Searching for a Integrated Amp under $2K
I would suggest a used NAD M2 integrated amp - 200+ wpc, has built-in DAC, and can accept both analog inputs and several formats of digital inputs including AES/EBU. Was listed as Class A integrated amp by S'phile in the past. List price of $6000, but used ones come up every so often on A'gon for $2k to $3k. I have owned one for years. It's easy to operate and has a remote. Best of all, great sound from my Thiel speakers. |
My Marantz PM8006 delivers most of what you reference except internal dac. I was ok with that because dac technology is changing quickly. You can get it new for $1000. Belles Aria also comes very highly rated for just under $2k. I am interested in that as an upgrade but have not heard nor pulled trigger blind. I prefer to buy new. Parasound HINT is a very nice integrated which you could probably get in your range used. I have heard it and liked it for the reasons you mention and it has a dac and is well powered. I had bad luck with Cambridge Audio gear...sounded good but did not have longevity. |
I demoed this in my system and its a good amp for $1.8k https://listenup.com/hegel-rost-integrated-amplifier-w-dac-white.html |
Agree Unison Unico integrated would give you exactly what you’re looking for. There’s a Unico Secondo on US AudioMart listed at $2500 but should be $2000 or even a little lower if you feel like haggling. Or you can get a Unico Primo new for $2395 that still puts out 80Wpc, and I believe the importer Fidelis offers a return policy if it fails to impress. Best of luck. |
