2. amps-preamps
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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
gano OP
154 posts
 

I am not 100% I am done (who is ever) but at least I am not chasing 6 different amps.

I tried

  • Vincent SV-500
  • Rogue Sphinx v3
  • Yamaha S801
  • Creek Evolution 100A

I could not try Hegel, Simaudio, Billie. etc. Through the process I learned that the amp is really the heart of the system. Maybe for the simple reason that swapping speakers is easier than swapping amps. (More steps)

As the wording suggests, I did not keep any of the above. I liked the Creek the most and it's still a contender. I conceded to that Hegel and Simaudio is outside my budget even used.  But there are other choices, the AVA and NAD for instance. 

Still chasing that sweet, warm, liquid and detailed sound smiley

mesch
3,527 posts
 

Why do you need a phonostage? I believe you said you have one. You are also using a CD player. Have i missed something?

gano OP
154 posts
 

@mesch  I do not need a phono stage. Was I confusing about it?

mesch
3,527 posts
 

@gano the confusion was probably mine.  Maybe it was an issue abut amp having preamp outputs?

mesch
3,527 posts
 

Since you remain interested in NAD I would look for a used C326BEE or C356BEE integrated amplifier. I have owned both  and find them excellent for the $.  

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