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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
154 posts
 

@stuartk very sensible and wise feedback, thank you. I don’t have to have a ~$1000 integrated. It would be a nice to have. All the things I must have, I do smiley so I am taking baby steps.

I will look up if there is an audio club around me. I think most audiophiles are introverts so less likely than a book club....

btw your house is stunning, from your profile photos. 

 

stuartk
2,907 posts
 

@gano

You’re welcome.

The way I see it, there’s no point in banging your head against the wall. I’ve tried it and all it does is generate frustration. ;o)

Have you played with speaker positioning much? This can definitely make a difference and it’s free !

 

gano OP
154 posts
 

@stuartk yes I played with speaker positions. Now that I don't have an amp, all positions sound the same to my ear though :)

But I totally understand, and I am not frustrated.  I will make the best with what I have.

stuartk
2,907 posts
 

@gano 

Oh... somehow, reading through the thread, I missed that fact. 

gano OP
154 posts
 

I am not 100% I am done (who is ever) but at least I am not chasing 6 different amps.

I tried

  • Vincent SV-500
  • Rogue Sphinx v3
  • Yamaha S801
  • Creek Evolution 100A

I could not try Hegel, Simaudio, Billie. etc. Through the process I learned that the amp is really the heart of the system. Maybe for the simple reason that swapping speakers is easier than swapping amps. (More steps)

As the wording suggests, I did not keep any of the above. I liked the Creek the most and it's still a contender. I conceded to that Hegel and Simaudio is outside my budget even used.  But there are other choices, the AVA and NAD for instance. 

Still chasing that sweet, warm, liquid and detailed sound smiley

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