2. amps-preamps
  3. 189215-1541

New SS integrated choice....Rotel 1572Mk2, Audiolab 7000A, Exposure 2510

OK, got sick for awhile and off course on buying a new integrated to replace Marantz PM8005 to be moved to office. Looking to upgrade my sound quality overall.  (Was looking at Belles Aria but got off the record feedback units have been having some higher than average issue rates so I am moving onto other options.) Reviews online got me focused on 3 in particular, none of which I have heard before namely Rotel 1572MK2, Audiolab 7000a or 9000a and Exposure 2510. First two are readily available and I can get shipped to Hawaii free which is attractive as it saves $150-200. I want new because it ups odds of satisfaction especially as no techs in HI. Will drive Kef R300s or Ohm Walsh 2-100s in 14 x14 LR with arched 9 ft ceilings rising to 20 feet. Looking to keep costs below $3k new. I dont know what the "British" sound really means...only have heard Rega Brio which was fine but sideways move. Interested in feedback from anyone familiar with these brands, sound characteristics, reliability, etc. Aloha.

joekapahulu
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,361 posts
 

@nonoise , you are 100% correct on that integrated. It's superb. 

mazian's avatar
mazian
353 posts
 

@soix +1. Out of the ones listed by the OP the Exposure is the best but the Hegel beats then all. Then again you could consider tubes.

joekapahulu OP
240 posts
 

The BB store idea is one I hadn't thought of. The last time I was in the store they were blasting some Mac amp with cheap speakers. But, who knows its only about 45 minutes from my place and I need to go to town anyway. Will have to read about the amp. I actually owned a Technics receiver decades ago and it wasn't bad. The Hegel review is interesting too though I havent heard their gear  in awhile. But I think Overture in DE carries them and my in laws live near there so I will be there in Q4. Longer than I was planning to get an amp but it would enable  me to hear stuff and buy up too. In the interim I'll check out Gene Rubin. Thx for all input.

johnread57's avatar
johnread57
204 posts
 

I have two Rotel items bought with good discounts:

Michi X3 series 1 - (I use an external dac) awesome tonality power control and drive

1590 MKII - preamp, very nice clean sound used with thrills to supply a pair of large PMC MB2SE via an Audio Research D240 MKII power amp

Current Rotel offerings like these are quite fulfilling.

paradisecom
275 posts
 

I'd 2nd the suggestion of the Technics.  They seem to get glowing reviews and they look great, to boot.  

I have the predecessor to the Rotel 1572, the 1570 that I bought as a stop-gap when I sold my McIntosh integrated.  I bought it used, locally and I actually preferred it's sound to the McIntosh.  It really does everything well.....except for having meters!   

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