Just wondering how many LIO users are using the internal Mosfet amp versus an external amp utilizing the LIO as a Pre.
I just connected my LIO with newly installed DHT with my Harbeth 40.1's and have tried a couple of external power amps. In the case of both externals I seem to prefer the built in LIO stage. Apart from less power overhead, the on-board amp just feels more transparent with all the full and robust tonal qualities I value.
My external amp comparisons are no slouches... Rogue Audio Stereo 100 (with KT 120 o/p tubes) and a pair of NORD Acoustics One UP Hypex nCore monoblocks with custom input buffers.
Of course the Rogue has some of that tube "air" and maybe a bit more weight at the cost of 4 x KT 120's dissipating all that heat.
The NORD's are mostly neutral (with Sonic Imagery op amps), run cool and have 10X's the power available but still require two good quality external power cords along with interconnects. They do however, convey the qualities of the DHT pre stage very well without adding any sonic artifacts of their own.
As I said, within their respective power limits I prefer the direct signal path with the LIO running full integrated in spite of the fact that the Harbeths are not overly efficient. They are however an easy load and in a somewhat near-field position and at the lower SPL's I listen at, the internal amp seems to do just fine. No doubt, the Ultra Capacitor supply is performing it's magic.
What say you???
Regards,
Dave