Lavardin vs ATC integated amplifier

[Bi Focal]

I currently own an ATC SIA2-150 amplifier which I'm happy with. That said, I've heard fantastic reviews of the Lavardin IS reference and IT and wondered whether either would better the ATC by much - and if so in what ways? They would drive Focal speakers.

 

[Jazid]

It might help others here if you could identify what you want to improve/change (unless its just itchy feet). I don't know either of these amps but given their quality and provenance would be surprised if a change made a massive difference. More significant differences would come from speaker choice/placements or room treatments I expect.

 

[Tw99]

The products are a bit chalk and cheese aren't they ? The ATC is a powerful, no-nonsense MOSFET 150W amp, same or similar circuits as used in all their pro equipment. The Lavardin is a similarly priced 30W amp, where the manufacturer makes claims that their design gets around some "semiconductor memory effect" that isn't apparently recognized by anyone else, so could be a bit more on the side of foo than reality. It may sound fine, but I'd go with the no-nonsense approach any day.

 

[Brown Bottle]

It may sound fine, but I'd go with the no-nonsense approach any day.

I'd go with the one that sounded the best. Why don't you have a bake off and ask if someone can bring a Lavardin amp or if you are considering buying new ask a dealer to bring one round to try.

Cheers BB

 

[Jerrykan]

The Lavardin amplifiers are excellent and whilst their marketing claims can be considerded "foo" the resultant sounds they make are fabulous. However, I suspect either the IT or the IS won't be a perfect partner for your rather hard to drive Micro Utopias.

 

[mmar]

Owned both the sia 150 and the lavardin is and unless you are looking to take a sideways step in terms of a slight tonality changes I really wouldn't bother

no question the atc will drive the focals better serving up better bass, dynamics and headroom over the lavardin which is a very sweet amp but if I where to go back and own either the atc would be my choice simply because of it no fuss fit and forget nature

 

[MotherSky]

I too have owned both the SIA2-150 and the Lavardin IS - I found the ATC ruthlessly revealing and very unforgiving of any even slightly less than perfect recordings, but massively capable when fed top notch source material - I found the Lavardin absolutely beautiful sounding, but utterly lacking in bass/drive/dynamics - it seems impossible to me that if you are happy with the ATC, you'd enjoy the Lavardin - I'd suggest trying something like a Sugden Masterclass as a more viable alternative (although I've not heard the Lavardin IT - maybe it has a bit more oomph)

 

[Baggawire]

MotherSky's spot on with his take on the Lavardin IS. I had a listen to one hooked up to my NS1000Ms and whilst it sounded wonderful on acoustic music it sounded flat as a pancake on anything with a bit of rhythm. The IS puts out 45W much the same as my Canary 608 but sounded weedy in comparison.

 

[Mike P]

As with most things, synergy is key. I've heard Lavardin amps sound wonderful with Living Voice speakers. Given their relatively low output, I can't imagine them sounding good with something relatively inefficient.

Do some listening to both, preferably at home with your own speakers and make your own mind up.

 

[Bi Focal]

This is useful thanks. There arent many dealers of each although I could take my ATC to a Lavardin dealer in Guildford.

Maybe I should savE my cash and be happy with the ATC

 

[Tarzan]

As above, l have had an IS Reference/ IT Reference, and they can sound amazing, with easy to drive speeks, if your speeks are hard to drive, then with the Lav, you will have a flat, sound with little bounce, but get it right and you will be audio heaven.

 

[mmar]

This is useful thanks. There arent many dealers of each although I could take my ATC to a Lavardin dealer in Guildford. Maybe I should savE my cash and be happy with the ATC

Realistically to get a worthy upgrade over the atc your probably needing to look at far more expensive pre power or a good quality push pull valve amp which I've heard work very well with your utopias , the Graff gm 50 in the classifieds would certainly fit the bill