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New SS integrated choice....Rotel 1572Mk2, Audiolab 7000A, Exposure 2510

OK, got sick for awhile and off course on buying a new integrated to replace Marantz PM8005 to be moved to office. Looking to upgrade my sound quality overall.  (Was looking at Belles Aria but got off the record feedback units have been having some higher than average issue rates so I am moving onto other options.) Reviews online got me focused on 3 in particular, none of which I have heard before namely Rotel 1572MK2, Audiolab 7000a or 9000a and Exposure 2510. First two are readily available and I can get shipped to Hawaii free which is attractive as it saves $150-200. I want new because it ups odds of satisfaction especially as no techs in HI. Will drive Kef R300s or Ohm Walsh 2-100s in 14 x14 LR with arched 9 ft ceilings rising to 20 feet. Looking to keep costs below $3k new. I dont know what the "British" sound really means...only have heard Rega Brio which was fine but sideways move. Interested in feedback from anyone familiar with these brands, sound characteristics, reliability, etc. Aloha.

joekapahulu
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,155 posts
 

‘British Sound’ represents audio in its purest form.

ergo, an unadulterated and true representation of what the artists intended when they first plugged in their gear at the recording studio. For want of a better phrase,Brit OEM’s don’t like to ’muck about’ with the sound at all.

IMO, they also have a class leading exceptional midrange reproduction and a flat frequency curve. Ditto for their speakers .

“ …. If you get the midrange”right”, everything falls into place, But, if you get it “wrong”…then, All the king’s horses, and all the king’s men ,,,,”

(1);My top vote of your limited three integrated amp choices listed.EXPOSURE….full stop.

(2) (Note: if your budget permits a boost, then think REGA OSIRIS for a whole massive step-up.in audio performance …fwiw,)

 

Chhose wisely.

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,155 posts
 

AUDIOLAB 7000

 

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,155 posts
 

 

soix
8,664 posts
 

Looking to upgrade my sound quality overall.

This is far too vague to make a meaningful recommendation so can you be more specific?  What improvements are you looking for?  .

joekapahulu OP
240 posts
 

I guess more detail, clarity and separation of instruments, more realistic sound of music.  That's about the best I can describe as since I have had only limited exposure to other Amps. My old SAE separates seemed to deliver that detail and separated instruments. My prior upgraded McIntosh mc250 sounds warmer but is less detailed but sounds real to my ears. I know I'm not articulating this well but I don't know that I can truly describe it in audiophile terms. I've seen the terms but I don't know that I truly know what the are if I have heard them. The current amp is clean but not as real sounding. It's a little warm to my ears but doesn't seem to separate instruments  out in a Soundstage with placement. My SAE did do that.

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