Integrated amplifiers-experiences,insights and auditioning.

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by rded

Question, does the Bryston sound like Simaudio-or in other words, does it have a North American sound, you know what I mean?

Well, I would say it comes down to personal preference, but on the other hand.......... I doubt you will find that many people that will actually say that Bryston doesn't sound great. Because it does !!! Bryston is one of the best amplifier manufacturers period and anytime someone is willing to stand behind a product for twenty years is unheard of. I don't know of anything else on Earth that comes with a twenty year warranty. I would certainly be more than happy to have Bryston in my home.

There might be some reviews of this model online. Also might be people on AudioCircle or other audio forums that you might be able to read what owners think of it. audioCircle is a great resource !!!


There is also more integrateds to be found yet, I haven't been able to look, but will have more free time in the next couple of days.

I also think if you can, try and check out some tube gear, I have a feeling once you do so, you will feel like tubes are what you've been looking for all along !!! Tubes really kick serious butt in terms of sweet beautiful sound. I feel that tubes put the life back into music, it really is a transformation !!!! Plus it really doesn't have to be expensive, honestly. Only the NOS ones command the highest of prices !!! In case you are wondering, NOS = New Old Stock, meaning older completely unused tubes, essentially still brand spankin new. Most tubes will actually last forever as well, so you don't really have to be obsessed like I am .

[crazyBLUE]

Not to change the subject But I got the spades mdabb ~ Thank you & I will try them when I get it all back together ! Thanks

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

Not to change the subject But I got the spades mdabb ~ Thank you & I will try them when I get it all back together ! Thanks

You're welcome !!! I hope they work out great for you !!!

[rded]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Well, I would say it comes down to personal preference, but on the other hand.......... I doubt you will find that many people that will actually say that Bryston doesn't sound great. Because it does !!! Bryston is one of the best amplifier manufacturers period and anytime someone is willing to stand behind a product for twenty years is unheard of. I don't know of anything else on Earth that comes with a twenty year warranty. I would certainly be more than happy to have Bryston in my home.

There might be some reviews of this model online. Also might be people on AudioCircle or other audio forums that you might be able to read what owners think of it. audioCircle is a great resource !!!


There is also more integrateds to be found yet, I haven't been able to look, but will have more free time in the next couple of days.

I also think if you can, try and check out some tube gear, I have a feeling once you do so, you will feel like tubes are what you've been looking for all along !!! Tubes really kick serious butt in terms of sweet beautiful sound. I feel that tubes put the life back into music, it really is a transformation !!!! Plus it really doesn't have to be expensive, honestly. Only the NOS ones command the highest of prices !!! In case you are wondering, NOS = New Old Stock, meaning older completely unused tubes, essentially still brand spankin new. Most tubes will actually last forever as well, so you don't really have to be obsessed like I am .

Thanks, mdabb. That twenty year warranty is pretty sweet though

[D]

The Cary Audio SLI-80 Integrated is a component I fell in love with the first time I listened to it. It is 80 wpc in pentode mode, and 40 wpc in triode mode. Triode is the choice for better detail, horns, strings etc. are better suited to this mode. Overall it has plenty of output, albeit the 4 ohm taps are best for less efficient speakers. A very warm, fluid sounding amp, but still very detailed. A good source is needed to fully appreciate this wonderful piece of audio bliss.

[D]

Also wanted to add, the first thing I listened to on the SLI-80 was Bella Fleck's Flight of the Cosmic Hippo, and could not believe the amount of bass as well as the clarity in the upper frequencies! It was hooked up to B&W 805 S speakers, with a Cary Audio upsampling CD player with tube output stage btw.

[rded]

Originally Posted by db01

The Cary Audio SLI-80 Integrated is a component I fell in love with the first time I listened to it. It is 80 wpc in pentode mode, and 40 wpc in triode mode. Triode is the choice for better detail, horns, strings etc. are better suited to this mode. Overall it has plenty of output, albeit the 4 ohm taps are best for less efficient speakers. A very warm, fluid sounding amp, but still very detailed. A good source is needed to fully appreciate this wonderful piece of audio bliss.

NICE!

