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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
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!

 

 

lanx0003
831 posts
 

One recommendation: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_779CXA81G/Cambridge-Audio-CXA81-Silver.html. good time to buy the well-known mki.

One caveat: Hegel H160 is fast, clean but lean due to its high damping factor. It has more than enough grip / control on woofers, which may not work well with your speakers I think.

gano OP
141 posts
 

@lanx0003 

thanks for the CA link! I made a list of about 20 brands and crossed 4 or 5 for the looks. I am very intrigued by CA but the older models looks better,

2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,575 posts
 

I have a Rogue Atlas Magnum III and it’s truly exceptional as an integrated tube amp. So will jump on the Rogue bandwagon, as I think all of their products are very good and the service and parts (should you need this down the road) is in PA.

gano OP
141 posts
 

thanks @2psyop I like Rogue on paper, haven't heard it yet. Your system(s) is amazing!

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