2. amps-preamps
  3. 131907-88446

Mid grade Integrated amp choices

Currently, I have a Rotel A12, which is decent, but I am ready to upgrade. My other equipment is a Bluesound Node 2, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit turntable, and Sonus Faber Chameleon T speakers with Nordost cabling throughout. At first, I was going to upgrade speakers, but after home auditioning the Dynaudio Contour 20's and Focal 1008 Be's, I felt that my integrated was the weakest link currently. 

 So, I have been auditioning a few amps (several at home) for the last few weeks. So far, I have home auditioned:

NAD 388 (with the BluOS card) - Class D gives weight to bass, but otherwise, it's just okay
Simaudio Moon ACE - Nice, certainly better than the Rotel, very good warranty and build
Simaudio Moon 340i - Seemed too boomy with bass and a little brittle on the top end
Bryston b60r - Nice, really good sound. Great warranty
Plinius Hautonga - Blew me away. Yes, the 200 watts may have had a lot to do with it. But, the soundstage was huge and everything was so detailed.

I will be dealer auditioning this Friday:

Rega Elex -R
Rogue Sphinx
Naim 5si

Anyone have any experience with the Rega, Rogue or Naim against the Plinius? I don't know if I want to spend that much on an integrated right now and am hoping that one of the ones I am auditioning Friday will blow me away. Thoughts? Comments?

-Brian   
bkmaxey

Showing 1 response by 264win

264win
51 posts
 
I would also look at the Marantz PM-11s3. Mine has been nothing short of amazing since I’ve first listened to it! I pushes, no bullies my set of 4 ohm speakers with authority yet musicality I am still impressed with every time I listen to music!
It has unfortunately jumped in price since the PM-10 was introduced but can still be found under your $3500 price point if patient.
I haven’t owned any of the other Integrates listed here but I have demo’d the PM-11s3 against the Hagel H200, the Devialet 200, the NAD Master Series M2 and the Marantz outclassed them all to me, some by a long shot.
I would love to hear one of the top Yamaha Integrated and Accuphase Integrateds.... The best of the Japanese made ones including the Marantz PM-11s3 have such a sweet warm sound yet are so fast and clean! One never gets tired of their sound no matter how long the listening session  
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