2. amps-preamps
  3. 148426-114091

Upgrade integrated within the $600 - 1k Range

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to upgrade from an NAD C316BEE. It’s a really great amp that I got for a song...but would like something with a more balanced presentation, detail and nuance. I’m running from a Digi Allo One to Schiit Modi Uber to the NAD then to Tekton Lore’s. Running very decent cables, mostly ZU Audio. 

Im currently considering Rega Brio, Music Fidelity M2Si,  Audiolab 6000A.  Others in the mix as well,  but these thre seem to stand out as good features and strongly rated sonics based on reviews. 

Has anyone here heard these or could recommend one over another based on my equipment? 

Hoping to ger out to some shops to audition anything they might have. And hope I don’t offend anyone here with my relatively low/muffin request here :)

Thanks ahead!

riccitone

Showing 5 responses by riccitone

riccitone OP
219 posts
 

@amp18
Long time since this discussion! But I appreciate your asking. I ended up with that Creek Evolution 50A that I was considering at that time. Seller gave me a great deal on it, and it was absolutely pristine.
I still have it and love it, and have changed speakers to Totem Arros. They work much better with our small living room, and I feel are more refined and flexible overall.
Running a cool and cheap Airist audio R2r dac with everything...totally under reported and great sounding dac. Just wish it were balanced to go with the balanced input option on that Creek. Sorry, more info than you asked, but digging the setup (so far).
riccitone OP
219 posts
 
@amp18

Those Focals seem really great! Hindsight 20/20, I kind of wish I’d kept my NAD for comparison and a different sound, as it can really drive way above its purported wattage. Dynamic! Just promised I’d sell any major equipment redundancies. I bet it sounds great with those speakers of yours. 
I don’t think it was the right amp for the Tektons I had at the time. My Arros seem better suited for a wider variety of amps. Trying to decide if I eventually want to go with separates ie. tube pre with class D amp (or monos). But trying to fight the urge to change anything too quickly. This can become such a rabbit hole If unchecked! 
riccitone OP
219 posts
 
Thank you all for these really generous and informative responses!...
@soix 
That’s a great comparison, and really answers to the difference in nuance I’m seeking. Thank you 🙏🏼 
i had looked at Hegel, but always thought it slightly above our cost justification. But should save more and reconsider!
@yogiboy
That Outlaw is bangin’, but huge! Don’t know if the wifey would like the immensity of it. 
@simao 
i saw that rogue audio...now thinking that would be very cool. Would LOVE a tube option! Was originally thinking maybe using pre-out of an integrated into a tube amp eventually. We’re in a bungalow, so stereo and entertainment area are one in the same (no man cave). 
@timlub 
im definitely going to look into those 🙏🏼

riccitone OP
219 posts
 
ThatvRogue really is nice! I’ve also been curious about the Creek Evolution a50. I see one here that looks very nice. Didn’t know if anyone here might have insight or direct experience with that one? As compared to some of the amps mentioned here...


riccitone OP
219 posts
 
@mesch 

I’ve seen that one. Your impressions on it only validates my curiosity on it as well. I guess I’m torn between solid state or hybrid at this point. Am still leaning in the direction of consistent solid state, as my system also serves as the tv room. 
But a nice hybrid with only a couple of tubes might still be a decent compromise. Or a solid state pre-out into a tube amp to move cables over for dedicated listening days (whenever that might actually occur!).
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