2. amps-preamps
  3. 191177-158118

Primare/ Vincent Adio /NAD /Rogue/ AVA /Hegel...- need a simple and reliable integrated

I came up with this list based on price and functions but all I know is that they are (mostly) boutique brands, cherished by audiophiles. I have heard NAD and Vincent and none of the rest. 

  • Vincent SV-500
  • Primare I2*
  • Rogue Sphinx v2
  • Audio by Van Alstine Vision SLR 
  • Hegel H160/ H120
  • NAD C368
  • Simaudio Moon I-5

I don't stream, I have a turntable and CD player. I am good with 50Watts per channel, and I would like to avoid tubes for no-fuss maintenance. I have Klipsch RP8000F speakers. I prefer sound on the warm side, I mostly listen to 60s and 70s rock and some soul/jazz/blues. I have decent hearing, I enjoy a nice soundstage but I nothing as critical and analytical as some of you/the typical audiophile. 

I am a bit shallow, looks are important :) My budget would allow me to buy one of these used 5-10 years old (stretched... price is key, I would prefer a cheaper model with less functions)

If you own or have heard any of them and can tell me what the best choice/value is based on sound and reliability, that would be a great help.

gano
gano OP
142 posts
 

@freediver 

thanks! 

My oversight about AVA

I have a phono preamp, I don't need it in the integrated, so I should have mentioned it.

My budget is around $800. These are all around 12-1400 so I would have to keep saving or get lucky.

I am very interested in the Rogue as well in the Primare. I am lukewarm on the Vincent and the NAD but they seem to be good mid-fi amps. The Hegel is at the higher end, price-wise, so I should probably get it out of my head.

I will read up about the Rogue! 
I would also add Sugden but it's way out of my budget.

gano OP
142 posts
 

I should add Audio by Van Alstine ca1

freediver
1,195 posts
 

You should SERIOUSLY go over to usaudiomart.com & search for Rega Brio..There is an almost new,Authorized Dealer Demo for $600.00 from Hudson Valley HiFi that is a stone cold bargain..It's been there a while so there is a chance it was sold & the add not updated but if it hasn't,you can spend a LOT more $ & not get as good an amp... 845-219-1730 call or text, mike@hudsonvalleyhifi.com....
I have NO affiliation with the dealer,just trying to help you get a decent amp at a decent price..Good luck & don't forget to update us here when you get something..

ricmech23
105 posts
 

Peachtree Nova 300, I had this integrated driving my Klipsch Cornwall III’s you won’t be disappointed. I see one here for 850.00 

gano OP
142 posts
 

@freediver The Rega came up in my search and I have a Rega TT. But I can't get over the look of the Brio

@ricmech23 thank you, I am considering Peachtree too, little hesitant about its looks

More to discover