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Please recommend a $1500 SS or Hybrid integrated to pair with Silverline 17.5 monitors

I'm seeking more power in my system (Jolida 302B 50 watt tube integrated , Jolida JD100 tube cdp and Silverline 17.5 monitors) and have $1500 (used is OK) to spend on an integrated. I've got a Peachtree nova 150 on order and am wondering what other units I should consider that are tipped toward the warm side of neutral (non-fatiguing highs, better-than-lean mids). While I may, in the end, wind up staying with tubes, at this point I'm interested in exploring alternatives. I tried a 100 watt Margules ACRH-1.2 and liked it very much but it had a ground problem and I've heard from others who've had similar issues, so I'm looking for alternatives. I know Vincent makes a 50 watt hybrid but I suspect it won't rival the quickness and exciting dynamics I heard when the 100 watt Margules was in my system. I also tried a Parasound Halo but found it rather uninvolving. I guess the Rogue Sphinx might be worth a listen. Has anyone compared Sphinx and nova 150???
stuartk
stuartk OP
2,764 posts
 
soix: unless I'm mistaken, that's a tube amp... no?
sense63
54 posts
 
The Rega Elex-R is a wonderful ss integrated that would have plenty of power, is slightly on the warm side of neutral and a used one would fit into your budget.

soix
9,456 posts
 
Yeah Stuart you're correct.  I recommended it because it's got a bit more power and probably better dynamics than your Jolida and would preserve that slightly warm tube thing.  JA powered a pair of YG Carmel 2s with it with good success and they're a much tougher load than your Silverlines so thought it might work.  And honestly off the top of my head I couldn't think of a hybrid integrated to recommend that meets your needs, and I think the Sphinx may be a bit on the cool side for you unless you do some tube rolling.  Peachtree might be great but no experience with them.  Have you looked at Unico integrated amps?  Looks like they make a bunch of hybrids but again no direct experience with them.  Best of luck.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Musical Fidelity M3Si 
stuartk OP
2,764 posts
 
soix;
never heard of Unico. Will check them out. Rogue Pharaoh looks good but too expensive for me.

sense63-- yeah; I considered the Rega but the reviews I read described its midrange as "lean". Having owned Rotel and Creek integrates in the past and found them too bright, I'm somewhat reluctant to go back to a UK amp. 
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