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
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! ;)).
realremo OP
460 posts
 
Also noticed recently that Parasound Classic 2100 pre amp has bass management built in - which is nice because I run a 2.1 system, I would not have to buy a separate BMC! I could high-pass the B&Ws. BUT the Classic series is kind of ugly.
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