iFi Retro System (from makers of AMR and iFi mini components)...

[cmalak]

Hey folks...received an email from MusicDirect.com highlighting this new iFi system called Retro for obvious styling reasons, although amp is a one-stop shop able of decoding any digital input, also has headphone output, MM/MC phono, as well as being a 25 wpc EL-84 based tube integrated amplifier. The speakers are based on Rogers LS3/5A monitor design and both are encased in Bamboo with the speakers having retro cream or black cloth grills. I am sure the digital conversion, heaphone amp, as well as the MM/MC phono is based on all the small individual iFi products which have received very positive reviews in their own right and so this is a way for iFi to roll all those small separate components into an integrated amp mated to EL84 tube power.

You can get the integrated amp separately priced at $1,295 and the speakers separately at $995 or buy them together and save a little over $300 for system price of $1,995.

Here's link to the MD page: iFi Retro Stereo System at Music Direct
Link to iFi website with even more specs: http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/retro-stereo-50/

The amp seems to be the winner in the package. Not familiar with the Rogers speaker designs although know they are a classic English design but I am sure you can find other monitor or even tower speakers that are tube friendly (i.e., >6ohm and relatively flat impedance curve as well as 93dB+ sensitivity) to mesh well with the amps rated 25wpc of El84 tube power.

Has anyone seen or heard this? I wonder if you add a decent $1,000 sub like the REL T7 or something similar for the grand total of $3K what kind of sound you can achieve. I am willing to bet that this could be a great second system or vacation home system or even primary kick-ass system that overachieves its price point.

It will be interesting if this starts getting positively reviewed if the pricing stays where it is.

Thoughts?

 

[Mechnutt]

Very cool. I like the retro styling. There is a lot of budget gear on the market that sounds great. Has any one checked out Teac lately? Dagogo has given some of their gear excellent reviews. They also have a new CD player that plays DSD burned to DVD's and it has great reviews. What would take this CD player over the top if it played SACD's as well.

PD-501HR | TEAC

TEAC PD-501 Digital Player Review | A Unique Audiophile Experience

Check out this integrated amp with meters and XLR for about $850-

AX-501 | TEAC

and their new DSD DAC for about the same price, although I have seen it for lower-

UD-501 | TEAC

I recently was over at the Needle Doctor and a Teac rep had brought in this beautiful $400 TT that looks like it cost 5 times that. It looks stunning in person. The plinth is MDF with real cherry veneer.

TN-300 | TEAC

TEAC TN-300 Belt Drive Turntable Initial Impression and Review - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums

I think that if I were looking for a good sounding budget or compact system or a system for my kids, I would give Teac a try. I find it interesting that much of their gear is fully balanced and has XLR connections for under $1K. It is a little odd that their CD player does not though.

 

[Paul]

Cyril. That looks really good and I can pair them with my original Rogers LS3/5A speakers

 

[MikeCh]

Thanks for sharing Cyril. This looks like a winner for folks seeking an office-system with great flexibility. Adding tubes makes it that much more attractive.

 

[cmalak]

Paul/Mike....yes I was thinking a great office system, or great entry-level into the high end for the new initiate into our hobby at a price point not much more than what the "normal civilian" might pay for a receiver and a pair of speakers at a big box retailer like Best Buy and I am sure this will deliver a lot more of what the high end is about. The EL-84 tubes have a naturalness and rightness about them delivering great tone and midrange magic. In any case, if anyone has a chance to hear these, please report back on your impressions. It would be interesting to see how much SQ this combo can indeed deliver.

 

[MDP]

Love the looks !