air, clarity, separation, soundstaging

questionable casing considering its great sound quality

I was looking for an amp that would drive my B&W CDM9NT and after reading the reviews here and some zines, I concluded, that I will need a high current and a warm sounding amp.

I decided to try the upgraded version of Mistral called LE and this has upgraded components and 75 watts of power. I was basically told by both vendor and distributor to get ready to be amazed.

The first thing I noticed was the imaging and airiness. It just pointed out everything in its rightful position.

The Treble and Midrange is silky, sweet and buttery. Heck I can't believe it's not butter! They should've painted this thing yellow. The Bass is tight and punchy and kick drums will be felt.

The integrated delivers at low volumes as well. Some consumers believe that the B&W CDM9NT do not deliver well in low volumes. This Integrated disproves that.

Lastly, the reason why I really love this amp is it a joy to listen to. No Listening fatigue!

Similar Products Used:

krell, yamaha

Clarity, silky shimmering highs, pure, natural sound!!!!

Nothing!!!!

This amp is sounding GREAT!!!! At this price it must be the best in the whole world. Just listen to it if you can.
Sounds very detailed, natural, silky. No fatigue listening at all. This is a great product.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 925 PMR, Electrocompaniet ECI 3

This amp is fast, pristine and pure. It has a greatH harmonic presentation, richness, body and a silky shimmering quality in the highs. It's the best I have ever heard. The sound is so full and convincing, you won't believe your ears.

NONE!!!

AMPLIFIERS

Purely natural sound, transparency, smooth and warm, very accurate and detailed. Much too much performance for the price.

Slightly less bass control than the Naim Nait 5, but way, way more powerful and musical. Also, no remote which is not good for you couch potatoes.

I have only one thing to say, buy this amp. I have the SE version with the phono stage. Cosmetically pleasing in your livingroom, this is one the most beautiful peices of electronic equipment ever made. I can say that because even my wife likes it. It's a real trophy with it's polished brass knobs and chrome faceplate and it's built like a rock inside and out. You will want to sit and listen this amp for hours. It's rated at 75 watts per channel, yet I can't seem to turn it up 1/2 way without shaking my walls. The SE is substantially better in every catagory than the standard Mistral integrated and I highly recommend spending the extra $400. It's all there, smooth tonality, detail, accuracy, natural sounds and no colorization. The bass is slightly less controled than the Naim Nait 5, however, that's not necessarily a flaw, just a characteristic. It's muscially way better than the Nait 5. I currently use a Naim CD 5 Player with the Flatcap 2 which makes a perfect combination. This should be a class A rated product. Kicks butt against the Mark Levinson 383 and the Krell 300il. Goes for $1895 with phono stage. You won't be dissapointed at all.

Similar Products Used:

Naim Nait 5, Mark Levinson 383, Krell 300il, Plinius 8200, Lavardin Technologies