looking for integrated upgrade for my SF Evolutions

tboooe

tboooe

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Jun 16, 2013
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San Clemente CA
Hi gang. I am looking to make a "final" (yeah right) upgrade to my integrated amplifier driving my SF Guaneri Evolution speakers. My current integrated is Accustic Arts Power 1. While I do not have any major complaints I wonder if I can do better (you dont know what you dont know right?). I value an organic sound and realistic reproduction of instruments like guitar and sax. I listen to a lot of acoustic and female vocals at low volume (~72db and below) so hearing the nuance and emotion is critical to me. I am indifferent to tubes or solid state. My budget new or used is $10-$12K. The only feature I want is a remote.

Thank you in advance.
 
Hi Mike. Thank you for the input. I have looked at the LM 518ia in the past but am worried about the power. Everything I have read tells my Evolutions need lots of power. I would love to go with SET but I know its not possible with the Evolutions.
 
My vote goes to an Ayre AX-5 integrated if you are considering SS.

https://www.ayre.com/ax5.htm


http://www.stereophile.com/content/ayre-acoustics-ax-5-integrated-amplifier

813ayre.promo_.jpg
 
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joeinid said:
My vote goes to an Ayre AX-5 integrated if you are considering SS.

https://www.ayre.com/ax5.htm
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Thanks Joe! I really do like Ayre equipment. I used to own their MX-R monoblock amps about 5 years ago. I only wish they would make in integrated in this same line.

Mike, I did read that review by Mike Huff. I tried to get local in home demo of the 518 but the dealer would not allow it.
 
I think the Ayre and Evos would be a superb match. A Hegel H30 would be killer too but then you'd need a suitable preamp.
 
Musical Fidelity NuVista 800 will be at dealers in September. 300wpc, tube/SS hybrid. Uses the nuvistor tubes.

Hegel Integrated, plenty of power, big,full and beautiful sound. great at lower volumes, with fantastic clarity in the vocals.
 
The ModWright KWI-200 would be a great match with the Evos also, and with the optional DAC and phono modules if needed would still come in well under your budget:

kwi-200-scaled-4.jpg
 

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joeinid said:
I think the Ayre and Evos would be a superb match. A Hegel H30 would be killer too but then you'd need a suitable preamp.
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Joe, I wonder if the AX-5 would be a sidways move from my current Accustic Arts Power 1 integrated?

MDP said:
Musical Fidelity NuVista 800 will be at dealers in September. 300wpc, tube/SS hybrid. Uses the nuvistor tubes.

Hegel Integrated, plenty of power, big,full and beautiful sound. great at lower volumes, with fantastic clarity in the vocals.
Click to expand...
Ive never been a fan of MF but have been following all the positive reviews Hegel is getting. I dont like the fact that their integrated includes a DAC which I wont use.

JJinID said:
The ModWright KWI-200 would be a great match with the Evos also, and with the optional DAC and phono modules if needed would still come in well under your budget:
Click to expand...
I am not familiar with ModWright at all so I need to do some research. One of my friends recommends EAR or VAC as well.
 
tboooe...clearly lots of suggestions here. Are you interested in recos that you are able to go and demo locally (in which case, let us know what brands are available to you via local dealers to demo), or are you open to suggestions sight unseen and unheard, in which case this varied list of suggestions is ok for you to consider and further research?
 
cmalak said:
tboooe...clearly lots of suggestions here. Are you interested in recos that you are able to go and demo locally (in which case, let us know what brands are available to you via local dealers to demo), or are you open to suggestions sight unseen and unheard, in which case this varied list of suggestions is ok for you to consider and further research?
Click to expand...
Hi there! I am open to anything. I admit I have purchased gear sight unseen or heard before. Ive only had one dud so far!

Highendguy, you recommend ARC but not VAC? I see you are a dealer for SF too. Just curios why you would suggest ARC over VAC?
 
tboooe said:
Thanks Joe! I really do like Ayre equipment. I used to own their MX-R monoblock amps about 5 years ago. I only wish they would make in integrated in this same line.

Mike, I did read that review by Mike Huff. I tried to get local in home demo of the 518 but the dealer would not allow it.
Click to expand...

That Huff review is garbage. Wouldn't believe a word he says.

+1 on Ayre. Could probalby run Vac Sigma as well for tube.
 
tboooe said:
Hi there! I am open to anything. I admit I have purchased gear sight unseen or heard before. Ive only had one dud so far!

Highendguy, you recommend ARC but not VAC? I see you are a dealer for SF too. Just curios why you would suggest ARC over VAC?
Click to expand...

I'm new with VAC and still waiting to my first order to arrive.
I ordered the Statement Line stage preamp and a pair of 450iQ amps

:)
 
Based on my listening taste with the Evos, I prefer a more neutral amp/preamp combo to pair with them. I feel that the sweetness of the Evos is enough and adding too much warmth can be too much of a good thing. While I have not tried some of the recommendations here on the Evos, they are phenomenal speakers that play "MUSIC !!!"
 
KeithR said:
That Huff review is garbage. Wouldn't believe a word he says.

+1 on Ayre. Could probalby run Vac Sigma as well for tube.
Click to expand...

I actually liked the review. Seemed spot on....and was honest re: the heat!


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