2. amps-preamps
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Wanting to simplify my system ......

Good morning/Afternoon ,
I have all Audio Research amplification ... Phono 6 , LS27 Pre Amp and Reference 150 , my speakers are Wilson Sasha Series One , I'm finding as I get older that , although my system sounds excellent , I'm yearning for something simpler , like one box instead of three . I'm contemplating buying a Gryphon Diablo Integrated with the optional phono module and having just one box , this would also save on cabling etc and just generally tidy up the rat's nest behind my system rack . I've heard the Diablo with the Sashas in a friend's system and it sounded good , BUT , I've always been a valve guy , my last solid state amp was a Perreaux 2150B back in the ( very ) early 1980's . Am I wrong to yearn for something simpler ?? My cabling is High Fidelity CT1's , with the exception of the pre to power which is Harmonic Tech Magic Link 2 , the other upside of an integrated is I don't have to yearn for High Fidelity's balanced cable when it eventually arrives . Any thoughts / advice / ???
chris_launder
phusis's avatar
phusis
350 posts
 
Chris_launder --

If "tube magic" is what you're somehow after, without wanting to go with tubes, I'm not so sure bi-polar driven amps is the best solution - generally speaking. I'd probably keep the sonic signature as a main priority, and then consider your grounds from here. Mosfet amps is what I'd look into to begin with, and there are likely many candidates which should face no difficulties in driving your Sasha's.

Wanting to simplify ones setup is certainly something I can relate to (as an outset), but in your case I'd be careful no to throw out the baby with the bathwater, so to speak, "just" for the sake of simplicity. Again: I'd hold the sonic signature as a main priority, and then see if there are any integrated solutions that could accommodate your needs.
macrojack
1,292 posts
 
Never having fully understood the lust for tube sound, I will nonetheless suggest the Jeff Rowland Design Group's Continuum S2 integrated amplifier. It is powerful, compact, beautiful and delicious. I was heavily influenced by Roy Gregory's review prior to my purchase and have found no area where I would contradict him during my 10 weeks of constant use.
So, while I cannot assert that it would please you, I can confidently insist that you will find it a worthy candidate if you trouble yourself to investigate.
jperry
1,408 posts
 
I don't know if it is enough power, but VAC makes an integrated amp with phono inputs. You could also just get the audio research 20 preamp and use the built in phono, but you would still have the amps, so not as tidy.
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zd542
5,339 posts
 
"If "tube magic" is what you're somehow after, without wanting to go with tubes, I'm not so sure bi-polar driven amps is the best solution - generally speaking. I'd probably keep the sonic signature as a main priority, and then consider your grounds from here. Mosfet amps is what I'd look into to begin with, and there are likely many candidates which should face no difficulties in driving your Sasha's."

I agree. A mosfet amp would probably be a better choice. I think Pass does the best job with Mosfet's.
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