Originally Posted by db01

Also wanted to add, the first thing I listened to on the SLI-80 was Bella Fleck's Flight of the Cosmic Hippo, and could not believe the amount of bass as well as the clarity in the upper frequencies! It was hooked up to B&W 805 S speakers, with a Cary Audio upsampling CD player with tube output stage btw.

And VERY NICE!
I just check Cary's website and there are plenty of dealers by me within 10 miles

[D]

Originally Posted by rded

NICE!

And VERY NICE!
I just check Cary's website and there are plenty of dealers by me within 10 miles

Give it a listen, you won't regret it. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you went home with one!

[rded]

Originally Posted by db01

Give it a listen, you won't regret it. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you went home with one!

Yes! its already added to the long list of integrated amps.

[naturephoto1]

These are some of the best and probably some of the most expensive integrated amps made:

http://www.accuphase.com/integrated_amp.html

My Accuphase E202 which is in storage, was probably the best integrated amp of its time in the early to mid late 70's.

Accuphase makes impressive, beautifully finished and performing components.

Rich

[rded]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

These are some of the best and probably some of the most expensive integrated amps made:

http://www.accuphase.com/integrated_amp.html

My Accuphase E202 which is in storage, was probably the best integrated amp of its time in the early to mid late 70's.

Accuphase makes impressive, beautifully finished and performing components.

Rich

Man oh man Richard!!! You have expensive taste Is the E-550 10k? With that money kinda money, I can have true separates. If only I have an inheriatance or a Dad or Uncle that donates to my cause But ok I will audition them.
Errr...where do I find local dealers?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by rded

Man oh man Richard!!! You have expensive taste Is the E-550 10k? With that money kinda money, I can have true separates. If only I have an inheriatance or a Dad or Uncle that donates to my cause But ok I will audition them.

Rhett,

I purchased my Accuphase E202 in 1977 as a demo unit from Tech HiFi for $550 (list as I recall was about $800). They have increased in price a bit since then. I did say they were expensive. These do show up from time to time on Audiogon, but they will still be expensive. The E550 is a Class A integrated Amp; not many Class A integrated amps are offered my makers in the industry. Accuphase when it was first offered and I guess still today is considered the Japanese McIntosh.

I think that this is a list of dealers in Illinois (listed on the Axiss Audio [distributors'] website); find those listing Accuphase:

http://www.axissaudio.com/dealers/dealerIL.htm

Rich

[rded]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Rhett,

I purchased my Accuphase E202 in 1977 as a demo unit from Tech HiFi for $550 (list as I recall was about $800). They have increased in price a bit since then. I did say they were expensive. These do show up from time to time on Audiogon, but they will still be expensive. The E550 is a Class A integrated Amp; not many Class A integrated amps are offered my makers in the industry. Accuphase when it was first offered and I guess still today is considered the Japanese McIntosh.

Rich

Any ideas of dealers in chicago? As of the time being, I am about 5 months away from an integ amp. That's why I will audition heavily in the months to come.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by rded

Any ideas of dealers in chicago? As of the time being, I am about 5 months away from an integ amp. That's why I will audition heavily in the months to come.

Rhett,

I just updated my posting. Check to see if any of the listed dealers on the Axiss Audio website are close to Chicago.

Rich

[rded]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Rhett,

I just updated my posting. Check to see if any of the listed dealers on the Axiss Audio website are close to Chicago.

Rich

Thanks Rich! Its really good that Quintessence audio carries them because they are a dynaudio dealer as well so I can just go there and listen. I've been wanting to go there anyways for the longet time as the Carry Linn turtables. So I guess I'll just go there on a Sunday(yes they're open-very rare for an audio shop) and spend the whole day there.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by rded

Thanks Rich! Its really good that Quintessence audio carries them because they are a dynaudio dealer as well so I can just go there and listen. I've been wanting to go there anyways for the longet time as the Carry Linn turtables. So I guess I'll just go there on a Sunday(yes they're open-very rare for an audio shop) and spend the whole day there.

No problem Rhett; I haven't seen any recent Accuphase gear in quite some time, but it should be a treat for you.

Just watch your wallet.

Rich

[rded]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

No problem Rhett; I haven't seen any recent Accuphase gear in quite some time, but it should be a treat for you.

Just watch your wallet.

