thanks @bluorion !
I will reach out to them.
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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- 100 posts total
@stuartk absolutely TMR charges for shipping and 5% restocking fee. It adds up to around $100 on a $1000 gear. Which is ok but when my budget is $800 it is a cut. There are about 5 companies that do accept returns and charge very little, mainly the shipping for new gear. Where I am out of ideas is about 4 different private seller items that meet my criteria. I have never heard those makes and models, and my only option to buy and resell in other words take on the risk that it may not work. If only there was a "dating app" for audiophiles that would facilitate people with various gear to visit each other and listen to what they are interested in.... and might buy, it could be even more fun. Again, I am not complaining just brainstorming. |
This is one benefit of joining a local audio club... if you can find one in your area. But given that it’s not likely you’ll find someone with all the same gear as you have in a similar sounding room, it comes down to how experienced you are and how well you can assess the sonic impact of a particular component within a system. You might be able to borrow something but I wouldn’t count on it.
Yes. I get it. Personally, I’ve done this only rarely. I try to minimize the risk by buying from shops that offer returns but the reality is, you can only afford what you can afford, and when you don’t have much to spend to begin with, the prospect of paying shipping and restock charges isn’t feasible. There are certain realities of the market that cannot be gotten around and trying to do so can result in considerable stress. I know. I’ve been there. This suggestion isn’t going to make your day but sometimes the best move is to simply wait and save up more.
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@stuartk very sensible and wise feedback, thank you. I don’t have to have a ~$1000 integrated. It would be a nice to have. All the things I must have, I do I will look up if there is an audio club around me. I think most audiophiles are introverts so less likely than a book club.... btw your house is stunning, from your profile photos.
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so I am taking baby steps.- 100 posts total