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/
http://supratekaudio.blogspot.com/
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!
- ...
- 22 posts total
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. |
wlutke I've thought about Vandersteen Treo CTs (I love the Vandy sound), but would miss the bass extension. They are excellent, as are some others in that $8-12k range. That opens a can of worms...bringing up the entire system to the next level! If I only had more money, right? The greatest frustation for me is trying to solve an equation with more than one variable at a time (you can't) and it's impossible in my experience to find dealers that carry a broad range of components and speakers to mix and match while auditioning carefully, without traveling far and wide and spending more time than I have. I'd love to find my dream speaker and work backwards, but not sure how. 1st world problems. That, and 64 year old ears with some tinnitus, so I'm trying to be practical and not spend more $$ than I can practically enjoy, with ears that aren't getting younger. All I want is a system (one as simple as possible) that I can forget about and just enjoy the music with and stop worrying about hardware! Oy. |
patrickdowns, We have things in common! I’m 67, tinnitus and recently swapped out my whole system. I went from ARC REF3, Ayer V-5xe, Vandersteen 3A Sig to Acoustic Zen Crescendo II (used), Pass Xa-25, Herron 360. I first upgraded the Vandersteens to Acoustic Zen Crescendo II’s. Fabulous speakers. They did not play well with the Ayer. Bummer. Hoping you can avoid that. |
Ayre amps are often a good match with Vandys, but I’d throw in a third contender to the mix... https://powermodules.com/aria-signature-integrated With an outboard DAC, you’re in the same ballpark price-wise, and I’d argue that since digital is the one technology that is still evolving, it’s actually an advantage to keep the two components separate. I’ve heard the pairing, and it’s excellent. John at Audio Connection is the guy to talk to about Vandersteen matching (I am in no way affiliated with him or AC, in case that’s unclear). |
- 22 posts total