The DIA 100MK2 is better than anything close to its price. Built like a tank, with plenty of very clean, power that comes out of a totally black, noise free background, this design really proves that simpler is better! For those with ears and good associated equipment, a rare deal, in fact a steal.

In keeping with the propensity of North American high end manufacturers to dig their own grave by producing overly bright equipment we have the DIA-100. I own one and find the tone to be manageable with the selection of dark matching components and cables. The Bryston B-60 has more natural highs but lacks base extention so I opt for treble from hell with the DIA.
I am waiting patiently for the component that images , has detail , bass and a natural tone. Mondial may be on the right track in time with its products but like other manufacturers will lose market share to $400 mass produced rack systems
that outsell their products 500:1 because they are not so bright.

Great amp for the money. I have auditioned a lot of equipment and believe I have a pretty critical ear. I am quite surprised at the extremes of the ratings. I would be reluctant to give it five stars but one star ??? Admittedly bright and lacking the last nth of detail, but $995.00, what do you expect.

Quick summary:detailed highs (can seem excessive b/c of recessed midrange)
recessed mids
solid bass

System 1:
Acurus DIA100 MkII
Vandersteen 3
Sony DVP S-7000

Acurus's forward nature blends very well with the more laid back sound of the Vandersteens. Very happy with system

System 2:
Acurus DIA100 MkII
Audible Illusions L-1
Magnepan MGLR

Audible provides the midrange and warmth missing in the Acurus; Maggies simply sing, although bass is lacking. Audible with Acurus are a great pair; tube sound complements the detail of the Acurus. Nice balance.

I've owned this amp for 5 years now, and I'm a bit surprised why so many people complain about the bright sound: This amp. is *extremely* sensitive to your choice of cables. So if you're getting bright sound, you're probably using the cheap cables that came with your CD-player (or something of similar quality). Try purchasing something like Nordost Blue Heaven (or Red Dawn if you like warm sound) or some of the Goertz cables. You'll be amazed at how much the sound improves on this amp. (Don't forget to buy some decent speaker-cables too).
Anyways: at the price, I think this amp is great.

I purchased my DIA-100 in April of 1997. Since then I have upgraded every single piece of my system: tuner, CD player, interconnects, speaker cables, and speakers. Come to think of it, I've upgraded the CD player twice! I have no plans to part with this gem. For the money, I feel this unit is a wonderful deal; amplification of this quality for so relatively little money is rare. The best word to describe the "sound" would be: neutral. This amp does a good job of amplifying whatever signal is fed to it. Bad/good sound in = bad/good sound out. Be warned: put cheap, bright electronics in front and this amp will let you know just how bad that gear is. Another word I would use to describe the DIA-100: honest. I think recording industry folks would like this amp. If you are looking to assemble an audio system that most accurately converts the source signal into accoustic energy, the DIA-100 is an excellent place to start.

Simply the best amp for the $$$1K. Great low frequency drive and excellent sound stage. Likes to be paired with more expensive components and speakers. There is a slight fowardness in its sound. Very good build quality especially for an integrated amp costing $1K. I am amazed at the sound quality one can get at such a low price! I find little fault with its sound quality. I'm use to Krells and Sonic Frontiers but I'm still impressed with the DIA100 every time I listen to it. Great job Modial!

I have the DIA-100MKII. I'm extremely satisfied with its performance. Comparing it to other high end amplication, other preamp, amp combos, the DIA-100 is a bargain!!! I've hooked up many types of speakers to this amplifier and it drives them all without sweat. Its forward characteristic can reveal faults in the source especially when connected to mid-fi gear. I tried the Marantz CD63SE that I use in my bedroom for casual listening with the DIA and it sounded terrible. The DIA makes less than high end sources sound stale. The Marantz CD63SE sounds perfectly at home in my NAD304 and Paradigm Studio20 but very out of league in my DIA system. The DIA is not the very best out there but it comes close at a fraction of the price. No competition in its price range. If I do upgrade, I would go with the Classe but for now, the DIA-100MKII is still fills my needs.

I own the MKII version of the DIA 100. I am using this amplifier to drivea pair of Apogee Slant six speakers. This amplifier provides a very clean
sound with tight tuneful bass. It is a very good overall performer on my
Apogees, but as an audio enthusiast I am always looking to upgrade. This is hard though. Everytime I listen to the Acurus I wonder how substantial an
improvement I can possibly make in my system by upgrading to one of the
new integrateds on the market, such as the Krell and Classe. The bottom
line. If I could not afford to upgrade any further, I would be perfectly
happy to keep the Acurus for the rest of my life. If this amplifier
were a car it would be a Honda Civic EX - Best economy model.

I have had the DIA-100 for approximately 5 years and find it pure magic to my ears. This amp should be cheaper in Australia, as is around AUS$2800. I am very happy and would recommend it to any audio enthusiast.