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
Before I purchased a Luxman 507uX MKII I also looked into the comparable Hegel model. Look at the pictures of the interior wiring of the Hegel 390 at
https://www.hegel.com/products/integrated/h390 (right above the technical specs) versus what you see after you you click on the picture of the interior wiring of the Luxman 507uX MKII (right above their Specs section) at http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=4. Draw your own conclusions.

That Hegel hides where their integrated is made is telling as well. The Hegel 390 gets great reviews, but again you’re gambling on Chinese products durability. I thought about Japanese Accuphase integrateds too, but there were local availability and pricing issues if I recall. Sounds like some other good choices have been mentioned above. Again good luck with whatever you choose.

Mike
If tubes are an option:
 Aesthetix Mimas
MAC mc 352
Modwrights new INT

If SS only, in the past I own a Luxman 509x....killer!

best,
JP
@rsf507,

”anything but Mac”.  I’m confused, is it you or the OP who is buying?  If it’s the OP then you do him/her a big disservice by stating that. The person should try to look at all brands in his price range.  Just because you don’t like Mac doesn’t mean he won’t.   The person is purchasing for their taste, not yours.