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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
bassdude
489 posts
 

Rogue - for all the reasons mentioned above!   

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
459 posts
 

Audio Refinement Complete - a little old now, but definitely on warm side, and beautiful aesthetic. 

 

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650131494-yba-audio-refinement-complete/

pangeek
22 posts
 

@gano 

I know you said no tube integrated amps due to the need  to simplify maintenance.  However you want warmth, I suggest (and this is what I have done as well a few years ago) is not make a purchase now but save up until you can afford around $1500.  I would then get a Primaluna Prologue Premium (preowned).   They are very very reliable, sound great and easy to maintain.  On EL34 power tubes they give you 35w of tube warmth with great bass and clarity, is able to drive most speakers.  Your klipsch will be very easy and I think would sound amazing with the Primaluna.  And then eventually you can tweak the sound to your liking by doing the center 12au7 tubes.  It’s a component I feel you won’t easily outgrow and in the Looks Department, how could glowing tubes not be inviting and beautiful.  
I did the leap into the Primaluna Prologue One after messing around with different amps, Mac 1900 Receiver, Dynaco, ADCOM and etc.   It’s best decision I made since I went back into tubes but have reliability with it.  

Here is a review of the Prologue One that’s an inter read and testament on how long they last with no frills and drama.  
 

https://www.tonepublications.com/old-school/the-primaluna-prologue-one-integrated/

 

IMHO and  Just my 2 cents as well.  
 

cheers 

John

mesch
3,476 posts
 

While I have had experience with the Audio Refinement Complete integrated amplifier  and thought it a wonderful unit, I believe the asking price on the one mentioned above is too high. This amp sold  new for ~$1000  about 20 years ago.

mesch
3,476 posts
 

Check out the SS integrateds for sale here on ag.  Use the 'price low to high' function.  

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