Looking for a very good integrated solid state amp

Ryder,

I understand what you are saying but my comment/question was meant only for the Ayre 7. Airegin states specifically that theres "extra stuff" in the signal path. I just called him on it because its simply not true and he either doesn't know what he's talking about or is just making it up.

The way I look at it, someone is asking for advice on something that will likely be a major purchase. The least we can do is give honest opinions and accurate info. I also know that you, in no way, are trying to get in the middle of all this. Your post is 100% correct. With many other products you would definitely want to consider other, non essential features in the circuit path.

I do have the modwright and the extra wattage is very nice to have on reserve...so many choices..but i did go for a powerful amp this time.

Congratulations Digsmithd on buying a terrific & musical sounding integrated! I'd take that any day over any Accuphase under $10k.

For your budget, give the Marantz PM11S2,S3 if you can get a great deal.

I own Castle Conway IIIs, ProAc 1 sc, Daedalus, & retro Pioneer. An
absolutely great amp on all of these speakers is the Yamaha A-S2000.
Run those Castles biwired to the A/B terminals, & you will be in for a treat.
Plus, you'll get a nice MM/MC for a phono. I run VPIs Traveler. Open,
spacious & detailed soundstage, flavor to taste via your dac/frontend. You
can even put a nice tubed pre into the loop via the pre ins. I run a Modwright Transporter balanced into the Yamaha & single ended into a
custom tubed pre w/Duelands Cast capacitors & AudioMagic cables.
If you don't have two identical pr. of speaker cables, make sure to put
your best on the tweeters, the lesser on the mid/bass. Good luck...