Opinions / Advice please

[Track2Side1]

if you've got the patience to read this, hope you’ll offer an opinion. Apart from an Auralic Vega G2 DAC/ Streamer ( I currently use the passive volume control as my pre ) and a pair of the latest Living Voice IBX RW4s most of my system is decades old. Michell Alecto Monos, Meridian 500 CD Transport, Linn LP12 /Lingo /Ekos/ Karat17D. Audio Research LS7 ( considering upgrading the valves?? ).
I’m looking to do justice to the LVs by going to valve power. I’m not very hands-on so I’m looking at more modern stuff, ideally with a max of around £4k. I nearly bought some Allnic monos, but then started noticing mentions of repairs carried out in some adds, so I think I’ve discounted Allnic. LV love Border Patrol and Art Audio but there aren’t a lot around … same with EAR Yoshino. The US brands all seem to be far more powerful than suitable. How good are Icon? At least they’re local for repairs.

I’d love to hear opinions … should I spend it all on a power amp(s) or get an integrated instead of using the VegaG2s’ passive volume control, or even upgrade my old Audio Research LS7?

I’m trying to avoid any expensive mistakes so opinions please …

 

[Lurch]

Icon Audio are pretty damn good to my ears I was running a pair of MB845SEs for several years but unfortunately they aren't suitable for driving my ML Summits, so need to get round to selling them.
The MB845s are currently being stored by a friend in Nottinghamshire if you'd be interested in having a listen to them?
Personally if your going the valve route I'd be inclined to stay Pre & Power as the pre section on many valve integrateds aren't that clever. Once you find your power amp then selling your ls7 & Alectos would get you the funds for say an ls26 or possibly a ref3.
The Line Magnetic c LM508 whilst an integrated has a power amp only position on the source selector and offers 50wpc.
@wizmax is running a ref3 and LM508 into Quad 2905s and sounds superb.

 

[nak]

Audio Council near Manchester stock Audio Note, Leben and Audion. Might be worth a visit and a home demo.
I have the Living Voice R25A'S and I use a Consonance integrated.