Dragon, I looked up the Sam Tellig review. It is in the September, 1998 issue of Stereophile. I also found them on the web at www.soundorg.com. The website includes reviews, but only the blip contained in the Stereophile Recommended Components listing, not the full review by Sam. It was given a Class B rating. The full review is definitely worth reading, and would be mandatory if I was considering purchase. To state Sam's opinions briefly: "The Mistral is like some of the best SET amps. The sound seems alive in the sense of being illuminated from with; the amp is full of light as well as life." This is a bit confusing, because at times he says the amp sounds like a SET, and at times he says it doesn't. Even including the statement, "SET sound from a solid-state integrated? No, of course not." He says he'd take the Mistral over many a push-pull tube amp. And even says, "those open, airy, shimmering highs remind me of the Jadis SE300Bs - at $13,000/pair!" He may have gotten a bit overexuberant with that statement. The main drawback he continually states is the lack of power, especially into difficult loads. Power and loudness are definitely limited. That, along with your preference in music, and speakers would have to be factored in. A continual comparison was made to the Bryston B60(he also compares it to the Denon PMA-2000R, Creek 4330, and Musical Fidelity XA-1). The Bryston being more to his liking in some areas, less in others. I would say it is a draw in his mind. Different in sound, etc., but equal in rating. Sorry for the scatteredness of my review of the review. My take is that if I was looking for a ss integrated, and had very easy to drive speakers, I would go for it. Also, on my short list would be the new Musical Fidelity A3, and maybe the YBA Integre. My speakers are Coincident Loudspeaker Technology Digital Master w/Troubass subwoofers. They look like Wilson WATT/Puppies, but are easy to drive(high sensitivity/high impedence). They are also much less(to me) bright, harsh, irritating than the Wilsons. The Troubass use 10" woofers in their own box. The Digital Masters(also can be placed on stands and used on their own, instead of being placed on the subs) use a soft dome tweeter, and polypropylene mid-woofer w/phase plug. The Digital Masters are pyramidal in shape. I have to say I really love the time - aligned front baffle. I am sure it contributes to the wonderful sound. Crossover is first order, using only a polypropylene capacitor and large gauge inductor. Finish is black lacquer. I am very happy with them, and will not be moving to anything else for a LONG time. Coincident used to make some interestingly shaped speakers, but sadly that ended when demand rose. Those shapes are much more difficult and time consuming to produce. But, the newer designs are very highly regarded. Good Luck with whatever product you choose!
