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

@tkrtrb125 still above my current budget but it's a great deal, thank you! My only concern with AVA is the lack of pre out. 

Scoop this up and be done!

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650137363-audio-by-van-alstine-ca-1-control-amplifier/?utm_source=featured_ad&utm_medium=web&utm_content=front&utm_campaign=front-featured-ad-click&utm_term=650137363

@agwca The Keces look great. Very reasonably priced too. I don't see a US distributor though. I wonder if they have a 110v version

I use both a Hegel h160 and a small Keces E40.  For my speakers the Hegel is definitely overkill. The biggest difference I hear between these 2 amps are on my Dali speakers.  The voices have a bit more pop and sometimes glare in movie soundtracks where I think sound is processed differently than music, perhaps better resolution and the piano strikes a bit more livliness, adding to the weight and speed of notes whereas the Keces rounds the sharpness, it's smooth, warmer side of neutral by a hair and adds bass heft, enough speed and texture that alot of inexpensive amps do not.  It shows in the damping factor measured from a site I found.  The hegel is the better amp by power, specs, etc., but the little Keces E40 does not fall far behind in SQ in my systems.

Enough so that I may sell the Hegel h160 in the coming weeks as I do not plan on upgrading my speakers at this time.  I wanted mini systems that perform and I now have 2 Keces E40s using decent under a grand dacs.  The 2 systems offer a bit of a different flavor, using Dali and Triangle speakers.  Even if I upgrade my speakers, they will still be small standmounts such as Closer OGY or a few other small ones which the Keces should still drive well.  

Can't say enough good things about the little amp and prefer it over Rega and a few others in its category I have heard but there are alot of decent and reasonably priced amps out there.  The Van Alstine CA/NP amps are getting attention , there's Galion, among some others that should hold value over time.  But if you find a used Keces for cheap, grab one.  Even at retail I think its worth it.  Looking at the power and caps you wouldn't think it could sound this good.  Just stay at or above 4 ohms.  Going below that I think produces too much heat. Hard to drive low sensitivity speakers won't get loud.  But it will drive them within its power band.

FWIW.

@gano Cheers and Happy hunting.  This is honestly the best time since the excitement and anticipation is almost priceless.  Don’t keep us hanging and let us know what you decide on!

thanks @pangeek! I am an impulsive buyer but my budget keeps me careful .I am sure some day I will grow up to appreciate tubes like the PrimaLuna :)

thanks @2psyop I am a fan of tube preamp with SS amp.combo, some day  

I would advise to audition the amps you’re interested in.  If from a local seller, try to go to their place and listen there.  I know synergy and space along with equipment is different but at least you checked it out.  Also keep in mind to be ready to leave and not purchase.  This is the hardest part.  Time and control.  Happy hunting.  
oh and the Prologue Premium from PrimaLuna has a remote.  Cheers

I have a Musical Fidelity M6500i integrated amp and a Rogue Atlas Magnum III. The first is a solid state beast but yet very refined, the second is a tube integrated that is clear and warm. I really like both. Very well built and quiet. I can’t speak about the other brands.

thanks @chrshanl37 that very much matches my wish list - what the Primare does. I don't think I will be able to try 15 amps but 2 or 3 would be a good start :)

I can only speak on the I30 and it is one of my favorite amps. I too listen to a lot of old rock, punk, blues, jazz and lo fi indie. The I30 has a really lush warm sound that makes even poor recordings sound fantastic. It sounds much bigger and more powerful than a lot of other amps I’ve owned. During covid I got on an integrated amp kick and must of tried 10-15 amps in the 1-2k price range. I think I paid about $350 for it from a seller on another audio site because it had a wonky input selector. At the time I had a Kinki Studio and the Sim I3.3. I preferred it over the Kinki and was right up there with the Simaudio. The sound is very similar to my much more expensive Audia Flight. For the price a used Primare is a heck of deal. I gave mine to my daughter. Hegel is another great suggestion but as you said, it’s price prohibitive as is Simaudio unless you can get lucky and find an I5.

Best of luck, looking forward to hearing about your decision.

@chrshanl37 your experience may be key to my decision, you had Hegel and Primare too. Hegel used is still expensive, what did you like about the Primare that stood out?

Within the 1k-1.5k price range i’ve owned a Yamaha A S2100 and RN 803, Vincent sv236 mkll, 237mk, and the sv 236 as well as Hegel H160, Primare I30, Sim i3.3, I5 and a few others I probably forgot about.  For your speakers and musical taste I’d opt for an older Primare, you might find an I20 or I30 in or around your budget. 

@freediver It looks like a sweet deal. If I had $1500 (which I may just wait to save up) I would choose between the Simaudio,

AVA and Rogue.

