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Searching for a Integrated Amp under $2K

Power should be at least 50w/ch, prefer Hybrid. Looking for Warmth, Detail, Presence, Soundstage, etc. Am on the fence with the Vincent SV500, wish it had XLR.  Was looking at the Cambridge line, Azur however, reviews are littered with reliability issues, i.e.China.

Will be streaming at some point, and initially will use CDs for my source. So, a high quality DAC in the the Integrated would be a plus, but, not necessary. Want to build a decent system, and not be constantly upgrading, and losing money.

Room is 18x13,  have Polk SDA2s, Emotive ERC3 CD, Sony Integrated Amp, (using temporarily), until I settle on a replacement, integrated amp,  in terms of openness, soundstage, accuracy, etc, etc..

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.




lgm
lgm OP
1 posts
 
I just thought XLR was a better way to send signals, versus RCA jacks?  Maybe it is not that big of deal?
kairosman's avatar
kairosman
280 posts
 
Sony TA-A1ES, SS Class A, not a hybrid but sweet and transparent 

Heaven 11 Billie, hybrid but no XLR input which IMHO doesn't matter 

Rogue Audio Sphinx 3 as others have mentioned


jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
Sony TA-A1ES, SS Class A, not a hybrid but sweet and transparent


i concur... this sony is VERY under-rated and under appreciated - it is outstanding

it is right up there with the naims and hegels in the roughly 100 wpc category in terms of sound quality
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
978 posts
 
I demoed this in my system and its a good amp for $1.8k
https://listenup.com/hegel-rost-integrated-amplifier-w-dac-white.html

joekapahulu
249 posts
 
My Marantz PM8006 delivers most of what you reference except internal dac. I was ok with that because dac technology is changing quickly. You can get it new for $1000. Belles Aria also comes very highly rated for just under $2k.  I am interested in that as an upgrade but have not heard nor pulled trigger blind. I prefer to buy new. Parasound HINT is a very nice integrated which you could probably get in your range used. I have heard it and liked it for the reasons you mention and it has a dac and is well powered. I had bad luck with Cambridge Audio gear...sounded good but did not have longevity. 
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