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-   -   The Ultimate Integrated (https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=12140)

JohnThomas 01-28-2012 11:59 AM

The Ultimate Integrated
 
After having separates from Mcintosh, Plinius and finally selling off all my Burmester gear. I'm sitting on a wad of cash contemplating my next move after buying the Tannoy Canterbury SE. I didn't know if a full blown tube setup was going to work for me. So in walks Triode 300B SER integrated out of Japan putting out 8 watts of power into the Tannoy's. Now this isn't Air Tight,Nagra,Wavac, etc. quality but to my ears it makes the Tannoys sing nicely. So after playing with the 300B for 3 months I decide I want to bring in a solid state integrated into the mix for those head banger nights. So now I decide to research the holy grail of integrated units that have that tube sound (I know it doesn't exist) Vitus, Accuphase, Luxman, Pass Labs etc. Getting caught up in all the big names not thinking about the little guys. So I'm talking to Joe aka Joeinid the other night about all the wonderful gear out there that sound great that doesn't get any recognition. Yesterday i'm talking to one my dealers that sold me my Hansen Princes a few years ago. Fidels up in New Hampshire. I'm telling him how i'm at point in my life where i'm looking for simplicity. I told him i've been researching the Vitus 010,Accuphase E560,Luxman 590AX, Pass labs int-30a. Walter always seems to carry products that aren't well know as well as the big boys.I told him how I wanted something musical (aren't we all). He was telling about two companies Lfd and Lavardin both out of the UK that I never heard before. I was most curious about the Lfd NCSE and his philosophy as well as being the one that builds these himself. I'm sure his product won't win any measurement awards but all I want is musically. Anybody have any experience with Lfd good or bad besides no remote?

LFD’s latest amplifier – Reviews | TONEAudio MAGAZINE

http://www.generubinaudio.com/sitebu...rfiles/lfd.pdf

jdandy 01-28-2012 12:16 PM

John......Judging from those two reviews, the LFD sounds like it might be just what the doctor ordered.

joeinid 01-28-2012 12:16 PM

Hi John,

This should be fun. I hope some of our members have some interaction with these companies and gear. There is a lot of great equipment out there and I hope we get to read and hear more about it.

cmalak 01-28-2012 12:19 PM

John...I know Sam Tellig and Wes Phillips have reviewed integrated amps from both LFD and Lavardin (by the way Lavardin is French company). I know both brands have a small but loyal following here in the US where the brands are less well known:

Lavardin Reviews:
lavardin integrated
Lavardin IS Reference review from the experts at whathifi.com
6moons audio reviews: Lavardin/Lecontoure system
StereoTimes --

Lavardin feedback on user forums:
REVIEW: Lavardin Technologies Model IT Integrated Amplifier (SS) - Audiomanic - Amp/Preamp Asylum
Forum search results

You have posted the LFD reviews out there in your post above.

Good luck.

klipschfan 01-28-2012 12:22 PM

Haven't heard LFD or Lavardin.

Suggest taking a look at the new ModWright integrated.
ModWright Instruments | KWI 200 Integrated

Had the ModWright KWA-100SE, which is very musical. The KWI-200 should be well worth a demo!.

cmalak 01-28-2012 12:51 PM

John...I know you are looking for an all SS integrated but may I suggest looking into a hybrid integrated amp from Pathos (Italian), with tubes in the preamp stage and SS output stage. There are two choices I would recommend that are extremely musical and will drive your Tannoys with no problem:

1) Pathos Logos: PATHOS

Type: integrated amplifier operating in class AB
Output power: 110W RMS @ 8 Ohm, 220W RMS @ 4 Ohm

http://www.pathosacoustics.com/logos.jpg

2) Pathos TT: PATHOS

Type: integrated amplifier operating in pure class A
Power output: 2 x 35W @ 8 Ohm

http://www.pathosacoustics.com/twin2.jpg

They have newer versions of these integrateds although these are still in production and you can get good deals on these used. I have not heard the newer variants but these bad boys are very musical and are great eye candy.

Good luck with your search.

McPlanar 01-28-2012 01:19 PM

http://www.audiooutlet.co.kr/shop/db...cth8550_01.jpg
darTZeel CTH-8550 integrated amplifier | Stereophile.com

bart 01-28-2012 01:40 PM

I heard very nice sound coming out of Vincent electronics.

Vincent - Thats VINCENT - Vincent-tac

Their products are not too expensive and get good reviews.
They have hybrid integrateds also.

This amp is a beast!
Vincent - SV-238MK Class-A Integrated Amplifier - Vincent-tac

http://www.vincent-tac.de/typo3temp/pics/c67b041003.jpg

TANDYMAN 03-15-2013 06:08 PM

I use the sugden ia4 with a pair of kensington se and the combo is a good match.

wizard 05-24-2013 09:06 PM

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tu6vWimsB1...0/HL7B3755.JPG

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4opGKK50N...0/HL7B3738.JPG

This could be the ultimate integrated when released in one month.
AM Audio PA-60X at around €20000.


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