High Power Integrated in the 20-30k Range New or Used

The best high power integrated I've heard (for sheer musical involvement - not sound effects) - is easily the ASR Emitter II Exclusive.

Doesn't seem to have a tube or ss characterisic. Just imminently musical.


:band:


Unfortunately, they have no US distribution (well they have it - he is simply not the right guy, IMO).

As always, just my opinion & personal taste.:cool:
 
I bought the AX5Twenty to power B&W 803 D2s based on guidance from AD I had dealt with previously on two systems. Deeply deeply regretted the purchase. Not enough power for the lower register (I thought my woofers weren't working) and it was just too brittle with the diamond tweeters. Searched for 200+ wpc integrated (with a budget half of yours). Settled on Vitus RI-100 and PASS INT-250 based on reviews. Vitus didn't (may still not?) have US service center. I liked that PASS goes back to the same place where it was born if it needs service in the US. Plus, the response I got when I called with a couple of questions was beyond my expectation (Ayre had previously set the bar so horribly low). I've had the INT-250 for a couple of months and am delighted. Detail across the entire sonic spectrum, warm/rich sonics, wide soundstage. No regrets. At your budget though, you could get the Vitus SIA-025 which I hear causes listeners to cream their shorts.

There's an AD who sells both PASS and Vitus in Sarasota FL. His name escapes me. He has an audio forum. You can probably find him with a google search. I hear fantastic things about him....
 
Kuoppis said:
Have you had a proper listen of the Aavik, I would be interested in your views...


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While not aimed at me. I'll try to (partly) answer your question.

I have heard the U300 on multiple occasions of different speakers, Kef Blade, Blumenhofer Gran Gioia and different Raidho models.

I'm ambiguous about the U300. It's a good amp. But not IMHO a great amp. However it also has a good DAC and good phono amp. I think if were to buy a separate phono amp, DAC and intgrated amp of the same quality you'd be spending more money.

The amp is very neutral, it has no traits that really stand out which makes it a good all round amp, which can be paired with many different kind of speakers.
 
aardvarkbark said:
There's an AD who sells both PASS and Vitus in Sarasota FL. His name escapes me. He has an audio forum. You can probably find him with a google search. I hear fantastic things about him....
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Ha! [emoji16]



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Musicfirst said:
Hi Guys

Well I recently sold my Ayre AX5 Twenty which I was using to drive my Rockport Cygnus speakers and I am now considering a replacement. My short list consists of the T+A PA 3100 HV; the new ASR Emitter II Exclusive battery; the Pass INT250; and the Absolare Altius. This will be the last piece of major audio gear I buy (I know), so I'm looking for a destination piece. Price point will be between 20-30k new or used. The Cygnus, despite a 90db efficiency, are current hungry, so more than 250 watts high current is preferred.

Thanks

Kerry
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Hi Kerry,

I didn't know you are on Audio Shark !

I would get an used Dan D'Agostino Momentum Integrated. I had one at home and it is just amazing - head and shoulders above the amps you have mentioned and the AX-5 Twenty you had. It should drive your Rockports beautifully.

You would need a balanced version of your DAC though - Dag is XLR only.
 
Jim Smith said:
The best high power integrated I've heard (for sheer musical involvement - not sound effects) - is easily the ASR Emitter II Exclusive.

Doesn't seem to have a tube or ss characterisic. Just imminently musical.


:band:


Unfortunately, they have no US distribution (well they have it - he is simply not the right guy, IMO).

As always, just my opinion & personal taste.:cool:
Click to expand...

Seems like a fantastic amplifier and well made , measures well too ......
 
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