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Integrated brand choice -- Simaudio, Hegel or Mark Levinson?

Narrowed down my integrated brand choice to these three.  Looking to spend $7-8k (used or new).  These will power Focal Electra 1028be's for now, with a possible upgrade to something else next year.
I'm familiar with Simaudio, but haven't heard/owned the Hegel or Mark Levinson.
Opening the floodgates for your opinions...
strojo
somegeoffguy
31 posts
 
Did you look at McIntosh? You can get a nice one in that price range with an upgradeable DAC. Also, I have heard the Anthem STR and it is pretty amazing too especially with the built in room correction.
-Geoff
redwoodaudio
413 posts
 
Try pass labs int25
cdamiller5
98 posts
 
Simaudio 600i or 700i
mikemeeks
26 posts
 
I’m using a Levinson 585 to drive a pair of Focal Kanta 2s.  Very nice combination - pretty neutral, with just a touch of sweetness in the midrange.  What I especially like is that I can listen to and enjoy all my music - even average or somewhat bad recordings are still very enjoyable.  I’m not limited to a few great audiophile recordings.  
fred60
119 posts
 
Matching with your speakers is most important of all.  I have a Hegel H360 and absolutely love it, matching really well with my Raidho's.  Try to get opinions of those that own Focal's or speakers that you are thinking of upgrading to-- that's my 2 cents.

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