2. amps-preamps
  3. 191177-158118

Primare/ Vincent Adio /NAD /Rogue/ AVA /Hegel...- need a simple and reliable integrated

I came up with this list based on price and functions but all I know is that they are (mostly) boutique brands, cherished by audiophiles. I have heard NAD and Vincent and none of the rest. 

  • Vincent SV-500
  • Primare I2*
  • Rogue Sphinx v2
  • Audio by Van Alstine Vision SLR 
  • Hegel H160/ H120
  • NAD C368
  • Simaudio Moon I-5

I don't stream, I have a turntable and CD player. I am good with 50Watts per channel, and I would like to avoid tubes for no-fuss maintenance. I have Klipsch RP8000F speakers. I prefer sound on the warm side, I mostly listen to 60s and 70s rock and some soul/jazz/blues. I have decent hearing, I enjoy a nice soundstage but I nothing as critical and analytical as some of you/the typical audiophile. 

I am a bit shallow, looks are important :) My budget would allow me to buy one of these used 5-10 years old (stretched... price is key, I would prefer a cheaper model with less functions)

If you own or have heard any of them and can tell me what the best choice/value is based on sound and reliability, that would be a great help.

gano
mgw
51 posts
 

I-5, recently refurbished listed on Canuck Audiomart (shipping USA and Canada), cannot post the link for reasons unknown. 

The eBay listing additionally shows the receipt.

boxcarman
405 posts
 

Hegel owner here.  Lots of "bang for the buck" here.  Beats Vincent day in, day out.  Won't look pretty on your rack. Don't know if that means anything to you.  Dac section is not great on my H360, I've heard the new ones are better, but haven't heard them.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,654 posts
 

"My budget is around $800."

Yamaha should fit the bill!

yamaha integrated amplifier at Crutchfield

 

 

mashif
241 posts
 

The Rotel A11 or A12 are available in that price range. The A11 Tribute model should fulfill all your needs. 

gano OP
141 posts
 

@mike4597 good to hear, I haven’t heard/read any complaints about Rogue

@corelli that’s a very good deal, and sells as new so that I could try risk free

@blackbag20 Classe checks all the boxes, a bit higher end/higher priced (most Canadians are) I will keep my eye open for it

@mesch Onkyo-C-7030 and Simaudio Moon lp 110 v2

@mgw thank you, I will look it up!

@boxcarman I actually like the Hegel looks (not initially) I would love to hear them.

@yogiboy very true. Yamaha has been well reviewed. That would leave me money for a new cartridge too

@mashif and it sells on Crutchfield, easy trial!

Lots of good suggestions, thank you!

 

 

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