The Hegel and the NAD C 3050 are also attractive amps but I prefer less features and power in general and digital stuff and I see fewer compelling reasons to pursue those. 

The Denon PMA-1600NE and the Rotel A11 have been sitting in my  online shopping for a couple days now, I probably couldn't go wrong with either of them, aside from my mental defect that I need an "audiophile" amp. 

Thank you all for the awesome feedback!

@irjones Which speakers and equipment are you running with your 701 that has left you disappointed?

Here is where my $ would go..
I have a 240i in my bedroom system,NOTHING you can buy at this asking price will outperform it,NOTHING!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126623689089?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=k5q7dJWAT_W&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=ahWvhnQsSf-&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

@irjones I agree but I am also worried I can be just as disappointed in a $2000 amp than in a $500 one, it's a risky game. My only safety would be if I can try it first. When I buy used, I have to call it final, as re-selling would come at a loss.

On the plus side my budget is modest enough that I am not rolling the dice with 1000s just 100s.

HI, I purchased the YAMAHA a-s 701, on a tight budget. And I am truly sorry. Wait until you have saved up for something that will please you for years, not leave you contiually searching for it's replacement.

The guys here are really helpfull, and are all genuine.

Good luck.

IAN.

@mdalton with the CAD-USD rate, if it's in top condition, it's a fair price. 

@mbmi  I do not know* how to get in touch with Belles or any listed nearby dealers. That's a very outdated list. I highly value his work but he doesn't seem to care about selling. 

* I mean I do know, I message them many times, zero response. 

$1550...A really MUSICAL Integrated.....BELLES ARIA  70 w per.

@mesch 

Yes, though couple points.  $1000 20+ years ago is $1800 in today’s dollars, and $750 Canadian is $573 U.S.  I agree though that if OP interested he might want to offer less.  I still have my old Complete, though it’s boxed and in storage now - I’d offer it to the OP but it has a crackly sound in left channel when adjusting volume; would require service.  Re OP question re detail, I would think it would be a nice match for the Klipsch.  I originally paired mine with JMLabs Cobalt 816 speakers, which lean towards analytical.  The combo was nicely balanced.

@mashif It's hard to beat the Rotel. I am close to pulling the trigger on Crutchfield. Or Denon PMA-1600NE on Amazon. They are both handsome and similar specs.

@mesch Yes, the SET 120 is another good one, I am just too hyped up about the C2 it got such great reviews.

I agree that if you can increase your budget to the $1500 point better options become available. If I was looking for a SS integrated at that price point I would be looking at AVA . Their Control amplifier is now the C1, and was the SET 120 . They have a used SET 120 that is a little over 1 year old for sale listed on their website. 

Best of luck in your search.

One feature of the Rotel line is the remote. It controls everything including tone controls. If you use them, you can adjust settings from your listening position. I believe they also have Bluetooth is you want to audition something from an online source. 

@mdalton it looks like a quality amp, I will put it on my list

One thing that would be nice is a remote - for the volume. I used to have an integrated with a remote and it makes a difference, for small adjustment I wouldn’t get up.

@pangeek I have heard the Primaluna and once seller even wanted to throw it into the deal for Monitor Audio speakers. It seems to be a very popular choice. As shallow as it sounds, it looks bulky to me. But if the sound was magical, I would definitely consider it.

$1500 is the magic pricepoint. new AVA C2, new Rotels, used Primares, used Hegels, a lot of good deals. I might get there someday, I am posting a lot of vintage items that I have a hard time parting with. It could be 5 months to a year, I can wait....

@mesch thanks for the feedback on Audio Refinement, was it detailed "enough" yet warm? Again, I don’t have the most discerning ears. My test for details is ELO that can easily fail to lay out the Orchestra’s instruments (let alone Liszt - I will never have a system that reproduces the nuances correctly)

Generally I find audiomart and tmr more reasonably priced (sellers don’t have to make up for the fees) but I am looking everywhere

Check out the SS integrateds for sale here on ag.  Use the 'price low to high' function.  

While I have had experience with the Audio Refinement Complete integrated amplifier  and thought it a wonderful unit, I believe the asking price on the one mentioned above is too high. This amp sold  new for ~$1000  about 20 years ago.

@gano 

I know you said no tube integrated amps due to the need  to simplify maintenance.  However you want warmth, I suggest (and this is what I have done as well a few years ago) is not make a purchase now but save up until you can afford around $1500.  I would then get a Primaluna Prologue Premium (preowned).   They are very very reliable, sound great and easy to maintain.  On EL34 power tubes they give you 35w of tube warmth with great bass and clarity, is able to drive most speakers.  Your klipsch will be very easy and I think would sound amazing with the Primaluna.  And then eventually you can tweak the sound to your liking by doing the center 12au7 tubes.  It’s a component I feel you won’t easily outgrow and in the Looks Department, how could glowing tubes not be inviting and beautiful.  
I did the leap into the Primaluna Prologue One after messing around with different amps, Mac 1900 Receiver, Dynaco, ADCOM and etc.   It’s best decision I made since I went back into tubes but have reliability with it.  

