2. amps-preamps
  3. 191177-158118

Primare/ Vincent Adio /NAD /Rogue/ AVA /Hegel...- need a simple and reliable integrated

I came up with this list based on price and functions but all I know is that they are (mostly) boutique brands, cherished by audiophiles. I have heard NAD and Vincent and none of the rest. 

  • Vincent SV-500
  • Primare I2*
  • Rogue Sphinx v2
  • Audio by Van Alstine Vision SLR 
  • Hegel H160/ H120
  • NAD C368
  • Simaudio Moon I-5

I don't stream, I have a turntable and CD player. I am good with 50Watts per channel, and I would like to avoid tubes for no-fuss maintenance. I have Klipsch RP8000F speakers. I prefer sound on the warm side, I mostly listen to 60s and 70s rock and some soul/jazz/blues. I have decent hearing, I enjoy a nice soundstage but I nothing as critical and analytical as some of you/the typical audiophile. 

I am a bit shallow, looks are important :) My budget would allow me to buy one of these used 5-10 years old (stretched... price is key, I would prefer a cheaper model with less functions)

If you own or have heard any of them and can tell me what the best choice/value is based on sound and reliability, that would be a great help.

gano
gano OP
142 posts
 

I should add Audio by Van Alstine ca1

freediver
1,196 posts
 

You should SERIOUSLY go over to usaudiomart.com & search for Rega Brio..There is an almost new,Authorized Dealer Demo for $600.00 from Hudson Valley HiFi that is a stone cold bargain..It's been there a while so there is a chance it was sold & the add not updated but if it hasn't,you can spend a LOT more $ & not get as good an amp... 845-219-1730 call or text, mike@hudsonvalleyhifi.com....
I have NO affiliation with the dealer,just trying to help you get a decent amp at a decent price..Good luck & don't forget to update us here when you get something..

ricmech23
105 posts
 

Peachtree Nova 300, I had this integrated driving my Klipsch Cornwall III’s you won’t be disappointed. I see one here for 850.00 

gano OP
142 posts
 

@freediver The Rega came up in my search and I have a Rega TT. But I can't get over the look of the Brio

@ricmech23 thank you, I am considering Peachtree too, little hesitant about its looks

mike4597
92 posts
 

I cannot speak about the Rogue Sphinx specifically, but I have owned two Rogue Audio preamps, the RP-1 and the RP-7 is my current preamp.  The quality is first-rate, the performance is excellent—I am very pleased with the RP-7, and the company is very responsive to customer questions.  I have emailed them several questions, and they have responded promptly and thoroughly.  Rogue produces are made in Pennsylvania, and they will actually perform upgrades to many existing customer products to bring them up to late model standards.  I have the black version of the RP-7, which I think is quite attractive without appearing exotic.

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