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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
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,004 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
251 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. 
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
leaving aside the sony, i agree that hegel units are no brainers... well built sound wonderful w understated style -- low profile but do the job brilliantly, improve the sound of many speakers with their outstanding damping factor
oxfordamps
16 posts
 
I would suggest a used NAD M2 integrated amp - 200+ wpc, has built-in DAC, and can accept both analog inputs and several formats of digital inputs including AES/EBU.  Was listed as Class A integrated amp by S'phile in the past. List price of $6000, but used ones come up every so often on A'gon for $2k to $3k. I have owned one for years. It's easy to operate and has a remote. Best of all, great sound from my Thiel speakers.
johnto
1,036 posts
 
Parasound Halo Hint should be available used has just about everything, sounds great too. Stereophile A rating.
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