Best used integrated under $5k


Hey guys

Preparing for a move out from our NYC apartment to a house in the suburbs. 
As part of that planning to create dedicated 2 channel space. At the moment using my salk sound speakers with marantz receiver. 
Plan is to get a new TT. Also last year I had done countless hours of auditions and based on that had settled on Wilson Sabrina. Planning to buy them used to save some dough. 
Also planning to buy used integrated. Want to spend < $5000. Short list is
- Hegel 360
- Luxman 509
- ML 585
- Audio Research VSI75
- Naim Supernait 2
- Krell Vanguard

Bunch of these brands are not that easy to find in the used market and you have to wait. 
Would appreciate any inputs on the above and anything else I should be looking at.
marrduk24

Showing 3 responses by dtximages

You're crazy not to consider the Anthem STR integrated.  Tons of features and flexibility including dual sub outs with bass management and Anthem Room Correction.
Even if you don't want to use room correction, the fact they offer it is awesome, makes it much better resell, you might want it one day...etc..
I feel like Hegel gets alot of hype because of those Youtube guys who push Hegel everything. 
djones51 ha.  Most of those other options are bare bones.  Not sure if any offer base management, especially for two subwoofers and none that I can tell have home theater bypass.  HT bypass was something I didn't think I'd use but I do now and LOVE that feature.  It allows me to use my front two channels in HT and 2-channel.  A benefit not afforded with any of the others.
The Hegel will drop hard in price soon and makes me think $5700 is overpriced.  Demos are already selling for $3500. 

Over the $5k mark, I'm not sure why you'd want an integrated when you can get separates like the small form factor of PS Audio's Stellar Gain Cell DAC with M300, M700, or M1200 amps which should outperform all of these in most regards.
marrduk24 if you don't want the Anthem's bells & whistles but still want a flat out incredible dac, look at the PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell separates. They're small for separates and I think would best any of these options sound wise.  At least to me, they did.