2. amps-preamps
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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
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.
realremo OP
460 posts
 
The Plinius is gorgeous. Looks are important to me at this price point, but it would be nice to have power-amp-in jacks so I can buy a really nice pre-amp in a few years. The Anthem 225 gets good reviews but falls short on looks - though I do like having balanced inputs.
Its curious to me no one has voted in favor of the Creek or the Parasound gear. I thought for sure there would be some fans out there.
derek87
3 posts
 
i think all of these are nice. i'm a creek fan, but acknowledge that depending one's tastes, they might prefer the plinius or exposure. i wouldn't classify the NAD in the same stead, but then again, i haven't heard the latest generation stuff (ie, i'm an old timer and haven't heard NAD gear in close to 10 years! ;)).
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