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

Just saw the CA-1 too.  Although the rave reviews, not having pre-outs is an issue, not a large one though. Its getting rave reviews but there's alot out there. I was tempted but the Keces is really good. Even if the CA-1 is better and more powerful as it was stated to sound better than a Exposure amp and someone stated it had better tonality than a hegel, its still opinion and they all play in a similar league, perhaps small differences here and there but that's what some of us pick up.

as to the Keces E40, I bought it from readings a SOundnews review, and I was looking for a small form factor amp. It's built well, sounds great and is sufficient for my needs.  There are two RCA inputs open for a source as well as a mm input (which I do not use) and a usb basic input for desktop uo to CD quality.  It also has variable pre outs which works well enough for me. 

Power Holdings Audio in NJ has them and while Arthur may no longer be the distributor, he can order them. The 1st one I bought from him on sale Black Friday.  He does from time to time sell demo units for around 20% off or so.  These are setup for US/Canada voltage whether 110 or 115 or 120 not sure.  There are overseas distributors/sellers in Europe and the East.  Alot of written reviews.

Measured to put out 61/75 watts 2 channel at 1K Hz but another site measured 34/61 watts 8/4 ohms probably along the lines of 20hz to 20Khz but not specifically stated. Some sites sell it as 50 watts, a few 40 watts.  On my Dali Opticon 1s I usually listen at 10pm to 12:30pm position on the dial. 

Take your time unless you want to jump on the CA-1.  can't go wrong there as to SQ per what others state.  A Hegel can be gotten used for reasonable.  Galion is raising interests but they are new.  There's a bunch of others as well but I can't comment on much more as I don't have any experience with those.  Alot with small speakers.

Hope it helps.  That CA-1 does look sweet though.  Ask if transferable warranty if you do. Still a nice form factor...but no preouts.  I think SVS sells some kind of kit regarding these kind of amps to bettter connect with a sub.

@drmusic I have zero reasons not to buy this. Other than I am waiting if my offer was accepted for a Sim I-5.

@agwca I am sold on Sim or Rogue or Ava. I just don't see how Hegel or Primare could have any advantages, they might be just as good but not better. If I streamed, it would be a different story. 

Pre-out, Remote, SS or hyrbid, I could even see the Billie, but that's too expensive. I am pleased to say, I'd be fine with any of these mostly entry level integrated amps (that cost less many of the cables discussed here )

@adrmi sent you a note

Looking at the CA-1 ad again, look at the history. A second CA-1 he's selling seems odd. 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1189331865648647

Might also want to look out for a pre-owned, Heed Elixir. You can find something wothwile for $800-ish. Be patient

I know this sounds a little counter productive but given all the recommendations you have received, if I were in your shoes I would begin to make a list of retail stores that carry the brands on my short list. I would find a city or town within driving distance… whereby I could listen to a few or even a couple of my choices, that would be ideal. I would call ahead to these dealers and setup listening sessions with my media, my familiar music. I say that because my money has always been tight and once upon a time I thought I liked a brand and bought several components that turned out bad, very bad by shopping online and through forum research. I ended up losing more money than my pride allows me to say. I should have taken the time to really research and listen to brands, get more info from dealers and ultimately make a better choice. It’s unfortunate that much of the dealer’s experience and knowledge gets lost in the mix. I am not saying you should buy from them but in my experience of owing used and new gear, often listening first has been the most revealing factor in making my decision.

@bgross

The Heed website is while very slick unusable for me. That's a hard start to get excited about a product (and my expectations for an audio web site are low).

@2psyop 

I wish I could listen to all these amps at dealers. I wouldn't take a dealers time though unless I know I would buy the product if I liked it. (Ideally they would lend it for a home trial but they don't and I don't blame them.) 

If they carried at least 3 brands on my list, I might try it. Unfortunately many of these are direct sales. Yet, it's a good idea, thank you!

There is one dealer in a 100 miles that would actually "be there" for me, and two others - one wouldn't lift a finger for a customer like me and the other one would just pitch whatever he wanted to get rid of, these old-timers can be unique characters.

long story short, as much as the AVA seemed the best deal, the lack of pre-amp removed it from my list. The next steps are a process of elimination

Rogue, Simaudio, Primare and Hegel have met my criteria and received a lof of positive feedback. Rogue and Primare have newer items in my price range, Hegel does not and Simaudio models are 20 year old for this price vs the 2-5 years Rogue and Primare model's age. I just have to figure out how and where to listen to these before pulling the trigger. 

Take a look at the Rotel, A12 is 60WPC and A14 is 80WPC, Used you can pick up in your price range. ( from $400 to $700 ) I have an A12 that I’ve enjoyed for a few years until I upgraded to the Micromega M-100. I now have it in my 3rd system feeding vintage Advent 5012’s which I use sparingly but I still enjoy. They are quality made products at a reasonable price.

thanks @rbull11 it's one of the easiest ones to try and I probably will (e.g. BestBuy)

It's hard to beat the Rogue Sphinx V3 with Gold Lyon tubes, even with separate components. It is that good.

thanks @russ69 it's on top of my list

@drmusic that is a nice integrated amplifier.  Tube preamp and solid state amp side is a great idea.  

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/818177427186815

@stanleylocke I missed it, what was it?

little update, I tried the Rogue Sphynx and an older Creek. Rogue was not a good match in my system. Creek was OK but not too exciting. 

I am exploring my options to try used Sims and a Billie but I may not be able to return them so my purchase would final.