Perreaux 80i integrated amplifier

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Conclusion

Large-scale, expressive sound, with details clearly traced, the energy and drive (which allows the
amplifier to shake even the most “stubborn” AU) is in harmony with its compact dimensions, the
original design and an impressive arsenal of features.
If you didn’t note it above, the price of the Perreaux Audiant 80i clearly delineates it as an audiophile device.
At just a hair shy of $3k, it’s definitely a niche product.
We like that they’ve taken some steps into the 20th century with the Audiant 80i though were
concerned that they mentioned connecting computers instead of iPods/MP3 players. While even
audiophiles have gotten around to getting a portable player (or a phone that will do it), many
have a computer in their listening room. This would optimize the usefulness of the USB port.
Capacitance-based controls are cool and they have payed attention to the audio quality.

The presented amplifier is capable of becoming a key element in a home stereo sound system of the
highest class. The built-in phono stage and DAC makes the Perreaux Audiant 80i a truly versatile
audio solution – the friendliness of the model to vinyl and computer audio will appeal to those
who are faithful to the precepts of old analog and is also a “power user” achievements of the
modern media industry.

http://www.hifinews.co.uk/news/article/perreaux-audiant-80i-pound;2299/9795

VERDICT
One expects audiophiles to opt for separates above certain price points, but costly integrated amps like the Quad Classic and the EAR-Yoshino V12 defy the draw of two chassis simply by sounding great. The Audiant 80i succeeds despite what must seem like its main attraction – an onboard DAC. If you use the DAC for the convenience of PC linking, you’re left with a sweet-sounding, powerful and sleek component.

The Sophias are so breathtakingly kind and forgiving that it’s hard to reconcile their sweetness with the way that they are also relentlessly revealing. I am too weak and failed a philosopher to even attempt figuring out how such schizophrenia can exist in the same entity, yet that is their magic. Every time I realise that it’s helping the components that precede it in the musical chain, I wonder if perhaps I need to change to a more remorseless transducer. The 80i was sounding, well, wonderful.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/perreaux-audiant-80i-integrated-amplifier-tas-213/

My sonic expectations for Perreaux gear runs high. The company is an old hand around the high end. Historically its sound tends to be balanced, rock-solid, and high impact. Like they say down-under, “No worries, Mate.” The Audiant 80i reproduced music with a sense of ease and honesty, throwing its full focus on midrange saturation. Essentially neutral, as most competently designed solid-state amps tend to be, it has a subtle yet unmistakably darkly romantic side—thus transient information and presence aren’t filed to a hard gleaming edge, distinct from the overall presentation