Best Tube Integrated

Mr Peabody said:
Hi Keith, just curious your thoughts on the Octave, why it didn't fair better and what was it driving? I wouldn't say Octave is opposite of warm but it's definitely not the stereotype, warm lush type of tube gear. If it is warm lush you are looking for Jadis may not be your thing either.

We all like what we like, I just enjoy hearing other people's opinions on stuff I've heard. Thanks
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I heard the Octave with Dynaudio at RMAF and thought it sounded fantastic - see my show review. I'm just leaning to try a bit warmer amp as I think it might be a better match with my speakers. Another way of saying it is i'm probably looking for something in between the Dartzeel/Devore and Shindo/Devore combinations.
 
KeithR said:
I heard the Octave with Dynaudio at RMAF and thought it sounded fantastic - see my show review. I'm just leaning to try a bit warmer amp as I think it might be a better match with my speakers. Another way of saying it is i'm probably looking for something in between the Dartzeel/Devore and Shindo/Devore combinations.
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I'd say stick to your guns and ride out something from Shindo, as there's a synergy going on here that's second to none, the only brand I've heard that offers a similar sense of warmth or refinement were Kondo | Audio Note Japan and Air Tight, and do take into account the lushness you seek can be altered with tubes as well as cabling.

Now if you can get beyond the need for a remote?, then I'd say you're good to go.
 
Kt77 said:
I'd say stick to your guns and ride out something from Shindo, as there's a synergy going on here that's second to none

Now if you can get beyond the need for a remote?, then I'd say you're good to go.
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Yeah, I realize that John designs with Shindo - which is why I want to try a tube integrated in the first place. He's a cool dude and I chatted with him and JH at RMAF. In fact, he was very complementary of my Dart. Shindo sound is a bit "too much" to my ears if that makes any sense, hence the continuum I mentioned earlier.

My personal situation requires a remote (wheelchair). Vinyl is tough enough lol :)
 
sheltie1 said:
Not a problem! Thanks for the thank you!
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I'm honed, and most appreciative that some are more willing to educate then others........, yet that's one of the greatest things in which I've often enjoyed about this group of guys, in the end it's a human thing to care ( share ).
 
KeithR said:
Yeah, I realize that John designs with Shindo - which is why I want to try a tube integrated in the first place. He's a cool dude and I chatted with him and JH at RMAF. In fact, he was very complementary of my Dart. Shindo sound is a bit "too much" to my ears if that makes any sense, hence the continuum I mentioned earlier.

My personal situation requires a remote (wheelchair). Vinyl is tough enough lol :)
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i hear ya, yet can't understand the Shindo is too much statement........, but I'll roll with it.

And as someone with severe gout flare ups, and was forced to give up vinyl playback in 2010, I know your pains all to well. Here's willing you well with your quest, and even more so in the upcoming Holidays to come.

And above all, do keep your spirits and head up, as things could always be worst ( which is something I remind others all the time ) as some tend to take health and life for granted......
 
Conrad Johnson makes a killer integrated.


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I would like to try this:
http://www.ptpaudio.com/blok20

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Darrin,

I'd love to hear the new CAV-45. Too bad there's no remote control. A deal breaker for me.

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Dpod4 said:
Conrad Johnson makes a killer integrated.


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Keith, based on your requirements and budget, I would add the Transfomatic Audio EOS integrated to your audition list. That is a 100w push pull amp which operates in class A & uses a tube compliment of 4x Tungsol KT120's, 2x 6N6P(ECC99), 2x 5687, and has double c-cores. Price is around $10k, however if the Vac 160IQ integrated is around your budget, that would be hard to beat.

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joeinid said:
Darrin,

I'd love to hear the new CAV-45. Too bad there's no remote control. A deal breaker for me.

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Here is my remote control. Never needs new batteries.
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Thanks for the Trafomatic idea - a friend really likes their EL84 amps. No remote though.

I auditioned the LM Audio gear last weekend, but it wasn't for me. I preferred Shindo to it, but of course its a big step up in pricing and doesn't have remote.

I am settling on the Jadis I50. I have interest in the Vac, but the "iq" tech would be worth waiting for and unfortunately its not imminent.

My next step is a friend bringing over his Quad amps to confirm tubes work in my room, particularly in the bass.
 
Keith, fyi there is a Vac 200IQ amp FS on A'gon atm asking $9950. I know from Mike's and general feedback they are killer amps. If I were you, I would grab that baby & just buy a $2.5k tube preamp like this Modwright LS36.5 to tie you over until you can afford something like a 2nd hand Vac Renaissance MkIII pre. That combination would be good enough to replace your Dart.
 
Melbguy1 said:
Keith, fyi there is a pair of Vac 200IQ mono's FS on A'gon atm asking $9950. I know from Mike's and general feedback they are killer amps. If I were you, I would grab those & just buy a $2.5k tube preamp like this Modwright LS36.5 to tie you over until you can afford something like a 2nd hand Vac Renaissance MkIII pre. That combination would be good enough to replace your Dart.
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Pretty sure that's for a single amp.
 
Etunes said:
Pretty sure that's for a single amp.
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You're right, though if the msrp is accurate, i'd still consider that to be a good buy, especially given the flexibility to add a 2nd amp to run mono's later on.
 
"settling"? I think Jadis would be a fine choice without "settling", LOL
Just messing with ya.

I heard Jadis only with Sonus Faber, although I liked the sound quite a bit I didn't get the impression of warmth. I'm sure associated equipment has some difference. How was your audition?

Just curious while talking integrated, anythoughts on Cary or PrimaLuna?


KeithR said:
Thanks for the Trafomatic idea - a friend really likes their EL84 amps. No remote though.

I auditioned the LM Audio gear last weekend, but it wasn't for me. I preferred Shindo to it, but of course its a big step up in pricing and doesn't have remote.

I am settling on the Jadis I50. I have interest in the Vac, but the "iq" tech would be worth waiting for and unfortunately its not imminent.

My next step is a friend bringing over his Quad amps to confirm tubes work in my room, particularly in the bass.
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Just got done comparing my PrimaLuna DiaLogue HP integrated amp to my McIntosh C2300/MC601 combo (feeding my Elipsa SE's). The Mac system should win hands down, being American made, much more expensive and having an esteemed audiophile pedigree. Right? Right?!?

Not so fast, my friends. The PL integrated easily beat the Mac combo in detail, soundstage width and depth, imaging and realism. Even my wife from across the room commented on the improved sound of my system when using the PrimaLuna. No the PL does not have the fancy faceplate or audiophile pedigree of some of the other integrated amps mentioned in this thread, but man does it sound great, the build quality is tremendous, and the cost is very reasonable. This comparison "forced" me into trading in my precious McIntosh equipment towards a PL DiaLogue preamp and monoblock HP amps. If the integrated can sound so amazing in my system, the separates should be spectactular.

For those interested in a tube integrated, I highly recommend giving the Dialogue HP a listen. Try using KT120 tubes and some nice NOS 12AU7's. The sound quality and value are fabulous.
 
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