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
blackbag20
440 posts
 

Sim would be great if you find one within budget.

You might consider Atoll and Classe used as well.

I love the Primare esthetics!!

I would check out The Music Room and proceed ...

Good luck

BTW, have heard no complaints from AVA gear over the years ... 

mesch
3,463 posts
 

Which phonostage and CD player do you own? 

mgw
48 posts
 

I-5, recently refurbished listed on Canuck Audiomart (shipping USA and Canada), cannot post the link for reasons unknown. 

The eBay listing additionally shows the receipt.

boxcarman
387 posts
 

Hegel owner here.  Lots of "bang for the buck" here.  Beats Vincent day in, day out.  Won't look pretty on your rack. Don't know if that means anything to you.  Dac section is not great on my H360, I've heard the new ones are better, but haven't heard them.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,613 posts
 

"My budget is around $800."

Yamaha should fit the bill!

yamaha integrated amplifier at Crutchfield

 

 

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