Integrated vs. Separates on a Budget

I always believe the sound path should be as shortest as possible.  Therefore, no preamp is necessay.  What you need are a powerful, high current, clean sounding amp, a well-versed, articulate DAC and a streamer if you desire.

Parasound NC 2250 - $1600; DAC - $900; Streamer - $500

NC 2250 has a sweet, warm sounding and it will pair well with the B&W speakers that tend to be bright.  I had its little brother NC2150 and the older model A23.  A23 is articulate on top but lack a bit punch on the low end relative to NC2150.  NC2150 is more toner balanced with a weighty low end.  I think the NC2250 won't disappoint you.  $3k is tight on the high end gear and the Parasound NC series is high-end gear without a intimidating factor.

I can only speak to my experience as I’m in the same budget range. I am happy with a $950 Freya+ and a little tube rolling I have not heard the Vidar at $700 but a pair of Aegir class A amps with 80 WPC would cost you $1600. Throw in a good interconnect XLR and you hit your $3k limit. You will not be disappointed in the sound. I tried a Unico Primo integrated with a single 1AX7 in the preamp state. Good amp but a little too lively for me. $2K until 1.2.202 then goes back to $2500.

One that I’m interested in that people see to like is the Vincent SV-237 at $2705. Tubes in the preamp and a reputation for being on the warm fuller side of things. Not that well review but I liked on Upcale Audios web site and it has five stars.

I think the build quality on the Vincent and Unico are a step above the Schiit. For what it’s worth. I own also own a Schiit Ragnok and it’s a good solid integrated. Solid hitter at $1500. Probably better than some selling for at least $500 more just to keep a lid on the hyperbole.

Im not going to go through the thread, so my input may have been stated, possibly even by me LOL

Every piece of kit benefits from;

*a quality power cord, typically >$300

*its own shelf (do not stack amp and pre)

* it's own vibration/isolation devices typically > $35 a set (Nobsound is a real bargain)

* a quality interconnect > $200

As you can see, with a $3K budget, these ancillaries reduce the total cost by $500+

You will get a lot more for your $3K buying an integrated

If you could score an old PSAudio GCC 100, 250, or 500 you would have an excellent integrated. My GCC 250 (purchased new) is now > $15 years old

hth

I recently decided to sell my Raganlj 2 in favor of a Unico Primo integrated ($1999, until 1.2 then it reverts to $2499. Today I got a Vincent SV237 to audition for $2795. 

So far I really like the Vincent. Tube in the preamp stage. Has a built in DAC although I doubt it competes with my Gungnir. Tone controls you can switch out. I really like this. I have several speakers and that will come in handy to dial each in. The build quality is excellent but the sucker weighs 45 pounds! Deisgned in German and made in... where se? China. The Primo is made in Italy. The Primo is a little toppy but you can manage it with tube rolling. A Sovtek, or Gold Lion 12ax7 beats the factory tube. Also like a NOS RCA 12ax7. Nod goes to the Vincent.