2. amps-preamps
  3. 138441-6185

Opinions on these budget integrateds?

Searching to replace a NAD C352 with a new/used integrated that will provide a meaningful sonic upgrade.  Looking at options around $2,000 or below, and I don't want it to be a sideways move.

I'm keeping my old Allison One speakers, at least for now, as they work very well with my particular room conditions. 

Would love to get opinions on the options below.  I'm looking for ease and musicality, but the ability to articulate dense music is also important. No internal DAC required.

-Belles Aria - very intrigued

-Quicksilver Integrated - have never had tubes before but am open to them

-Primaluna Prologue or Dialogue - might be over my budget

-Audio Note OTO SE - one day!  but probably cannot power the Allisons

-Sugden a21 SE

-Yamaha A-S2100 

-Parasound Halo

-Unison Research Unico Integrated

-Exposure 2010 S2

-Primare i22

Any thoughts at all are welcome, and I haven't heard ANY of these!  Thanks in advance. 


sforrey
ihor
88 posts
 
I have an older Unison Unico (1st generation from 2003) that I love so much, rather than replacing it I recently had it modded by Underwood HiFi. It is still going strong!  Never heard the Kinki, but hard to believe it destroyed the Nuovo.  See the StereoMoJo review of the Nuovo: http://www.stereomojo.com/Unison%20Research%20Unico%20Nuovo%20Review/UnisonResearchUnicoNuovoReview.... 

Because of the tubed front end, I suggest doing some tube rolling.  I get fantastic sound using Seimens 12au7 tubes.  Incredibly musical!!  Some reviews of the Unico:

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue61/unison.htm
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/unisonresearch/unico.html
https://www.stereophile.com/content/unison-research-unico-primo-integrated-amplifier-page-2

Used they seem to run in the $900 - $1,400 range.

Best wishes for whatever you select.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,350 posts
 
Parasound Halo Integrated.  160wpc, 45 amps of current. 
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
I wrote the review on the nuovo for stereo mojo - Marvin Bolden
Writing a review on the kinki where I compare it to the unison, mastersound compact 845, and the Ayre 6v-xe/demail land ultraververve 3 combo.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,805 posts
 
Kinki EX-M1, for sure.
As much as I loved my Marantz Reference PM-15S2b, the Kinki bettered it in every aspect.

Also, nice to know who you are, @mboldda1.👍

All the best,
Nonoise
maritime51's avatar
maritime51
1,288 posts
 
Vote early and often: I vote for the Kinki but only if the U.S. seller will give you return privileges. 
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