[foggy]

I'm surveying the market for a solid-state int. amp with built-in DAC.  Price range is $1000-2000.  The ultimate unit would have a full-digital signal path, but that doesn't seem to available outside of TacT.  A used Tact may be an option, but would like to learn of other possibilities.

I know of the Music Hall Mambo, but I'm put off by the pure class A amp stage, and the mainland China manufacturing.

Like the looks of the Sharp SM-SX10, but no indication that it will come to the US.

[roymail]

If you use relately high efficiency speakers (90db or higher), you may want to contact Vinnie Rossi at Red Wine Audio.  His honest advice will be  worth consideration, and his products are first rate.   He is moving in a few days, so just take a look at his website of you're interested and email him.  And, take a look at his circle here on AC to read what others have to say.  He's not pushy and won't try to sell you anything.  But when he talks, lots of people listen.  My 2 cents!        www.redwineaudio.com

-- Roy

[JoshK]

TACT M2150 fits the bit except maybe for price but you could scour audiogon and wait till one comes up in your price range.

[zybar]

TACT M2150 fits the bit except maybe for price but you could scour audiogon and wait till one comes up in your price range.

If you keep your eyes peeled you can get a M2150 for under $2k.

As funds become available, you will want to have it modified by Anthony Padilla of Aberdeen Components in order to really hear what the technology is capable of.

George

[bhobba]

I'm surveying the market for a solid-state int. amp with built-in DAC.  Price range is $1000-2000.  The ultimate unit would have a full-digital signal path, but that doesn't seem to available outside of TacT.  A used Tact may be an option, but would like to learn of other possibilities.

I know of the Music Hall Mambo, but I'm put off by the pure class A amp stage, and the mainland China manufacturing.

Like the looks of the Sharp SM-SX10, but no indication that it will come to the US.

What about the good old panny XR55?  A bit cheaper than you mentioned - but hey why pay more when you can pay less?.  At least worth a listen when you see posts like:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=602135
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6492921#post6492921

Now I am not of the all amps sound the same school but I think a reasonable course is to get something like a Panny XR55 then compare it to a lot of different amplifers until you get just what you want.  And if you can not actually hear a difference blind then why bother spending the extra dosh?

Thanks
Bill

[foggy]

Thanks for the input.  Looks like TacT is still my best bet, if I can find one at the right price.

As for the XR55, I currently use an XR70.  I've been happy with the sound for the dollar, but I must admit I get a thrill out of components with high build quality, which the Panny doesn't have.  I loathe having to touch the volume knob, it has such a horrible, cheesy feel.  I'd like to bump the Panny to a secondary system.