is a great match with Vandys I had the Ayre in my system when I was waiting for the Pallene I pick the Aesthetix over the Ayre I felt more connected to the music with the Aesthetix and has a larger soundstage I do have a Arye Codex Enjoy the Music Tom |
I've been reading up on the Supratek Chardonnay, and it sounds like an amazing preamp and value. He's doing a blog again. http://supratekaudio.blogspot.com/ |
I used my 3A Sigs with Classe, ARC tube and Ayre. They responded well to better amps but ultimately nothing game changing. With the nice upgrade from $3k separates to $7k+ integrated the Vandersteens should respond. The improvement will be noticable but incremental and significantly below your systems potential. If you stay with Vandersteen for future upgrades it may work out. Otherwise maybe think about end game speakers first and matching the amp later. |
- 22 posts total