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Opinions on these budget integrateds?

Searching to replace a NAD C352 with a new/used integrated that will provide a meaningful sonic upgrade.  Looking at options around $2,000 or below, and I don't want it to be a sideways move.

I'm keeping my old Allison One speakers, at least for now, as they work very well with my particular room conditions. 

Would love to get opinions on the options below.  I'm looking for ease and musicality, but the ability to articulate dense music is also important. No internal DAC required.

-Belles Aria - very intrigued

-Quicksilver Integrated - have never had tubes before but am open to them

-Primaluna Prologue or Dialogue - might be over my budget

-Audio Note OTO SE - one day!  but probably cannot power the Allisons

-Sugden a21 SE

-Yamaha A-S2100 

-Parasound Halo

-Unison Research Unico Integrated

-Exposure 2010 S2

-Primare i22

Any thoughts at all are welcome, and I haven't heard ANY of these!  Thanks in advance. 


sforrey
transnova's avatar
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transnova
350 posts
 
I have heard the Parasound Halo many times paired with all sorts of different speakers (at a local High-End store;Quest For Sound), It has always sounded very good! The Prima Luna integrateds have "blown me away" when paired with newer Maggies (.7i and 1.7i). I also second the Rogue Sphinx recommendation!
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chasda
64 posts
 
I have the Yamaha AS2100 if you can deal with all the rhetoric from people who have never heard it, but are stuck on the Brand, it is an excellent integrated amp.
brhatten
34 posts
 
I’ve recently added the Parasound halo hint 6 to my secondary system and have been very happy with it. It’s a bit over your budget and has a DAC. But, it’s been mentioned a couple times  so I figured I give my impression. One of the big reasons I purchased it, is because of the integrated analog subwoofer (via XLR connection) option. 
raygil
9 posts
 
I can only comment on the Primare i22 that I have had for about 6 years. It was a pretty good amp maybe lacking a little 
On the low end. Main issue I had was it just stopped working. And I could find no one that would even look at it. The only sources for repair is on the west coast. I eventually decided to pony up and buy new making sure first that repairs were available within a reasonable distance. I did audition the Halo and think it was better than the Primare. Speakers were Focal Aria 948
sforrey OP
22 posts
 
Forgot about JOB, thanks for the reminder.  

@chasda - any QC issues with your Yamaha?  

Ok, new shortlist, focusing on power, a decent headphone stage, warmth, and ease of servicing should the need arise (ie, steering away from boutique makers):

-Parasound Halo
-Yamaha a-s2100
-Vincent SV237 (or used 236)

Lots of love for the Parasound our there!  I know this is shallow, but I wish it weren’t so ugly!  It looks like my NAD, not a piece that’s four times the price.  Ah well, you can’t have it all on a budget. 

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