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Mid grade Integrated amp choices

Currently, I have a Rotel A12, which is decent, but I am ready to upgrade. My other equipment is a Bluesound Node 2, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit turntable, and Sonus Faber Chameleon T speakers with Nordost cabling throughout. At first, I was going to upgrade speakers, but after home auditioning the Dynaudio Contour 20's and Focal 1008 Be's, I felt that my integrated was the weakest link currently. 

 So, I have been auditioning a few amps (several at home) for the last few weeks. So far, I have home auditioned:

NAD 388 (with the BluOS card) - Class D gives weight to bass, but otherwise, it's just okay
Simaudio Moon ACE - Nice, certainly better than the Rotel, very good warranty and build
Simaudio Moon 340i - Seemed too boomy with bass and a little brittle on the top end
Bryston b60r - Nice, really good sound. Great warranty
Plinius Hautonga - Blew me away. Yes, the 200 watts may have had a lot to do with it. But, the soundstage was huge and everything was so detailed.

I will be dealer auditioning this Friday:

Rega Elex -R
Rogue Sphinx
Naim 5si

Anyone have any experience with the Rega, Rogue or Naim against the Plinius? I don't know if I want to spend that much on an integrated right now and am hoping that one of the ones I am auditioning Friday will blow me away. Thoughts? Comments?

-Brian   
128x128bkmaxey

Showing 12 responses by bkmaxey

bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
I could go used used, but I try thinking "new" in budgetary terms. Mostly for the warranty.
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
I’ve not thought of a tube amp, but if they have one, I’ll check it out.
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
If the cost is within your parameters, I'd opt for the Plinius Hautonga. But I admit that I'm a fan of Plinius amps and Integrated units.
It's just a little outside my budget, but it's the best I have heard so far.
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
Op, looks like you want the Plinius amp. Audiophiles must get what they want. :) Why don't you just save up for it? In the meanwhile, go listen to a few more amps...hee hee. Btw, per jl35, the Belles Soloist 1 is a great sounding amp for it's price.


That's likely what I'll wind up doing. It sure is fun to listen to all these :)
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
I am also going to be testing a Devialet 120 (store demo price) for the next few days. This one looks interesting, with a lot of cool tech features.
 
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
Trying to keep my budget below $3500ish. The Devialet 120 is pretty awesome...
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
"...wouldn't it be better that you opt for used one? You can test it in
your audio room for a while, in synergy with your own components..."

I certainly believe buying used is the best bet, but the dealers I work with all allow me to home trial compnents at home for free.
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
Went to Audible Elegance in Cincinnati today to hear the Rega’s, Naim and Rogue’s. Listened on some Totem Rainmakers with a Bluesound Vault. 

Rega Brio-r was really impressive for it’s price. I feel it played well above it’s modest price. I might get one later for our bedroom later.

Rega Elex-r was the Brio, but more. Very nice, quite in your face.

The Rogue Cronus Magnum was really excellent. I’m not sure I want a tube amp, but this could change my mind. 

The Rogue Sphinx was the real surprise, it was stupendous. I think, to me, it was the closest to the Devialet and Plinius.

The Naim xs had a solid performance, certainly on my list.

Not a bad one in the bunch to be honest. They are kindly allowing me tommy home audition any I want. Once I put the Devialet through it’s paces, I will probably start with the Sphinx.

I appreciate all the suggestions, and will check them out as I can.



bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
@missioncoonery 

Yeah, the Plinius and the Devialet are both super. I do look forward to trying through Rogue Sphinx at home, it sounded great in the showroom.
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
@andr3wd
I heard the Rogue Cronus Magnum II and was quite impressed. If I were in the market for a tube amp, it would be at the top of my list.
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
I do like the Rogue Cronus Magnum II, but still not sure about a pure tube amp.
bkmaxey's avatar
bkmaxey OP
37 posts
 
I have started checking out tube amps now and have fallen in love with Primaluna. I am going to audition the Dialogue this weekend to see if it's a good fit with my current Chameleon T's.
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