Here is a review of the Prologue One that’s an inter read and testament on how long they last with no frills and drama.  
 

https://www.tonepublications.com/old-school/the-primaluna-prologue-one-integrated/

IMHO and  Just my 2 cents as well.  
 

cheers 

John

Audio Refinement Complete - a little old now, but definitely on warm side, and beautiful aesthetic. 

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650131494-yba-audio-refinement-complete/

Rogue - for all the reasons mentioned above!   

thanks @2psyop I like Rogue on paper, haven't heard it yet. Your system(s) is amazing!

I have a Rogue Atlas Magnum III and it’s truly exceptional as an integrated tube amp. So will jump on the Rogue bandwagon, as I think all of their products are very good and the service and parts (should you need this down the road) is in PA.

@lanx0003 

thanks for the CA link! I made a list of about 20 brands and crossed 4 or 5 for the looks. I am very intrigued by CA but the older models looks better,

One recommendation: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_779CXA81G/Cambridge-Audio-CXA81-Silver.html. good time to buy the well-known mki.

One caveat: Hegel H160 is fast, clean but lean due to its high damping factor. It has more than enough grip / control on woofers, which may not work well with your speakers I think.

@mike4597 good to hear, I haven’t heard/read any complaints about Rogue

@corelli that’s a very good deal, and sells as new so that I could try risk free

@blackbag20 Classe checks all the boxes, a bit higher end/higher priced (most Canadians are) I will keep my eye open for it

@mesch Onkyo-C-7030 and Simaudio Moon lp 110 v2

@mgw thank you, I will look it up!

@boxcarman I actually like the Hegel looks (not initially) I would love to hear them.

@yogiboy very true. Yamaha has been well reviewed. That would leave me money for a new cartridge too

@mashif and it sells on Crutchfield, easy trial!

Lots of good suggestions, thank you!

The Rotel A11 or A12 are available in that price range. The A11 Tribute model should fulfill all your needs. 

"My budget is around $800."

Yamaha should fit the bill!

yamaha integrated amplifier at Crutchfield

Hegel owner here.  Lots of "bang for the buck" here.  Beats Vincent day in, day out.  Won't look pretty on your rack. Don't know if that means anything to you.  Dac section is not great on my H360, I've heard the new ones are better, but haven't heard them.

I-5, recently refurbished listed on Canuck Audiomart (shipping USA and Canada), cannot post the link for reasons unknown. 

The eBay listing additionally shows the receipt.

Which phonostage and CD player do you own? 

Sim would be great if you find one within budget.

You might consider Atoll and Classe used as well.

I love the Primare esthetics!!

I would check out The Music Room and proceed ...

Good luck

BTW, have heard no complaints from AVA gear over the years ... 

With your limited budget, you could consider the Denon PMA 1600NE.  This was overstocked and replaced by the new 1700.  It is being offered at $1000, half off its normal price.  It look great and sounds great but is fundamentally a neutral amp.  May not be for you if you need something warmer.

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.

@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

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 

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..

I should add Audio by Van Alstine ca1

@freediver 

thanks! 

My oversight about AVA

I have a phono preamp, I don't need it in the integrated, so I should have mentioned it.

My budget is around $800. These are all around 12-1400 so I would have to keep saving or get lucky.

I am very interested in the Rogue as well in the Primare. I am lukewarm on the Vincent and the NAD but they seem to be good mid-fi amps. The Hegel is at the higher end, price-wise, so I should probably get it out of my head.

I will read up about the Rogue! 
I would also add Sugden but it's way out of my budget.

Well you didn’t specify your budget so that would help..Also at least 1 of those hasn’t been made in years & brings a premium on the used market as well as NOT having a PHONO stage(SimAudio i5)..
The Vincent,Hegel H160/H120 & Primare DO NOT have PHONO Stages,the A.V.A.is a PREAMP ONLY and the NAD is Class D which I would think might not have ANY warmth at all with Klipsch speakers...
Of all the I/A’s you listed,the Rogue Sphinx V2 looks like it would be the best choice even though it has tubes in the pre amp stage they are low level & will give many thousands of hours use without needing any care or replacement..It has a good PHONO stage that will use either MM or MC cartridges,excellent headphone circuit & the 12AU7 tubes can add some nice warmth to those Klipsch speakers..Sounds like a winner to me!