2. amps-preamps
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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
riccitone OP
220 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!).
chrshanl37
833 posts
 
+1 for Vincent also would look at the Denon pma 800ne and the new Integrated's from Iota. There is a newly listed Hegel H80 on here within your budget which is a solid performer if looking to buy used.
apm18
4 posts
 
@riccitone, just curious, what did you end up replacing your NAD c316bee with? 
riccitone OP
220 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).
apm18
4 posts
 
@riccitone, Very cool - thanks for the update. Always glad to see how things turned out on these older threads! Nice to hear you're enjoying the Creek.

I've owned a NAD c315bee for 10-15 years and still love it, despite some shortcomings. Since upgrading speakers last year to Focal Aria 926, I've been daydreaming what I could be missing out on with a more robust amp... especially since I know the Focal's have a bit of an impedance dip and tough to drive. I have a Bel Canto c5i integrated as well, but it isn't a great fit (lacking depth and headroom), and I still always seem to come back to the NAD for this combo... 
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