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
Post removed |
PA is quite the change from LA / SoCal. Bit of a slice of heaven right there. Whacked a lot of big Kings off Ediz Hook… Love the Straits There was an Aesthetix dealer in Silverdale, is that gone ? I will look at your system before weighing in on priority, I do have a lot of listening miles in w Klaus amp and 2’s….. |
Thanks, Jim
tomic601
I lived in MT for 12 years after LA, so the big city is only a place to visit for me now... I've been ruined by smaller towns. I could probably live in parts of San Diego, if I could afford it. Shoulda never left SD :( There may be a dealer locally...I'll check. I don't have my room on A'gon. It's 12 X 15 with the speakers on the long wall. 2CE's sound good, and the Treos would too (and might be better, as I can place them closer to the wall). I do have access to a 14 X 24 room downstairs, in a lower level mother-in-law apartment, but it has a separate outside entrance so is less convenient to pop into for short listen sessions. I know it would be a better hi-fi room, but wife for now wants it for guests and her office. |
- 22 posts total