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Integrated brand choice -- Simaudio, Hegel or Mark Levinson?

Narrowed down my integrated brand choice to these three.  Looking to spend $7-8k (used or new).  These will power Focal Electra 1028be's for now, with a possible upgrade to something else next year.
I'm familiar with Simaudio, but haven't heard/owned the Hegel or Mark Levinson.
Opening the floodgates for your opinions...
strojo

Showing 3 responses by jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

the naysaying is tiresome

all are good brands, make music in certain ways, with certain signatures

one must try and find their own sweet spot

for higher end focals, i would personally err on the side of gear that provides a softer sweeter uber refined high end, a neutral, detailed midrange and strong grip down below

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@skyscraper 

"Don’t know about the other two, but I’d rule out the Hegel as they manufacture in China, the land of little or no quality control."

Fell off my chair laughing.
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
depends on what sound you want

focals can be a lil zippy up top (but maybe you like zippy, dunno)

hegel is pretty neutral, slightly warm, veeerrrryyyy smooth may be a good match, levinson/krell will be generally brighter leaner sounding

sim to me isn't in the same league, maybe i am wrong

consider also belles 
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