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.
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- 67 posts total
@tkrtrb125 still above my current budget but it's a great deal, thank you! My only concern with AVA is the lack of pre out. |
Just saw the CA-1 too. Although the rave reviews, not having pre-outs is an issue, not a large one though. Its getting rave reviews but there's alot out there. I was tempted but the Keces is really good. Even if the CA-1 is better and more powerful as it was stated to sound better than a Exposure amp and someone stated it had better tonality than a hegel, its still opinion and they all play in a similar league, perhaps small differences here and there but that's what some of us pick up. as to the Keces E40, I bought it from readings a SOundnews review, and I was looking for a small form factor amp. It's built well, sounds great and is sufficient for my needs. There are two RCA inputs open for a source as well as a mm input (which I do not use) and a usb basic input for desktop uo to CD quality. It also has variable pre outs which works well enough for me. Power Holdings Audio in NJ has them and while Arthur may no longer be the distributor, he can order them. The 1st one I bought from him on sale Black Friday. He does from time to time sell demo units for around 20% off or so. These are setup for US/Canada voltage whether 110 or 115 or 120 not sure. There are overseas distributors/sellers in Europe and the East. Alot of written reviews. Measured to put out 61/75 watts 2 channel at 1K Hz but another site measured 34/61 watts 8/4 ohms probably along the lines of 20hz to 20Khz but not specifically stated. Some sites sell it as 50 watts, a few 40 watts. On my Dali Opticon 1s I usually listen at 10pm to 12:30pm position on the dial. Take your time unless you want to jump on the CA-1. can't go wrong there as to SQ per what others state. A Hegel can be gotten used for reasonable. Galion is raising interests but they are new. There's a bunch of others as well but I can't comment on much more as I don't have any experience with those. Alot with small speakers. Hope it helps. That CA-1 does look sweet though. Ask if transferable warranty if you do. Still a nice form factor...but no preouts. I think SVS sells some kind of kit regarding these kind of amps to bettter connect with a sub.
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@drmusic I have zero reasons not to buy this. Other than I am waiting if my offer was accepted for a Sim I-5.
@agwca I am sold on Sim or Rogue or Ava. I just don't see how Hegel or Primare could have any advantages, they might be just as good but not better. If I streamed, it would be a different story. Pre-out, Remote, SS or hyrbid, I could even see the Billie, but that's too expensive. I am pleased to say, I'd be fine with any of these mostly entry level integrated amps (that cost less many of the cables discussed here |
)- 67 posts total