New integrated your thoughts
 

Hi all I thinking of a new integrated amp.
I have four in mind
Musical fidelity m8 xi
Krell k300i
Macintosh ma1200
Simaudio 700i v2
Now normally I go for the weight of an amp but as you can see they all vary in weight so much!
I like speed and bottom end also females vocals my music taste are vary greatly like all of you I suppose.
I want an end game here I want to rest with one of these.
Yes I know I have to listen I done it but impossible all together.
Just after your thoughts.
Speakers monitor audio gold 300
Sony hap z1 es
Your imput would be interesting

Those all look like worthy contenders and while I do not own any of them, I have an audio buddy who swears by his Simaudio 600i. It's the less powerful (125 wpc versus 175 wpc for the 700i) brother to the 700i. He always states that the Simaudio simply gets out of the way and allows what's further up the food chain to shine through. His speakers are the Totem Fire and the ancillary equipment is by Simaudio.

From the ones you've listed I would just go with the one that has the most visual appeal to your eye. Don't think you can go wrong, unless the fact that the MF is made in China bothers you. They have all received glowing reviews from the professional reviewers.

I’ve recently been through this exercise and would highly recommend the Aesthetix Mimas - it is well priced, has plenty of power and is very musical being a hybrid amp (tube pre amp). The optional DAC is also surprisingly good…

Here is a link http://www.aesthetix.net

There are a number of excellent reviews that you can find online. At least put it on your list if you can source one to listen to.

Good luck!!

I have heard most and would put the Simaudio 2nd behind one that is not on your list: The Boulder 866. Simply amazing. Next would be the Krell in 3rd.

Since you want endgame my recommendation would be Constellation Argo or DarTZeel CT-8550.

I need to retire with some money to buy music so consetellation and DARTZEEL ARE OUT

I retired with NO MONEY and went with a Simaudio 700i, which became V1 when V2 came out. My belief is there is not a great difference between the two, unlike the 600i V1 and V2…

From your list the Sim Audio. You might also want to look at the new Modwright 225 hybrid integrated and yes the Boulder 866.

Wow sim audio is least powerful but is already getting the nod it’s not cheap either?

Your speakers are rated at 90 dB sensitivity and if their impedance curve is not treacherous then 175 wpc may be more than sufficient. Even the 125 wpc 600i V2 at $9,200 could fit the bill depending on what you listen to and at what levels.

Good point thanks joe

Some others to consider:
- NAD M33
- Gryphon Diablo 120 (or 300 if you can stretch)
- Hegel H390 & H590

I like my McIntosh MA9000 very much--it's very powerful, rich sounding, and has deep bass. I imagine the tube preamp section of the MA12000 would sweeten the mids and highs a bit. I don't care for the DAC in my amp, but the new one has the new/improved DAC, so that's another plus. My B&W 803D3s are supposed to be hard to drive, but the MA9000 drives them effortlessly. So, the MA12000 gets my vote.

Surprised no mention of Hegel, too mainstream? Depending on power requirements the H190 is 150/250 wpc the 390 is 250/425 wpc and the dac is really good. My H360 has been great and only the revel salon 2 needed more power.

Steve, Hegel are great amps, believe Bart also suggested the H390 :thumbsup:

Yep, My screen is set to show 10 posts per page and I didn’t see page 2 when I posted. It happens.

If you ask me - add Devialet to the shortlist.

Of course, don't buy anything without a tryout.

I’m a huge Mcintosh fan and while I would also say buy the MA12000, don’t make your final decision without listening to the Luxman and Simaudio integrated amps. All three manufacturers make exceptional integrated amps, but you might find one more appealing than the other.

Try the Vitus SIA-030 Class A amplifier with the Masterpiece series technology.

that list i would choose sim without much thought, its a great sounding piece. hegel 590 is another to consider in that price range

If you have not all ready decided, with 90db speakers you can easily go with Class A. I am very pleased with my Pass Labs INT-25 and expect it to be my last amp purchase (famous last words?). Wanting to stay with a smaller 'form factor' my 2nd choice was the Bryston B-135ST-cubed. Don't hesitate to go used. High-end gear of today is very reliable. You may find a demo unit by calling around to the various shops.

The Western Electric 91E Integrated is on this month's cover of Stereophile. The review was quite positive as well.

The Rowland 1500wpc Class D 'Daemon' integrated amp at the Captial Audiofest was very, very impressive. It was one of the top systems/rooms for me with Raidho speakers. I'm thinking maybe Class D has "gotten there". For $38,800 it should sound good.