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Which Integrated?

I'm looking for a good quality, 'higher end', integrated amp. I am sick of using cheaper components (READ:nakamichi receiver) that make everything sound soooooo glaringly digital and fatiguing. High end separates are too expensive for me, but I would like to get into that type of higher end sound.

I will be spending about $1200 USD (give or take). So far, I have read about the Unison Research Unico (nice) and the Moon i-3.

I currently run nht 2.5i speakers (which i will be selling in order to downsize - I find they are too big for my room)

Any suggestions? Any comments from users of the aforementioned equipment?

Thanks

Loose
loosevogtf603
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
Here are a couple to add to the list. I have not heard the Moon, but have heard good things. Plinius 8200, not the best looking, but supposedly can holds it's own with sound quality. Creek 5350SE. A strong little integrated. Very smooth sounding I think. Musical Fidelity A300. Stereophile seems to love the Musical Fidelity pieces, this one is on my audition list if I can find a dealer near me. Pathos Classic One. It's a new integrated, and being a wood worker, I love the look of this one. I like the idea of tubed pre amp with a solid state amp section. Arcam Diva A85 or maybe it's just the A85, I'm not sure since I haven't heard one or seen one, but reviewers like this amp. A couple I have mentioned are above your price range, but can be had for your price if bought used. Also, I can't forget the Audio Refinement Complete integrated. I own this one, so I had to throw it in the list. Hope this helps.
mfc28412
15 posts
 
you will not believe how good the aronov 65watt intergrated is---they are going used for about 1500.oo or so if you get one--they will hold their value--i am using it to run vandersteen 3 sig for now these speakers need power and this runs it fine---i will soon be bringing this into bedroom as second system later--
celtic66
1,653 posts
 
You are ready for tubes. VTL integrated or the Aronov suggested will do just fine.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Right this moment there is a YBA Integre DT for $895 on the 'gon. Grab it. You will not do better. I just sold mine after 7 glorious years. There is nothing that comes close for the $. Creek? Forgedda 'bout it. Get that Integre and you're off to sonic heaven. You'll probably, after you purchase this baby, want to change your other stuff too.
good luck,
warren
gregc
16 posts
 
I just got a Musical Fidelity A308 Integrated and I could not be happier. It took the last bit of grain out of my Monitor Audio Silver 8i's and it unlocked details that I had not previously heard on some of my recordings. I bought a new one from Underwoodwally (Walter, who has 635 positives so far without a single negative), and he is wonderful guy to deal with. If you are looking for a more cost effective solution, I have heard that the Adcom GFP-750 can beat many pre-amps costing up to $5k and is rated Stereophile A. It can be had used for $700 to $800 on the Audiogon board. My $$$ went to a new Musical Fidelity with a 5 year warranty. Best of luck.
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