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Searching for a Integrated Amp under $2K

Power should be at least 50w/ch, prefer Hybrid. Looking for Warmth, Detail, Presence, Soundstage, etc. Am on the fence with the Vincent SV500, wish it had XLR.  Was looking at the Cambridge line, Azur however, reviews are littered with reliability issues, i.e.China.

Will be streaming at some point, and initially will use CDs for my source. So, a high quality DAC in the the Integrated would be a plus, but, not necessary. Want to build a decent system, and not be constantly upgrading, and losing money.

Room is 18x13,  have Polk SDA2s, Emotive ERC3 CD, Sony Integrated Amp, (using temporarily), until I settle on a replacement, integrated amp,  in terms of openness, soundstage, accuracy, etc, etc..

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.




lgm
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
leaving aside the sony, i agree that hegel units are no brainers... well built sound wonderful w understated style -- low profile but do the job brilliantly, improve the sound of many speakers with their outstanding damping factor
oxfordamps
16 posts
 
I would suggest a used NAD M2 integrated amp - 200+ wpc, has built-in DAC, and can accept both analog inputs and several formats of digital inputs including AES/EBU.  Was listed as Class A integrated amp by S'phile in the past. List price of $6000, but used ones come up every so often on A'gon for $2k to $3k. I have owned one for years. It's easy to operate and has a remote. Best of all, great sound from my Thiel speakers.
johnto
1,031 posts
 
Parasound Halo Hint should be available used has just about everything, sounds great too. Stereophile A rating.
sprocket75
21 posts
 
Ayre AX-7e has XLR   its on the warm/neutral  side, but great dynamics and sounstage.  the other amps mentioned above, are toys compared to the Ayre-7e.   

Electrocompaniet ECI-3  would also be a great choice. these will give you  a true hi-end audiophile sound...
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