Rich

Not to worry! That's why I always leave my debit card and checks at home when I audition

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by db01
Give it a listen, you won't regret it. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you went home with one!

Yes! its already added to the long list of integrated amps.

I think you would be very happy with Cary as well !!! I'll try my best to work some tubes into your life !!!

[D]

mdabb, I own a 9100ES, and was wondering how big a difference the ModWright mod made? Very interested. Thanks in advance.

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by db01

mdabb, I own a 9100ES, and was wondering how big a difference the ModWright mod made? Very interested. Thanks in advance.

Well...... I bought the 9100ES already modded, so I can't really tell you how they compared in my system, which I'm sure you'll agree that's where comparisons should be made. However a comparison really isn't even necessary because the modded 9100ES has been re-engineered and actually sounds nothing like it's former self. It's quite an overhaul and not just had the caps & etc... upgraded like a lot of others do. So it will be a dramatic difference in sound quality.

To give an example of how Dan Wright approaches things, here is a post from another forum , actually a response to a poster that was curious and wary of modding in general. Dan is a straight up no nonsense kind of a guy and specializes in certain products only. He also has his own product lines and isn't only just a modder. Anyhow, I'll let him speak for himself........

I will explain how we approach the modifications end of our business, without disparaging the other companies that you mentioned.

First of all, our modifications include actual re-engineering of existing circuitry and true MODIFICATION of the gear. We also upgrade key components where we find this to be beneficial. There is benefit to straight component upgrades, but we found that there is far more significant value in re-engineering circuits, addressing their weaknesses.

Many manufacturers fall back on common and cost-effective design decisions, such as the use of op-amps for analog stage designs. The DACs used are often state of the art, as are jitter reduction topologies, etc. We DO often replace the master clock as there is great benefit in doing this. Power supply designs in stock products range from mediocre to quite good. Sony and Slim Devices use very GOOD power supply designs. Sony uses R-Core power transformers, sophisticated voltage regulation circuits and quality Nichicon Muse power supply capacitors. These all make a difference and are very worthwhile.

In most cases, I find that the analog stages, using op-amps with inherent feedback and electrolytic capacitor coupled outputs, lead to serious sonic limitations.

We are famous for using tubes in lieu of op-amps for the analog stage designs, but we do not limit ourselves to this approach. The Oppo mod will use discrete SS analog stage circuits with zero global feedback. This will reduce costs and will be a signfiicant improvement over standard op-amp based designs. We also provide our own dedicated power supplies for our new analog stage designs, be they SS or tube.

There are some unethical modifiers who are also doing VERY LITTLE, charging exorbinant prices, relative to the work they do and benefit that results, while being very close-lipped about WHAT they have done. I would caution against working with a modifier who will not at least GENERALLY tell you what they have done. We don't share our schematics or design secrets either, but we do tell you what you are getting for your investment and you have my word that the performance of the unit will meet or exceed expectations for the given investment, no matter what that price is.

Lastly, look at the customer service and support record of the modifier that you are going to work with. The internet is a great source of information. Your behaviors as a businessperson on-line WILL be found out, for better or worse. We take great pride in offering excellent service long-term for our customers. I can't say that there are never problems, shipping damage, component failure, etc., but the key is HOW the modifier supports you AFTER the sale!

I respect many of the other modifiers in the market, while others I do not. I will not name names, but consider what I have said above when shopping for a modifier for your next upgrade.

You may not choose to work with ModWright and I respect that. I just want to be sure that you are satisfied with your decision of who to work with.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Dan W.


If seriously interested I'm sure it is possible to check out a modded 9100ES in your neck of the woods. Dan himself should be able to put you in touch with a dealer or an owner so you can demo it. Or if interested, check out the ModWright Circle on AudioCircle and let the members know you would be interested in checking out the modded 9100ES. I hate to be a salesman so I won't be, but what you get is something special and highly regarded !!! There are also professional reviews online of 9100ES and other ModWright products as well. You are seriously gonna have to hear it to believe it anyway. It's like hearing a beautiful analog source rather than a digital source.

If there is anything else you would like to know just ask and I'll do my best to help you out. There should be links to reviews on ModWright's website so you don't have to search all over the place... and again the ModWright owner's circle will be a great resource for your inquiries too. The members are super helpful and friendly !!!