Price Paid:  $900.00 from Used-Private party

Summary:
The two prior reviews of this fantastic integrated are spot on, and so I won't be repetitious. Rather I would like to ad a little nuance into the mix. This integrated makes no excuses about it being solid state. It is not voiced to sound like tubes, rather it has managed to capture all that is positive about solid state and make beautiful, pure, uncolored music true to the source fed into it. I also have matched it to a Granite Audio power cord with positive results. If you want musical truth, without being fatiguing or edgy the Mistral LE/SE is what you have been looking for. I leave it powered up with it in the mute position so as to disconnect the speakers. Thereby having it ready and on song whenever I have the urge to listen. If you can locate one of these used (Rare) grab it.

Strengths:
Pure uncolored musical presentation.

Weaknesses:
Wish it had a remote capability.

Similar Products Used:
Rega Mira, Jolida 302 & 502-b, Audio Analogue Puccini, Magnum Dynalab MD-208, Unison research Unico

Price Paid:  $900.00 from used on Audiogon

Summary:
Judging by the number of reviews on this site for the Mistral LE, this amp must be a well kept secret. For the price this amp is phenominal. This amp is very detailed, open, and airy but it remains very musical at it's core. Some amps I've listened to are very detailed and correct, but they sound clinical as they seem to break music down into separate elements. That is not the case with the Mistral. It presents the sound as a strong musical core with the inner detail in proper perspective (i.e. supporting that core musicality). That musicality makes the music very engaging, emotional and enjoyable. The 75 watts pack a lot of punch and easily drive my Tyler Taylo 7U's. High's are very open & airy, and the mid-range is pure bliss. Bass extension is very good, but not as tight or controlled as some. (I was able to correct this by matching with the right power cord.) I bought this amp for my second system, but after thorough listening and power cord matching it has replaced a Plinius 8100 in my main system.

Strengths:
Pure musicality, very engaging Airy open highs Phenominal mid-range Surprising power and punch Leading edges are crisp and clean Ability to sustain notes Value, sound beats more expensive amps Bass extension (w/proper power cord match)

Weaknesses:
At first the bass, although full and extended sounded soft ("blurby"). This issue was corrected with a Granite Audio 555 power cord. That cord seemms to be a match made in heaven for the Mistral. I now consider bass extension and clarity a positive attribute of this amp. Patricia Barber's Modern Cool, all I can add is wow, the bass and drum riffs are as full and tight as I've heard!!

Similar Products Used:
Creek 4330 R Audio Analog Puccini SE Plinius 8100

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from Gene Rubin Audio

Summary:
If you can survive without a remote control, this integrated amp is without question the best on the market in or anyplace near its price. The inner detail is phenomenal, and the soundstage is peerless. I replaced a Magnum Dynalab MD-208 receiver with this piece. The MD-208 is excellent as well, but the Mistral LE takes listening to a more emotional level, capturing every nuance of the human voice and rendering high frequencies and the perceived air surrounding performers with great beauty and strength. Only rated at 75 wpc, it drives my JM Reynaud Evolution 3 floorstanders with tons of headroom to spare. The ONLY slight derogatory comment I can make is that the bass control is not quite as controlled as my previously-owned Bel Canto Evo 200.2 (which is close to SOTA in that area). However, the Mistral destroys the Evo 200.2 in the rest of the sound spectrum, making the Evo sound dry and raspy in comparison. I've cycled through a lot of amps in the past year or two, and this one will NOT find its way to eBay or Audiogon anytime soon. It's a keeper.

Strengths:
Musicality - soundstage, detail, pure sweet highs, and non-fatiguing at any sane volume level. Pretty to look at as well. Best overall power or integrated amp on the market anywhere near its price.

Weaknesses:
No remote available (would probably denigrate the sound anyway), not the SOTA in bass control at high levels, but in no way is it poor in this area.

Similar Products Used:
Integrated amps/receivers: Magnum Dynalab MD-208, Electrocompaniet ECI-3, Audio Analogue Puccini SE, Sim Audio Moon I-5, Creek 4330R; power amps: Muse 160, Bel Canto Evo 200.2, Rogue 88