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
stanleylocke
229 posts
 

The seller also has the NAD on Ebay. 

gano OP
131 posts
 

@stanleylocke the logistics part of it is iffy: If I buy something used from someone, that will be it. If it’s not working out, I will be stuck with it or I can resell it at a significant loss - 2-400 dollars, practically a third of my budget, which will put me in a forced downgrade situation. (Happened a few times) So I have to tread carefully. I bought a lot of used equipment that went to electronic recycling because apparently no one wanted it but me at one point.

My sense is that there a lot of sellers and very few buyers and the prices are not coming down still. But I can try NAD from a few places to try and keep if it’s a good fit. And then I am not even accounting for unused equipment, it’s probably similar to yachts in the harbor. People buy expensive hifi gear, use it a few times and then put a tablecloth over it.

bluorion
465 posts
 

@gano Look into the Belles Aria integrated. American made, 75wpc, phono stage, headphone amp. It's a great amp---lots of positive reviews on AG. Cost is $2500 but you can get a demo at a good deal. Good luck!

ml8764ag's avatar
ml8764ag
502 posts
 

I’ve been very impressed with Vincent value. If I were looking 👀, I’d seriously consider Vincent. FWIW, Their PHO 700/701 is a giant killer.

gano OP
131 posts
 

@bluorion I have heard great things about Belles, I never had success contacting them. Is it a hobby company that doesn't like to sell? ::)

 

@ml8764ag You are right. I am looking onto Vincent Audio used and demos, they are under a $1000!

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