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Integrated brand choice -- Simaudio, Hegel or Mark Levinson?

Narrowed down my integrated brand choice to these three.  Looking to spend $7-8k (used or new).  These will power Focal Electra 1028be's for now, with a possible upgrade to something else next year.
I'm familiar with Simaudio, but haven't heard/owned the Hegel or Mark Levinson.
Opening the floodgates for your opinions...
strojo
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jerrysbeard
10 posts
 
👆🏼 Agree completely. My auditions were done in my home. Made all the difference in the world.
rsf507
2,302 posts
 
OP what are you coming from? Are you downsizing? Do you like the sound? Might be easier to make recommendations. But have to agree with several posters regarding your speakers which to me are a bit sizzling on the top end. Change your speakers first then match the electronics just my opinion.
richdirector's avatar
richdirector
268 posts
 
Speakers first then match amp to suit them. I bought big Tannoy Ardens and then changed amplifier to match. Bought A class Luxman and been overawed by ease, musicality and even in built phono stage...
The speaker meant my Leben valve amp had to go but easy sacrifice to get the sound. 
richdirector's avatar
richdirector
268 posts
 
But Sugden, accuphase and Luxman do great a class amplifiers. Look also at match to speaker sensitivity... You won't need 800w if speakers are 94db sensitive and you listen to folk music at low level... As they say first Watts the most important. 
baclagg's avatar
baclagg
150 posts
 
I love my Hegel H390. It is powering a pair of Focal Aria 936s and it sounds great!
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