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integrated or separates...on a $1200 price point?

I am running B&W 685s and a HSU sub in a 2.1 system, and I need to upgrade my 15 year old Yamaha receiver. I have been advised to purchase a high-end integrated rather than separates in my price range, which is around $1200 or so. So I am looking at: Creek 5350SE, Exposure 2010s, Parasound Halo A23/P3 (used), or used NAD gear (like the 2200 power amp). Looking for great sound reproduction across several genres, not all of which are easy to reproduce: rock, classical, some dense IDM, and other heavily layered music. I am wondering if the lower wattages of the integrateds leave enough head room to punch through the entire frequency spectrum.
realremo
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
Without knowing how loud you play your music and how big your listening room is ... have you considered a tube integrated, like the Prima Luna Prologue One?

Rich
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Look into the Bel Canto eVo2i. Very nice full featured integrated amp with great reviews.
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
You can actually get a good powerful amp & quality pre at $1200, but then you'll need another PC & another set of IC's. That's something to be considered, although those can be had for a bargain too.

It can be done but you'll have to do some homework.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
Anthem integrated!
realremo OP
460 posts
 
room size is about 14x12, 8 foot ceiling. Its in the basement and two walls are concrete foundation. When it comes to volume, I like it kind of loud, typically working while listening to the dial set from 9 to 11 o'clock. Power cord and decent ICs will have to come later. Right now I use audioquest G snakes, and I might be able to swing a couple hospital grade outlets and Jewel power cords from PS Audio. The changer is just as old and under-performing as my Yamaha amp, but one thing at a time.
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