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Mid grade Integrated amp choices

Currently, I have a Rotel A12, which is decent, but I am ready to upgrade. My other equipment is a Bluesound Node 2, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit turntable, and Sonus Faber Chameleon T speakers with Nordost cabling throughout. At first, I was going to upgrade speakers, but after home auditioning the Dynaudio Contour 20's and Focal 1008 Be's, I felt that my integrated was the weakest link currently. 

 So, I have been auditioning a few amps (several at home) for the last few weeks. So far, I have home auditioned:

NAD 388 (with the BluOS card) - Class D gives weight to bass, but otherwise, it's just okay
Simaudio Moon ACE - Nice, certainly better than the Rotel, very good warranty and build
Simaudio Moon 340i - Seemed too boomy with bass and a little brittle on the top end
Bryston b60r - Nice, really good sound. Great warranty
Plinius Hautonga - Blew me away. Yes, the 200 watts may have had a lot to do with it. But, the soundstage was huge and everything was so detailed.

I will be dealer auditioning this Friday:

Rega Elex -R
Rogue Sphinx
Naim 5si

Anyone have any experience with the Rega, Rogue or Naim against the Plinius? I don't know if I want to spend that much on an integrated right now and am hoping that one of the ones I am auditioning Friday will blow me away. Thoughts? Comments?

-Brian   
128x128bkmaxey
jl35
4,005 posts
 
Hegel just came out with new models so maybe some great deals 
icanskate
36 posts
 
FWIW I made the following progression: started with a Rogue Cronus Magnum. Upgraded to the Rogue Pharaoh..it blew the Cronus away... then I went to a Prima Luna Dialouge Premium..once again a significant upgrade. And it drives Maggie 1.7’s no problem. All 3 of these amps were under what you budgeted. Good luck!
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
Went to Audible Elegance in Cincinnati today to hear the Rega’s, Naim and Rogue’s. Listened on some Totem Rainmakers with a Bluesound Vault. 

Rega Brio-r was really impressive for it’s price. I feel it played well above it’s modest price. I might get one later for our bedroom later.

Rega Elex-r was the Brio, but more. Very nice, quite in your face.

The Rogue Cronus Magnum was really excellent. I’m not sure I want a tube amp, but this could change my mind. 

The Rogue Sphinx was the real surprise, it was stupendous. I think, to me, it was the closest to the Devialet and Plinius.

The Naim xs had a solid performance, certainly on my list.

Not a bad one in the bunch to be honest. They are kindly allowing me tommy home audition any I want. Once I put the Devialet through it’s paces, I will probably start with the Sphinx.

I appreciate all the suggestions, and will check them out as I can.



rbstehno
1,453 posts
 
If you like tubes the rogue Cronus magnum 2 with the k120’s is a nice integrated. I moved away from the Cronus and went to using Hegel integrated amps. I started with the h100 but was a little light on power for my Usher’s. I moved up to their top of the line integrated. You can buy a used Hegel h300 for around $3000 now and the h360 for $3500+. If you don’t need all that power look at the Hegel Roost or H160/h190 integrates. 
mgjivoje
5 posts
 
I haven't listened to any of amps that you've mentioned, but as someone already mentioned, if you are not sure with which one to upgrade to, wouldn't it be better that you opt for used one? You can test it in your audio room for a while, in synergy with your own components and not loose much bucks while doing it...
I see that you like details, soundstage, balance and looks... :)
Have you tried Electrocompaniet?
I've owned EC ECI 5MK2 my self. Check on reviews for details but in short the sound of the ECI 5Mk2 is very clean and pure, tonally on the warm side and also coherent from bottom to top, making balanced presentation. ECI 5MK2 can be found used for low as 3000 USD (Here in Europe even cheaper). When I've sold it, the new owner only gave the words of praise to it as it can be listened on very low volumes revealing a lot of details in reproduction. I don't like to talk of looks, because my primary goal is ever lasting music... :) but this EC ECI 5MK2 power amp look amazing as well (if this is what you are looking for).
All in all, believe your ears and bring some of your own music for testing... maybe in this way you will find out faster what is better or even best for you.
Good luck in auditioning! :D
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