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Integrateds, which one??????????????

I am looking at several different integrateds and am getting a headache.  I would really like remote ,phono and headphone but can deal with the phono and headphone issue if need be.  The speakers for now are older Vandersteen 2Cs BUT I want to be able to work well with a range of speakers  I am not talking about power but tonal balance/sound  Not to far to the warm and not to far to the analytical / thin side.  Rock and blues are the primary music (so laid back is not good) and the cables are all Analysis Plus.  Using a Music Hall A 50..2 which is very impressive  Liked it better then the Yamaha AS 2000 I tried.  All  below are very close in price used. Thanks

Tube
Rogue Tempest Magnun
Rogue Cronus

Solid State
Anthem 225  Had one years ago and thought it was kind of dry but have different cable, gear now
Classe 151  Had a 150  It was OK 151 is supposed to be more neutral
Rotel RA 1570
Roksan Kandy K2
Bel Canto EVO 2 gen II  Had one for 4 years almost perfect but no soul.  Might be different with cables and such
Musical Fidelity A 300


geph0007

Showing 3 responses by sfall

sfall
346 posts
 
For your speakers,the Rotel would be my first choice from the amps you list. NAD is another good pick.

If you're open to consider other ways, have a look at Audio Advisor web site. They have a $1300 Nuforce power amp on sale for $500. If you buy that amp, you'll still have money to buy a passive line stage. That combo should easily sound better than any of the integrates you list.
sfall
346 posts
 
Get the Rotel. You never know when Anthem is going to go out of business again. Rotel just makes nicer gear.
sfall
346 posts
 
" Please listen to John.  He has your best interest at hand!  I've not listened to him in the past....and it has cost me dearly."

I can confirm that as well. He's Vandersteens number 1 dealer, and most people consider him to be the most knowledgeable Vandersteen person aside from Vandersteen himself.   
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