First: I love my little Sharp 1-bit system (cost 119 bucks). I loved it so much that I pushed it pretty hard. Added expensive power cord, interconnects, and average speaker cable. Got rid of the 200 dollar Pinnacles and replaced them with a pair of Moth Cicadas (maybe my most brilliant move ever). Well, the thing started to shine. My audiophile friends started to shake their heads and scold their wallets for betraying them. Well, I'm going to push my Sharpie even harder. I just purchased a pair of Zu Druid Blacks. If this gets any better heartattacks will follow.
Second: I'm ready for a little experiment. It won't be perfect, but it will be interesting I think. I'm going to compare digital to tube to solid state. I'm going to do the ridiculous and let the little Sharp go head to head with my Mark Levinson ($6500 vs $120). Then I'm going to put both up against a tube unit.
So: what's the best tube integrated out there in your opinion? I'm looking in the 1500 dollar range used. If I can get a half priced $3000 unit it will represent a price point that intersects the two extremes. Any suggestions?
